#1
یکی پیر بد پهلوانی سخن
✦
به گفتار و کردار گشته کهن
“An ancient master of heroic lore, aged in speech and noble deeds,”
#2
چنین گوید از دفتر پهلوان
✦
که پرسید موبد ز نوشین‌روان
“Relates from the chronicle of heroes how the High Mobad questioned Noshinravan:”
#3
که آن چیست کز کردگار جهان
✦
بخواهد پرستنده اندر نهان
“'What is that which a worshipper asks in secret from the Creator of the world,”
#4
بدان آرزو نیز پاسخ دهد
✦
بدان پاسخش بخت فرخ نهد
“And receives an answer to that wish, granted by auspicious fortune?'”
#5
یکی دست برداشته به آسمان
✦
همی‌خواهد از کردگار جهان
“'And what of him who raises his hand to the heavens, seeking from the Lord,”
#6
نیابد به خواهش همه آرزو
✦
دو چشمش پر از آب و پر چینش رو
“Yet finds not his full desire through prayer, his eyes filled with tears and his face wrinkled in grief?'”
#7
به موبد چنین گفت پیروز شاه
✦
که خواهش ز یزدان به اندازه خواه
“Thus answered the victorious King to the Mobad: 'Seek from God only in measure;”
#8
کزان آرزو دل پر از خون شود
✦
که خواهد که ز اندازه بیرون شود
“For the heart is filled with blood and sorrow when it desires beyond all measure.'”
#9
بپرسید نیکی کرا درخورست
✦
به نام بزرگی که زیباتر‌ست
“He asked further: 'To whom is goodness fitting, and by what name is greatness most beautiful?'”
#10
چنین داد پاسخ که هرکس که گنج
✦
بیابد پراگنده نابرده رنج
“He answered: 'Whoever finds treasure scattered without having borne toil,”
#11
نبخشد نباشد سزاوار تخت
✦
زمان تا زمان تیره گرددش بخت
“And bestows it not, is unworthy of the throne, and moment by moment his fortune darkens.”
#12
ز هستی و بخشش بود مرد مه
✦
تو ار گنج داری نبخشی نه به
“A man grows great through wealth and generosity; if thou hast treasure and bestowest it not, it is not well.'”
#13
بگفتش خرد را که بنیاد چیست
✦
به‌شاخ و به‌برگ خرد شاد کیست
“He asked: 'What is the foundation of wisdom, and who is joyful in its branch and fruit?'”
#14
چنین داد پاسخ که داناست شاد
✦
دگر آنک شرمش بود با نژاد
“He answered: 'The wise man is joyful, as is he who couples modesty with noble lineage.'”
#15
بپرسید دانش کرا سودمند
✦
کدامست بی‌دانش و بی‌گزند
“He asked: 'To whom is knowledge profitable, and who remains ignorant yet unhurt?'”
#16
چنین داد پاسخ که هر کو خرد
✦
بپرورد جان را همی‌پرورد
“He answered: 'Whosoever nurtures wisdom, nurtures his very soul thereby.”
#17
ز بیشی خرد را بود سودمند
✦
همان بی‌خرد باشد اندر گزند
“From abundance, wisdom yields its fruit, while the unwise ever abides in harm.'”
#18
بگفتش که دانش به از فر شاه
✦
که فر و بزرگی‌ست زیبای گاه
“He asked: 'Is knowledge better, or the King's royal glory (Farr), which adorns the throne with greatness?'”
#19
چنین داد پاسخ که دانا به فر
✦
بگیرد جهان سر به سر زیر پر
“He answered: 'The wise man, armed with Farr, takes the whole world under his wing.”
#20
خرد باید و نام و فر و نژاد
✦
بدین چار گیرد سپهر از تو یاد
“Wisdom is needed, alongside renown, glory, and lineage; by these four, the heavens shall remember thee.'”
#21
چنین گفت زان پس که زیبای تخت
✦
کدامست وز کیست ناشاد بخت
“Thereafter he asked: 'What adorns the throne, and whose fortune is unhappy?'”
#22
چنین داد پاسخ که یاری نخست
✦
بباید ز شاه جهاندار جست
“He answered: 'First, help must be sought from the King who rules the world;”
#23
دگر بخشش و دانش و رسم گاه
✦
دلش پر ز بخشایش دادخواه
“Second, generosity, knowledge, and courtly tradition, with a heart overflowing with mercy for the seeker of justice.”
#24
ششم نیز کانرا دهد مهتری
✦
که باشد سزوار بر بهتری
“Sixth, to grant chieftainship to him who is worthy of greatness;”
#25
به هفتم که از نیک و بد در جهان
✦
سخن‌ها بروبر نماند نهان
“Seventh, that no word of good or evil in the world remain concealed from him.”
