#1
بدانست هرمز که او دست خون
✦
بیازد همی زنده بی‌رهنمون
“Hormazd realized that he would reach out his bloody hand, living without a guiding light.”
#2
شنید آن سخنهای بی‌کام را
✦
به زندان فرستاد بهرام را
“When he heard those unpleasing words, he dispatched Bahram straight to prison.”
#3
دگر شب چو برزد سر از کوه ماه
✦
به زندان دژآگاه کردش تباه
“The next night, when the moon crested the mountain, he destroyed him within the grim fortress prison.”
#4
نماند آن زمان بر درش بخردی
✦
همان رهنمائی و هم موبدی
“At that time, no wise counselor, guide, or high priest remained at his portal.”
#5
ز خوی بد آید همه بدتری
✦
نگر تا سوی خوی بد ننگری
“From an evil disposition comes only worse evil; take care never to incline toward a vile nature.”
#6
وزان پس نبد زندگانیش خوش
✦
ز تیمار زد بر دل خویش تش
“Thereafter, his life was devoid of joy, as grief set fire to his heart.”
#7
بسالی باصطخر بودی دو ماه
✦
که کوتاه بودی شبان سیاه
“For two months every year he resided in Istakhr, where the dark nights were brief.”
#8
که شهری خنک بود و روشن هوا
✦
از آنجا گذشتن نبودی روا
“It was a pleasant city with radiant air, from which it felt wrong to depart.”
#9
چو پنهان شدی چادر لاژورد
✦
پدید آمدی کوه یاقوت زرد
“When the lapis-lazuli veil of night was hidden, the mountain of yellow ruby shone forth.”
#10
منادیگری برکشیدی خروش
✦
که ای نامداران با فرّ و هوش
“A herald raised his voice in proclamation: 'O glorious and wise nobles!'”
#11
اگر کشتمندی شود کوفته
✦
وزان رنج کارنده آشوفته
“'If a farmer's crop be trampled, leaving the sower distressed in his toil,'”
#12
وگر اسب در کشتزاری رود
✦
کسی نیز بر میوه‌داری رود
“'Or if a horse strays into a field, or if anyone plucks from a fruit-tree,'”
#13
دم و گوش اسبش بباید برید
✦
سر دزد بر دار باید کشید
“'The horse's ears and tail must be docked, and the thief's head hanged upon the gallows.'”
#14
بدو ماه گردان بدی در جهان
✦
بد و نیکویی زو نبودی نهان
“For two months he rode across the realm; no good or evil deed remained hidden from him.”
#15
بهر کشوری داد کردی چنین
✦
ز دهقان همی‌یافتی آفرین
“In every country he established such justice that he received praises from the farmers.”
#16
پسر بد مر او را گرامی یکی
✦
که از ماه پیدا نبود اندکی
“He had a beloved son whose radiant beauty yielded nothing even to the moon.”
#17
مر او را پدر کرده پرویز نام
✦
گهش خواندی خسرو شادکام
“His father had named him Parviz, and sometimes called him Khosrow the Joyful.”
#18
نبودی جدا یک زمان از پدر
✦
پدر نیز نشگیفتی از پسر
“He was never separated for a moment from his father, nor could the father endure being apart from his son.”
#19
چنان بد که اسبی ز آخر بجست
✦
که بد شاه پرویز را برنشست
“It so happened that a horse escaped from the stable—the mount that Prince Parviz rode.”
#20
سوی کشتمند آمد اسب جوان
✦
نگهبان اسب اندر آمد دوان
“The young stallion ran toward a cultivated field, and the groom came running behind it.”
#21
بیامد خداوند آن کشتزار
✦
به پیش موکّل بنالید زار
“The owner of that field arrived and wept bitterly before the king's inspector.”
#22
موکّل بدو گفت کین اسب کیست
✦
که بر دم و گوشش بباید گریست
“The inspector asked him: 'Whose horse is this, over whose tail and ears one must now weep?'”
#23
خداوند گفت اسب پرویز شاه
✦
ندارد همی کهتران را نگاه
“The owner replied: 'It is Prince Parviz's horse; he takes no heed of humble men.'”
#24
بیامد موکل بر شهریار
✦
بگفت آنچ بشنید از کشتزار
“The inspector went to the King and recounted all that he had heard at the field.”
#25
بدو گفت هرمز برفتن بکوش
✦
ببر اسب را در زمان دم و گوش
“Hormazd said to him: 'Hasten at once and cut off the horse's ears and tail without delay!'”