#26
چو فر و خرد دارد و دین و بخت
✦
سزوار تاج است و زیبای تخت
“When he possesses Farr, wisdom, faith, and auspicious luck, he is worthy of the crown and an ornament to the throne.”
#27
به هشتم که دشمن بداند ز دوست
✦
بی‌آزاری از شهریاران نکوست
“Eighth, that he distinguish enemy from friend; harmlessness in sovereigns is most worthy.”
#28
نماند پس از مرگ او نام زشت
✦
بیابد به فرجام خرم بهشت
“No evil name shall remain after his death, and in the end he shall attain joyful Paradise.'”
#29
بپرسیدش از داد و خردک منش
✦
ز نیکی وز مردم بدکنش
“He asked him of justice and lowliness of spirit, of goodness and evil-doers.”
#30
چنین داد پاسخ که آز و نیاز
✦
دو دیوند بد‌گوهر و دیرساز
“He answered: 'Greed (Az) and Need (Niyaz) are two evil-natured, lingering demons;”
#31
هرآنکس که بیشی کند آرزوی
✦
بدو دیو او باز گردد به خوی
“Whosoever desires excess, his demon returns to him in habit and temper.”
#32
وگر سفلگی برگزید او ز رنج
✦
گزیند برین خاک آگنده گنج
“And if he chooses meanness out of misery, he gathers a pile of treasure upon this dust.”
#33
چو بیچاره دیوی بود دیرساز
✦
که هر دو به یک خو گرایند باز
“He becomes like a helpless, lingering demon, for both tend back toward the same nature.'”
#34
بپرسید و گفتا که چندست و چیست
✦
که بهری برو هم بباید گریست
“He asked: 'How many things exist, over part of which we must weep,”
#35
دگر بهر ازو گنج و تاجست و نام
✦
ازان مستمندیم و زین شادکام
“While the other part brings treasure, crown, and name, making us now sorrowful and now glad?'”
#36
چنین داد پاسخ که دانا سخن
✦
ببخشید و اندیشه افگند بن
“He answered: 'The wise man hath classified speech and rooted it in deep thought.”
#37
نخستین سخن گفتن سودمند
✦
خوش آواز خواند ورا بی‌گزند
“First is beneficial speech, sweet-voiced and free of harm.”
#38
دگر آنک پیمان سخن خواستن
✦
سخنگوی و بینا دل آراستن
“Second is to seek speech in due measure, adorning the speaker with a discerning heart,”
#39
که چندان سراید که آید به کار
✦
وزو ماند اندر جهان یادگار
“Uttering only so much as is useful, leaving a lasting memory in the world.”
#40
سه دیگر سخنگوی هنگام‌جوی
✦
بماند همه ساله بر آب روی
“Third is the speaker who watches for the right moment; he maintains his honor at all seasons.”
#41
چهارم که دانا دلارای خواند
✦
سراینده را مرد بارای خواند
“Fourth is that which the wise call heart-delighting; they call such a narrator a man of sound counsel,”
#42
که پیوسته گوید سراسر سخن
✦
اگر نو بود داستان گر کهن
“Who speaks in unbroken harmony, whether the tale be new or old.”
#43
به پنجم که باشد سخنگوی گرم
✦
به شیرین سخن هم به آواز نرم
“Fifth is the warm speaker, with sweet words and a gentle voice;”
#44
سخن چون یک اندر دگر بافتی
✦
ازو بی‌گمان کام دل یافتی
“When words are woven together skillfully, without doubt thou shalt attain thy heart's desire.”
#45
بپرسید چندی که آموختی
✦
روان را به دانش بیفروختی
“He asked: 'How much hast thou learned, wherewith thou hast illuminated thy soul through wisdom?'”
#46
چنین گفت کز هرک آموختم
✦
همه فام جان و خرد توختم
“He said: "From whomever I learned, I fulfilled all the debts owed to soul and wisdom."”
#47
همی‌پرسم از ناسزایان سخن
✦
چه گویی که دانش کی آید به بن
“The Mobad asked: "I inquire even of the unworthy; what sayest thou: when does knowledge ever reach its end?"”
#48
به دانش نگر دور باش از گناه
✦
که دانش گرامی‌تر از تاج و گاه
“Look unto wisdom and stay far from sin, for wisdom is far more precious than crown and throne.”
#49
بپرسید کس را از آموختن
✦
ستایش ندیدم و افروختن
“He asked again: "Is there anyone who, having learned, found no praise or illumination from it?"”
#50
که نیزش ز دانا بباید شنید
✦
نگویم کسی کو به‌جایی رسید
“"For even more must be heard from the wise; I call not accomplished him who merely reached a stage."”
#51
چنین داد پاسخ که از گنج سیر
✦
که آید مگر خاکش آرد به زیر
“The King replied: "Who grows sated with treasure, save he whom the earth eventually brings beneath itself?"”
#52
در دانش از گنج نامی‌ترست
✦
همان نزد دانا گرامی‌ترست
“"The realm of wisdom is far more renowned than physical treasure, and to the wise, it is held vastly more dear."”
#53
سخن ماند از ما همی یادگار
✦
تو با گنج دانش برابر مدار
“"Words shall remain as our lasting legacy; do not equate worldly riches with the treasure of knowledge."”
#54
بپرسید دانا شود مرد پیر
✦
گر آموزشی باشد و یادگیر
“The Mobad asked: "Does an old man become wise if he remains a willing student and learner?"”
#55
چنین داد پاسخ که دانای پیر
✦
ز دانش جوانی بود ناگزیر
“The King replied: "An aged sage inevitably finds youthful vigor through knowledge."”
#56
بر ابله جوانی گزینی رواست
✦
که بی‌گور او خاک او بی‌نواست
“"To prefer youth over an ignorant fool is rightful, for even without a grave, his earth remains destitute of soul."”
#57
بپرسید کز تخت شاهنشهان
✦
بکردی همه شهریار جهان
“The Mobad asked: "Of all the emperors who once ruled the world from the imperial throne..."”
#58
کنون نامشان بیش یاد آوریم
✦
بیاد از جگر سرد باد آوریم
“"...Why do we now recall their names only with cold sighs brought forth from our hearts?"”
#59
چنین داد پاسخ که در دل نبود
✦
که آن رسم را خود نباید ستود
“He answered: "It was never in my heart that such a transient custom should be praised."”
#60
به شمشیر و داد این جهان داشتن
✦
چنین رفتن و خوار بگذاشتن
“"To hold this world through sword and justice, only to depart and leave it all behind so low."”
#61
بپرسید با هر کسی پیش ازین
✦
سخن راندی نامور بیش ازین
“The Mobad asked: "Before this, O renowned King, thou didst converse much with all men."”
#62
سبک دارد اکنون نگوید سخن
✦
نه از نو نه از روزگار کهن
“"Now thou holdest talk in light esteem, speaking little of modern days or ancient times."”
#63
چنین داد پاسخ که گفتار بس
✦
به کردار جویم همه دسترس
“He answered: "Enough of words; I seek to accomplish all things through noble action."”
#64
بپرسید هنگام شاهان نماز
✦
نبودی چنین پیش ایشان دراز
“The Mobad asked: "In the time of former kings, prayer before the Lord was not so long as thine."”
#65
شما را ستایش فزونست ازان
✦
خروش و نیایش فزونست ازان
“"Thy praise of God exceeds theirs, as do thy clamor of devotions and humble supplications."”
#66
چنین داد پاسخ که یزدان پاک
✦
پرستنده را سر برآرد ز خاک
“He answered: "The Pure God elevates the head of His worshiper above the dust."”
#67
فلک را گزارنده او کند
✦
جهان را همه بندهٔ او کند
“"He makes him ruler over the sphere of heaven, and brings the whole world into servitude to him."”
#68
گر این بنده آن را نداند بها
✦
مبادا ز درد و ز سختی رها
“"If this servant knows not the value of such grace, may he never be freed from pain and hardship!"”
#69
بپرسید تا تو شدی شهریار
✦
سپاست فزون چیست از کردگار
“The Mobad asked: "Since thou becamest king, for what art thou most grateful to the Creator?"”
#70
کزان مر تو را دانش افزون شده‌ست
✦
دل بدسگالان پر از خون شده‌ست
“"Whereby thy knowledge hath increased, and the hearts of thy malicious enemies are filled with blood?"”
#71
چنین داد پاسخ که از کردگار
✦
سپاس آنک گشتیم به روزگار
“He answered: "My gratitude to the Creator is that through the passage of time..."”
#72
کسی پیش من بر فزونی نجست
✦
وز آواز من دست بد را بشست
“"...No man sought superiority over me, and at the mere sound of my voice, evil washed its hands of crime."”
#73
زبون بود بدخواه در جنگ من
✦
چو گوپال من دید و اورنگ من
“"My foe was brought low in battle with me, whenever he beheld my mace and my throne."”
#74
بپرسید در جنگ خاور بُدی
✦
چنان تیز چنگ و دلاور بدی
“The Mobad asked: "In the war against the East, thou wert so sharp-clawed and valiant..."”
#75
چو با باختر ساختی ساز جنگ
✦
شکیبایی آراستی با درنگ
“"Yet when thou didst prepare for war with the West, thou didst adorn thy path with patience and delay?"”