#26
زیانی که آمد بران کشتمند
✦
شمارش بباید شمردن که چند
“'Calculate the exact damage suffered by that farmer, however much it may be.'”
#27
ز خسرو زیان باز باید ستد
✦
اگر صد زیانست اگر پانصد
“'The loss must be recovered from Khosrow, whether it be a hundred coins or five hundred.'”
#28
درم‌های گنجی بران کشتزار
✦
بریزند پیش خداوند کار
“'Pour out treasury dirhams upon that field before the worker who laboured there.'”
#29
چو بشنید پرویز پوزش‌کنان
✦
برانگیخت از هر سویی مهتران
“When Parviz heard this, he pleaded for forgiveness and sent forth nobles from every side,”
#30
به نزد پدر تا ببخشد گناه
✦
نبرَّد دم و گوش اسب سیاه
“To go before his father to pardon his fault and spare the dark horse's ears and tail.”
#31
برآشفت ازان پس برو شهریار
✦
بتندی بزد بانگ بر پیشکار
“Thereupon the King grew enraged at him and shouted fiercely at his attendant.”
#32
موکّل شد از بیم هرمز دوان
✦
بدان کشت نزدیک اسب جوان
“The inspector ran out of fear of Hormazd toward that crop near the young horse.”
#33
بخنجر جدا کرد زو گوش و دم
✦
بران کشتزاری که آزرد سُم
“With a dagger he severed its ears and tail upon the very field whose soil its hooves had injured.”
#34
همان نیز تاوان بدان دادخواه
✦
رسانید خسرو بفرمان شاه
“Likewise, Khosrow delivered full restitution to the claimant by order of the King.”
#35
وزان پس بنخچیر شد شهریار
✦
بیاورد هر کس فراوان شکار
“Thereafter the King went to hunt, and every man brought back abundant game.”
#36
سواری ردی مرد کنداوری
✦
سپهبدنژادی بلند‌اختری
“There was a noble rider, a valiant hero of chieftain descent and exalted fortune.”
#37
به ره بر یکی رز پُر از غوره دید
✦
بفرمود تا کهتر اندر دوید
“Along the road he saw a vineyard laden with unripe grapes, and ordered his servant to run in.”
#38
ازان خوشهٔ چند ببرید و برد
✦
بایوان و خوالیگرش را سپرد
“He cut several clusters, brought them to the palace, and handed them to his cook.”
#39
بیامد خداوندش اندر زمان
✦
بدان مرد گفت ای بد بدگمان
“At once the owner arrived and said to that man: 'O evil and suspicious one!'”
#40
نگهبان این رز نبودی به رنج
✦
نه دینار دادی بها را نه گنج
“'You did not toil to tend this vineyard, nor did you give dinars or treasure for its price.'”
#41
چرا رنج‌نابرده کردی تباه
✦
بنالم کنون از تو در پیش شاه
“'Why have you ruined unearned toil? Now I shall complain against you before the King!'”
#42
سوار دلاور ز بیم زیان
✦
بزودی کمر بازکرد از میان
“The brave horseman, out of fear of penalty, quickly unbuckled the belt from his waist.”
#43
بدو داد پرمایه زرّین کمر
✦
به هر مهره‌ای درنشانده گهر
“He gave him a precious golden girdle, studded with gems in every clasp.”
#44
خداوند رز چون کمر دید گفت
✦
که کردار بد چند باید نهفت
“When the vineyard's owner saw the belt, he said: 'How long must an evil deed be hidden?'”
#45
تو با شهریار آشنایی مکن
✦
خریده نداری بهایی مکن
“'Do not rely on familiarity with the King; do not take what you have not bought!'”
#46
سپاسی نهم بر تو بر زین کمر
✦
بپیچی اگر بشنود دادگر
“I place my gratitude upon you for this belt of service; if the Just Creator hears of it, He shall pardon your wrongdoing.”
#47
یکی مرد بد هرمز شهریار
✦
به پیروزی اندر شده نامدار
“King Hormoz was indeed a monarch of high renown, celebrated for his triumphant victories.”
#48
بمردی ستوده به هر انجمن
✦
که از رزم هرگز ندیدی شکن
“Praised for his valor in every assembly, he had never suffered defeat or ruin in battle.”
#49
که هم دادده بود و هم دادخواه
✦
کلاه کیی برنهاده بماه
“He both dispensed justice and sought it, his royal crown reaching high unto the moon.”