#76
چنین داد پاسخ که مرد جوان
✦
نیندیشد از رنج و درد روان
“He answered: "A young man thinks not of the toil and mental suffering."”
#77
هرآنگه که سال اندر آید به شست
✦
به پیش مدارا بباید نشست
“"When one's years reach sixty, however, one must sit in the presence of forbearance and caution."”
#78
سپاس از جهاندار پروردگار
✦
کزویست نیک و بد روزگار
“"Praise be to the Ruler of the World, the Nurturer, from Whom comes all good and evil in time."”
#79
که روز جوانی هنر داشتیم
✦
بد و نیک را خوار نگذاشتیم
“"For in the days of my youth, we held virtue, nor did we treat good and evil with lightness."”
#80
کنون روز پیری به دانندگی
✦
به رای و به گنج و فشانندگی
“"And now in the days of old age, we govern through knowledge, sound judgment, riches, and generosity."”
#81
جهان زیر آیین و فرهنگ ماست
✦
سپهر روان جوشن جنگ ماست
“The world is governed by our law and wisdom; the revolving sky serves as our coat of mail in battle.”
#82
بدو گفت شاهان پیشین دراز
✦
سخن خواستند آشکارا و راز
“The Mobad said to him, 'The kings of old sought long discourse, both openly and in secret.'”
#83
شما را سخن کمتر و داد بیش
✦
فزون داری از نامداران پیش
“'You speak less yet work more justice; you surpass the renowned sovereigns who came before.'”
#84
چنین داد پاسخ که هر شهریار
✦
که باشد ورا یار پروردگار
“The king replied: 'Any ruler who has the Lord Almighty as his helper,'”
#85
ندارد تن خویش با رنج و درد
✦
جهان را نگهبان هرآنکس که کرد
“'Does not subject his body to sorrow and pain, for God Himself guards the world for him.'”
#86
بپرسید شادان دل شهریار
✦
پر اندیشه بینم بدین روزگار
“The Mobad asked: 'O joyous-hearted King, why do I see you filled with deep reflection in these times?'”
#87
چنین داد پاسخ که بیم گزند
✦
ندارد به دل مردم هوشمند
“He answered: 'A wise person harbors no fear of harm within his heart.'”
#88
بدو گفت شاهان پیشین ز بزم
✦
نبردند جان را به‌اندازه رزم
“The Mobad said: 'The kings of former days did not save their lives in times of feast as much as in battle.'”
#89
چنین داد پاسخ که ایشان ز جام
✦
نکردند هرگز به دل یاد نام
“He answered: 'That was because over the wine-cup, they never kept the remembrance of fame in their hearts.'”
#90
مرا نام بر جام چیره شده‌ست
✦
روانم زمان‌را پذیره شده‌ست
“'For me, noble renown prevails over the wine-cup, and my soul welcomes fate itself.'”
#91
بپرسید هرکس که شاهان بدند
✦
تن خویشتن را نگهبان بدند
“He asked: 'All who were kings guarded their own bodies,'”
#92
به دارو و درمان و کار پزشک
✦
بدان تا نپالود باید سرشک
“'Through medicine, remedies, and the physician’s skill, so they need not shed bitter tears.'”
#93
چنین داد پاسخ که تن بی‌زمان
✦
که پیش آید از گردش آسمان
“He answered: 'If the appointed hour has not yet arrived from the rotation of the heavens,'”
#94
بجایست دارو نیاید به کار
✦
نگه داردش گردش روزگار
“'Medicine remains unneeded, for the course of destiny itself preserves the body.'”
#95
چو هنگامه رفتن آمد فراز
✦
زمانه نگردد به پرهیز باز
“'When the time to depart draws near, destiny will not be turned back by caution.'”
#96
بپرسید چندان ستایش کنند
✦
جهان‌آفرین را نیایش کنند
“He asked: 'When people offer such abundant praise and worship to the Creator of the world,'”
#97
زمانی نباشد بدان شادمان
✦
به اندیشه دارد همیشه روان
“'Is the King not pleased thereby, that his mind is ever bound in deep reflection?'”
#98
چنین داد پاسخ که اندیشه نیست
✦
دل شاه با چرخ گردان یکی‌ست
“He answered: 'It is not sorrowful anxious thought; the heart of the king moves in harmony with the revolving sphere.'”
#99
بترسم که هرکو ستایش کند
✦
مگر بیم ما را نیایش کند
“'I fear that whoever praises us may do so only out of fear of our power.'”
#100
ستایش نشاید فزون زآنک هست
✦
نجوییم راز دل زیردست
“'Praise should not exceed what is deserved; nor do we seek to pry into the secret heart of subjects.'”
#101
بدو گفت شادی ز فرزند چیست
✦
همان آرزوها ز پیوند چیست
“He asked him: 'What joy is there in children? And what are the hopes derived from family lineage?'”
#102
چنین داد پاسخ که هرکو جهان
✦
به فرزند ماند نگردد نهان
“He replied: 'Whoever leaves the world to a child does not fade into obscurity.'”
#103
چو فرزند باشد بیابد مزه
✦
ز بهر مزه دور گردد بزه
“'When one has offspring, he tastes the sweetness of life; and for that sweet sake, he turns away from sin.'”
#104
وگر بگذرد کم بود درد اوی
✦
که فرزند بیند رخ زرد اوی
“'And if he passes away, his sorrow is lesser, for his own child beholds his pale, dying face.'”
#105
بپرسد که گیتی تن آسان کراست
✦
ز کردار نیکو پشیمان چراست
“He asked: 'Who in this world enjoys true ease? And why should anyone repent of doing good?'”
#106
چنین داد پاسخ که یزدان‌پرست
✦
بگیرد عنان زمانه به‌دست
“He answered: 'The worshiper of God takes the reins of fate into his own hands.'”
#107
فزونی نجوید تن‌آسان شود
✦
چو بیشی سگالد هراسان شود
“'He who seeks not excess gains peace of body; but if he covets more, he becomes fearful.'”
#108
دگر آنک گفتی ز کردار نیک
✦
نهان دل و جان به بازار نیک
“'And as for what you said of good deeds, and placing the heart and soul's inner light in the market of goodness:'”
#109
ز گیتی زبون‌تر مر آن را شناس
✦
که نیکی سگالید با ناسپاس
“'Know that person to be the most wretched in the world who bestows kindness upon the ungrateful.'”
#110
بپرسید کان کس که بد کرد و مرد
✦
ز دیوان جهان نام او را سترد
“He asked: 'What of the man who committed evil and died—has the ledger of the world erased his name?'”
#111
هران کس که نیکی کند بگذرد
✦
زمانه نفس را همی‌بشمرد
“'And everyone who performs good deeds also passes away, for time counts every breath.'”
#112
چه باید همی نیکویی را ستود
✦
چو مرگ آمد و نیک و بد را درود
“'Why then should goodness be so praised, when death arrives and reaps both good and bad alike?'”
#113
چنین داد پاسخ که کردار نیک
✦
بیابد به هر جای بازار نیک
“He answered: 'Noble deeds shall find a worthy market in every place.'”
#114
نمرد آنکه او نیک کردار مرد
✦
بیاسود و جان را به یزدان سپرد
“'He has not died who departs with virtuous deeds; he has found rest and entrusted his soul to God.'”
#115
وزان کس که ماند همی نام بد
✦
از آغاز بد بود و فرجام بد
“'And as for him who leaves behind an evil name, his beginning was ill and his end is tragic.'”
#116
نیاسود هرکس کزو باز ماند
✦
وزو در زمانه بد آواز ماند
“Whoever left behind an evil legacy found no peace, and his ill repute endured throughout the ages.”
#117
بپرسد چه کارست برتر ز مرگ
✦
اگر باشد این را چه سازیم برگ
“The Mobad asked, "What matter is worse than death? If such a thing exists, how can we prepare against it?"”
#118
چنین داد پاسخ کزین تیره خاک
✦
اگر بگذری یافتی جان پاک
“The king answered, "If you pass away from this dark earth having preserved a pure soul, you have gained the ultimate triumph."”
#119
هرآنکس که در بیم و اندوه زیست
✦
بران زندگی زار باید گریست
“"Whoever spends his life in fear and sorrow—one must weep bitterly for such an existence."”
#120
بپرسد کزین دو گران‌تر کدام
✦
کزوییم پر درد و ناشادکام
“The priest asked, "Which of these two is heavier, that leaves us so full of pain and distress?"”
#121
چنین داد پاسخ که هم‌سنگ کوه
✦
جز اندوه مشمر که گردد ستوه
“He replied, "Count nothing as heavy as a mountain save sorrow, which completely overwhelms and wears down man."”
#122
چه بیمست اگر بیم اندوه نیست
✦
به گیتی جز اندوه نستوه نیست
“"What fear is there if there is no fear of grief? In this world, nothing is invincible and unyielding except sorrow."”
#123
بپرسید کز ما که با گنج‌تر
✦
چنین گفت کان کس که بی‌رنج‌تر
“He asked, "Who among us possesses the greatest treasure?" The king replied, "He who is most free from suffering."”
#124
بپرسید که او کدامست زشت
✦
که از ارج دورست و دور از بهشت
“He asked, "Which person is truly hideous, far removed from honor and distant from Paradise?"”