#50
نکردی بشهر مداین درنگ
✦
دلاور سری بود با نام و ننگ
“He did not linger idly in the city of Ctesiphon, for he possessed a valiant spirit devoted to honor and fame.”
#51
بهار و تموز و زمستان و تیر
✦
نیاسود هرمز یل شیرگیر
“Through spring, summer, winter, and autumn, Hormoz, the lion-capturing hero, never took his rest.”
#52
همی‌گشت گرد جهان سر به سر
✦
همی‌جست در پادشاهی هنر
“He traveled throughout the kingdom from end to end, seeking wisdom, skill, and virtue in his rule.”
#53
چو ده سال شد پادشاهیش راست
✦
ز هر کشور آواز بدخواه خاست
“When ten years of his reign were accomplished, the clamor of hostile foes arose from every land.”
#54
بیامد ز راه هری ساوه شاه
✦
ابا پیل و با کوس و گنج و سپاه
“King Sāvah arrived along the road from Herat, accompanied by war elephants, drums, treasure, and a mighty host.”
#55
گر از لشکر ساوه گیری شمار
✦
برو چارصد بار بشمر هزار
“If you were to count the army of Sāvah, you would need to count a thousand four hundred times over.”
#56
ز پیلان جنگی هزار و دویست
✦
تو گفتی مگر بر زمین راه نیست
“Twelve hundred war elephants he brought; you would think no path remained upon the face of the earth.”
#57
ز دشت هری تا در مرورود
✦
سپه بود آگنده چون تار و پود
“From the plain of Herat to the gates of Marv-Rud, the host filled the land, dense as warp and weft.”
#58
وزین روی تا مرو لشکر کشید
✦
شد از گرد لشکر زمین ناپدید
“And on this side toward Marv his army marched, until the ground vanished beneath the cloud of dust.”
#59
بهرمز یکی نامه بنوشت شاه
✦
که نزدیک خود خوان ز هر سو سپاه
“King Sāvah penned a letter to Hormoz: 'Summon your armies to your side from every quarter,'”
#60
برو راه این لشکر آباد کن
✦
علف ساز و از تیغ ما یاد کن
“'Clear and prepare the road for this army, gather provisions, and keep the sharp edge of our blade in mind.'”
#61
برین پادشاهی بخواهم گذشت
✦
بدریا سپاهست و بر کوه و دشت
“'For I intend to pass right through this realm; my armies overspread the sea, the mountains, and the plains.'”
#62
چو برخواند آن نامه را شهریار
✦
بپژمرد زان لشکر بی‌شمار
“When King Hormoz read that letter, he withered with dismay at the thought of that countless host.”
#63
وزان روی قیصر بیامد ز روم
✦
به لشکر بزیر اندر آورد بوم
“Meanwhile, Caesar advanced from Byzantium, bringing the land under subjection with his troops.”
#64
سپه بود رومی عدد صد هزار
✦
سواران جنگ‌آور و نامدار
“His Roman host numbered a hundred thousand, all battle-tested and renowned horsemen.”
#65
ز شهری که بگرفت نوشین‌روان
✦
که از نام او بود قیصر نوان
“Advancing from the very cities Nushin-Ravan had conquered—he at whose name Caesar once trembled.”
#66
بیامد ز هر کشوری لشکری
✦
به پیش اندرون نامور مهتری
“From every domain an army arrived, led at the head by a famed and noble chieftain.”
#67
سپاهی بیامد ز راه خزر
✦
کز ایشان سیه شد همه بوم و بر
“Another force marched from the direction of Khazar, blackening the entire land with their numbers.”
#68
جهاندیده بدال در پیش بود
✦
که با گنج و با لشکر خویش بود
“The battle-seasoned Badāl led them forward, accompanied by his own treasure and host.”
#69
ز ارمینیه تا در اردبیل
✦
پراگنده شد لشکرش خیل خیل
“From Armenia all the way to the gates of Ardabil, his forces were scattered troop upon troop.”
#70
ز دشت سواران نیزه‌گزار
✦
سپاهی بیامد فزون از شمار
“From the plain of spear-wielding horsemen, an army advanced beyond all counting.”
#71
چو عباس و چو حمزه شان پیشرو
✦
سواران و گردن‌فرازان نو
“Led by warlords like 'Abbās and Hamzah, arrayed with fresh horsemen and proud chieftains.”