#125
چنین داد پاسخ که زن‌را که شرم
✦
نباشد به گیتی نه آواز نرم
“He answered, "A woman who possesses neither modesty nor a gentle voice in this world."”
#126
ز مردان بتر آنک نادان بود
✦
همه زندگانی به زندان بود
“"And among men, the worst is he who is ignorant; his entire life is lived as though in a prison."”
#127
بگرود به یزدان و تن پرگناه
✦
بدی بر دل خویش کرده سیاه
“"He claims belief in God while his body is steeped in sin, his heart blackened by his own wickedness."”
#128
بپرسید مردم کدامست راست
✦
که جان و خرد بر دل او گواست
“He asked, "Who is the truly righteous man, whose soul and wisdom bear witness in his heart?"”
#129
چنین گفت کانکو به سود و زیان
✦
نگوید نبندد بدی را میان
“He answered, "The one who does not speak falsehood for profit or loss, nor girds his loins to cause harm."”
#130
بپرسید کزو خو چه نیکوترست
✦
که آن بر سر مردمان افسر‌ست
“He asked, "Which trait of character is the most noble, standing like a crown upon humanity?"”
#131
چنین داد پاسخ که چون بردبار
✦
بود مرد نایدش افسون به کار
“Such was his answer: "When a man is patient and forbearing, magic and deceit have no power over him."”
#132
نه آن کز پی سودمندی کند
✦
وگر نیز رای بلندی کند
“"Not a forbearance practiced merely for self-interest, even if it aims at lofty ambitions."”
#133
چو رادی که پاداش رادی نجست
✦
ببخشید و تاریکی از دل بشست
“"Like a generous soul who seeks no reward for his generosity, who bestows gifts and washes all darkness from his heart."”
#134
سه دیگر چو کوشایی ایزدی
✦
که از جان پاک آید و بخردی
“"Thirdly, a divine effort and striving that springs from a pure soul and true wisdom."”
#135
بپرسید در دل هراس از چه بیش
✦
بدو گفت کز رنج و کردار خویش
“He asked, "From what does the greatest fear in the heart stem?" He replied, "From one's own suffering and bad deeds."”
#136
بپرسید بخشش کدامست به
✦
که بخشنده گردد سرافراز و مه
“He asked, "What kind of bestowal is best, that leaves the giver exalted and grand?"”
#137
چنین داد پاسخ کز ارزانیان
✦
مدارید باز ایچ سود و زیان
“He replied, "Withhold no benefit nor spare any loss when dealing with those who are truly worthy."”
#138
بپرسید موبد ز کار جهان
✦
سخن برگشاد آشکار و نهان
“The Mobad then questioned him regarding the affairs of the universe, opening discourse on things manifest and secret.”
#139
که آیین کژ بینم و ناپسند
✦
دگر گردش کار ناسودمند
“Saying, "I see crooked and unlovely customs, and the useless turns of fortune's wheel."”
#140
چنین داد پاسخ که زین چرخ پیر
✦
اگر هست بادانش و یادگیر
“He answered, "Concerning this ancient sphere, if one possesses knowledge and wisdom to learn..."”
#141
بزرگست و داننده و برترست
✦
که بر داوران جهان داورست
“"Know that God is supreme, all-knowing, and exalted—the Judge over all the judges of the world."”
#142
بد آیین مشو دور باش از پسند
✦
مبین ایچ ازو سود و ناسودمند
“"Do not follow evil ways, avoid self-satisfaction, and rely not on fortune's gains or losses."”
#143
بد و نیک از او دان کش انباز نیست
✦
به کاریش فرجام و آغاز نیست
“"Ascribe both good and evil to Him who has no partner, whose actions have neither beginning nor end."”
#144
چو گوید بباش آنچ گوید بدست
✦
همو بود تا بود و تا هست هست
“"When He commands 'Be!', that which He decrees comes instantly into existence; He was before all time, and shall forever be."”
#145
بپرسید کز درد بر کیست رنج
✦
که تن چون سرایست و جان را سپنج
“He asked, "Upon whom falls the torment of pain, since the body is but an inn and the soul a temporary guest?"”
#146
چنین داد پاسخ که این پوده پوست
✦
بود رنجه چندانک مغز اندروست
“He answered, "This frail skin experiences agony only so long as the inner essence abides within it."”
#147
چو پالود زو جان ندارد خرد
✦
که بر خاک باشد چو جان بگذرد
“"When the soul is filtered away, the body loses all sense and reason; it lies as mere earth once the spirit departs."”
#148
بپرسید موبد ز پرهیز و گفت
✦
که آز و نیاز از که باید نهفت
“The Mobad asked about abstinence, saying, "From whom must greed and desperate need be hidden?"”
#149
چنین داد پاسخ که آز و نیاز
✦
سزد گر ندارد خردمند باز
“He replied, "A wise person does well to restrain and master both greed and longing."”
#150
تو از آز باشی همیشه به رنج
✦
که همواره سیری نیابی ز گنج
“"Greed will keep you forever in suffering, for you will never gain true contentment from wealth."”
#151
بپرسید کز شهریاران که بیش
✦
به هوش و به آیین و با رای و کیش
“He asked: "Among sovereigns, who excels most in intellect, custom, sound counsel, and faith?"”
#152
چنین داد پاسخ که آن پادشا
✦
که باشد پرستنده و پارسا
“Thus he replied: "It is that king who is God-fearing, devoted, and virtuous,"”
#153
ز دادار دارنده دارد سپاس
✦
نباشد کس از رنج او در هراس
“"Who renders thanks to the Creator of all, and leaves no soul in dread of his oppression."”
#154
پرامید دارد دل نیک‌مرد
✦
دل بدکنش را پر از بیم و درد
“"He fills the heart of the righteous with hope, and leaves the evil-doer in dread and pain."”
#155
سپه را بیاراید از گنج خویش
✦
سوی بدسگال افگند رنج خویش
“"He equips his host from his own treasury, and directs all strife against the malevolent."”
#156
سخن پرسد از بخردان جهان
✦
بد و نیک دارد ز دشمن نهان
“"He seeks counsel from the wise of the world, and conceals both his flaws and strength from the foe."”
#157
بپرسید کار پرستش به چیست
✦
به نیکی یزدان گراینده کیست
“The priest asked again: "What is the true essence of worship, and who truly strives toward God’s goodness?"”
#158
چنین داد پاسخ که تاریک‌خوی
✦
روان اندر آرد به باریک موی
“He replied: "One of gloomy disposition drags his own soul down to a thread-thin peril,"”
#159
نخست آنک داند که هست و یکی‌ست
✦
ترا زین نشان رهنمای اندکی‌ست
“"First is to know that God exists and is One, though few are the guides who can point to this truth."”
#160
ازو دارد از کار نیکی سپاس
✦
بدو باشد ایمن و زو در هراس
“"He gives thanks to Him for every virtue, finds security in Him, yet stands in godly fear of Him."”
#161
هراس تو آنگه که جویی گزند
✦
وزو ایمنی چون بود سودمند
“"Fear should seize you whenever you seek harm, while the peace He grants is truly beneficial."”
#162
وگر نیک‌دل باشی و راه‌جوی
✦
بود نزد هر کس تو را آبروی
“"If you remain pure-hearted and seek the righteous path, you shall command respect in the eyes of all."”
#163
وگر بدکنش باشی و بد تنه
✦
به دوزخ فرستاده باشی بنه
“"But if you are wicked in deed and ill-intentioned, you have already dispatched your provisions to Hell."”
#164
مباش ایچ گستاخ با این جهان
✦
که او راز خویش از تو دارد نهان
“"Place no rash confidence in this fickle world, for it conceals its inner mysteries from thee."”
#165
گراینده باشی به کردار دین
✦
بداری بدین روزگار گزین
“"Be inclined toward the practice of righteous faith, and hold fast to this precious life."”
#166
خرد را کنی با دل آموزگار
✦
بکوشی که نفریبدت روزگار
“"Make wisdom the teacher of your heart, and strive lest the fleeting world beguile you."”
#167
همان نیز یاد گنهکار مرد
✦
نباشی به بازار ننگ و نبرد
“"Bear in mind the fate of the sinner as well, lest you enter the marketplace of shame and conflict."”
#168
غم آن جهان از پی این جهان
✦
نباید که داری به دل در نهان
“"You must not sacrifice the sorrow and care of the next world for the transitory gain of this one."”
#169
نشستنت همواره با بخردان
✦
گراینده رامش جاودان
“"Associating constantly with the wise inclines the soul toward everlasting bliss."”
#170
گراینده بادی به فرهنگ و رای
✦
به یزدان خرد بایدت رهنمای
“"May you ever lean toward wisdom and sound judgment; let intellect be your guide toward the Almighty."”
#171
از اندازه بر نگذرانی سخن
✦
که تو نو به کاری گیتی کهن
“"Exceed not the bounds of moderation in thy speech, for thou art a novice in this ancient world."”
#172
نگرداندت رامش و رود مست
✦
نباشدت با مردم بد نشست
“"Let not banquets and music rob thee of thy wits, nor sit in fellowship with men of evil repute."”
#173
بپیچی دل از هرچ نابودنی‌ست
✦
ببخشای آن را که بخشودنی‌ست
“"Turn thy heart away from the impossible, and show mercy to him who is worthy of forgiveness."”
#174
نداری دریغ آنچه داری ز دوست
✦
اگر دیده خواهد اگر مغز و پوست
“"Withhold nothing thou possessest from a true friend, be it thy very eyes, thy marrow, or thy skin."”
#175
اگر دوست با دوست گیرد شمار
✦
نباید که باشد میانجی به کار
“"When a friend settles accounts with a friend, let there be no need for a third mediator."”
#176
چو با مرد بدخواه باشد نشست
✦
چنان کن که نگشاید او بر تو دست
“"If thou must sit with a malevolent enemy, so deport thyself that he cannot gain power over thee."”
#177
چو جوید کسی راه بایستگی
✦
هنر باید و شرم و شایستگی
“"Should anyone seek the path of true worthiness, he needs virtue, modesty, and capability."”
#178
نباید زبان از هنر چیره‌تر
✦
دروغ از هنر نشمرد دادگر
“"The tongue should not outpace one's true talent, for the Just God counts not falsehood as merit."”
#179
نداند کسی را بزرگی به چیز
✦
نه خواری به ناچیز دارد بنیز
“"Let no man deem another grand merely for wealth, nor hold a man in contempt for possessing nothing."”
#180
اگر بدگمانی گشاید زبان
✦
تو تندی مکن هیچ با بدگمان
“"If a distrustful person opens his mouth in suspicion, show no anger or harshness toward him."”
#181
ازان پس چو سستی گمانی برد
✦
وز اندازه گفتار او بگذرد
“"If after that he mistakes thy calm for weakness, and his speech exceeds all bound..."”
#182
تو پاسخ مر او را به اندازه گوی
✦
سخن‌های چرب آور و تازه گوی
“"Reply to him with fitting measure, offering eloquent, gentle, and convincing words."”
#183
به آزرم اگر بفگنی سوی خویش
✦
پشیمانی آید به فرجام پیش
“"If thou castest aside respect for selfish gain, regret shall surely await thee in the end."”
#184
چو بیکار باشی مشو رامشی
✦
نه کارست بیکاری ار باهشی
“"When thou art idle, seek not ease; idleness is no virtue if thou art truly wise."”
#185
ز هرکار کردن تو را ننگ نیست
✦
اگر چند با بوی و با رنگ نیست
“"There is no shame in undertaking honest work, though it may lack glamour, fragrance, or hue."”
#186
به نیکی به هر کار کوشا بود
✦
همیشه به دانش نیوشا بود
“He ever strives for goodness in all his deeds, and remains constantly attentive to wisdom and learning.”
#187
به کاری نیازد که فرجام اوی
✦
پشیمانی و تندی آرد به روی
“He never undertakes an act whose outcome brings regret and sharp bitterness to his countenance.”
#188
ببخشاید از درد بر مستمند
✦
نیارد دلش سوی درد و گزند
“Out of compassion he pities the needy, and never lets his heart turn toward causing pain or harm.”
#189
خردمند کو دل کند بردبار
✦
نباشد به چشم جهاندار خوار
“The wise man who cultivates patience in his heart shall never be held in low esteem by the ruler of the world.”
#190
بداند که چندست با او هنر
✦
به اندازه یابد ز هر کار بر
“He measures accurately the extent of his own talents, and reaps the fruit of every effort according to his true capacity.”
#191
گر افزون ازان دوست بستایدش
✦
بلندی و کژی بیفزایدش
“If a friend flatters him beyond his merit, it only fosters self-importance and inclines him toward error.”
#192
همان مرد ایزد ندارد به رنج
✦
وگر چند گردد پراگنده گنج
“Such a virtuous man God will not leave in distress, even though his accumulated treasure be scattered away.”
#193
پرستش کند پیشه و راستی
✦
بپیچد ز بی‌راهی و کاستی
“He makes worship and truthfulness his sole calling, turning away from all straying and shortcoming.”
#194
برین برگ واین شاخها آخت دست
✦
هنرمند دینی و یزدان‌پرست
“Upon these principles and virtues has the devout and God-fearing man established his foundation.”
#195
همانست رای و همینست راه
✦
به یزدان گرای و به یزدان پناه
“Such is the true wisdom, and this is the righteous path: turn unto God, and seek refuge in Him alone.”
#196
اگر دادگر باشدی شهریار
✦
ازو ماند اندر جهان یادگار
“If the sovereign be just and equitable, an enduring testament to his name shall remain forever in the world.”
#197
چنان هم که از داد انوشین‌روان
✦
کجا خاک شد نام ماندش جوان
“Just as from the justice of Anushirvan: though he has turned to dust, his name remains forever young.”