#72
ز تاراج ویران شد آن بوم و رست
✦
که هرمز همی باژ ایشان بجست
“By their plundering, those lands were ruined—the very regions from which Hormoz used to exact tribute.”
#73
بیامد سپه تا به آب فرات
✦
نماند اندر آن بوم جای نبات
“The army swept right to the River Euphrates, leaving no blade of green remaining in all that domain.”
#74
چو تاریک شد روزگار بهی
✦
ز لشکر بهرمز رسید آگهی
“When that prosperous era turned dark, news of these gathering armies reached Hormoz.”
#75
چو بشنید گفتار کارآگهان
✦
بپژمرد شاداب شاه جهان
“When the king of the world heard the reports of his scouts, his fresh and joyous spirit withered.”
#76
فرستاد و ایرانیان را بخواند
✦
سراسر همه کاخ مردم نشاند
“He dispatched envoys to summon the Iranians, seating a vast council throughout his palace.”
#77
برآورد رازی که بود از نهفت
✦
بدان نامداران ایران بگفت
“He revealed the secret he had kept hidden, and spoke thus to those renowned lords of Iran:”
#78
که چندین سپه روی به ایران نهاد
✦
کسی در جهان این ندارد بیاد
“'Such massive armies are moving toward Iran; no one in the world remembers the like of this threat.'”
#79
همه نامداران فرو ماندند
✦
ز هرگونه اندیشه‌ها راندند
“All the chieftains were left helpless and dismayed, plunged into all manner of anxious thoughts.”
#80
بگفتند کای شاه با رای و هوش
✦
یکی اندرین کار بگشای گوش
“They said: 'O king of wisdom and intelligence, turn your ear attentively to this grave affair!'”
#81
خردمند شاهی و ما کهتریم
✦
همی خویشتن موبدی نشمریم
“You are a wise king, and we are your humble subjects; we do not even count ourselves worthy to be called your High Priest.”
#82
براندیش تا چارهٔ کار چیست
✦
بر و بوم ما را نگهدار کیست
“Ponder well what remedy should be found for this state, and who will protect our realm and land.”
#83
چنین گفت موبد که بودش وزیر
✦
که ای شاه دانا و دانش‌پذیر
“Thus spoke the Mobad, who was his chief minister: 'O wise and receptive King,'”
#84
سپاه خزر گر بیاید به جنگ
✦
نیابند جنگی زمانی درنگ
“If the army of the Khazars comes to fight, our warriors will not give them even a moment's pause.”
#85
ابا رومیان داستان‌ها زنیم
✦
ز بن پایهٔ تازیان برکَنیم
“With the Romans we shall negotiate through diplomacy, and the root and foundation of the Arabs we shall uproot.”
#86
ندارم به دل بیم از تازیان
✦
که از دیدشان دیده دارد زیان
“I harbor no fear in my heart of the Arabs, for the very sight of them brings only affliction.”
#87
که هم مارخوارند و هم سوسمار
✦
ندارند جنگی گه کارزار
“For they eat both snakes and lizards, and possess no true military might in the hour of battle.”
#88
تو را ساوه شاهست نزدیک‌تر
✦
وزو کار ما نیز تاریک‌تر
“Saveh Shah is a far closer threat to you, and from him our plight grows even darker.”
#89
ز راه خراسان بوَد رنج ما
✦
که ویران کند لشکر و گنج ما
“Our true affliction will come from the direction of Khorasan, for his army will lay waste to our realm and treasures.”
#90
چو ترک اندر آید ز جیحون به جنگ
✦
نباید برین کار کردن درنگ
“When the Turks cross the Jayhun to wage war, there must be no delay in meeting this crisis.”
#91
به موبد چنین گفت جوینده راه
✦
که اکنون چه سازیم با ساوه شاه
“The king, seeking the rightful path, said to the Mobad: 'What shall we now prepare against Saveh Shah?'”
#92
بدو گفت موبد که لشکر بساز
✦
که خسرو به لشکر بوَد سرفراز
“The Mobad replied: 'Gather a mighty army, for a monarch gains glory through his military force.'”
#93
عَرِض را بخوان تا بیارد شمار
✦
که چندست مردم که آید به کار
“Summon the Muster Master to bring the registry, that we may see how many men are fit for service.”
#94
عَرِض با جریده به نزدیک شاه
✦
بیامد بیاورد بی‌مَر سپاه
“The Muster Master came before the king with the scroll, presenting an innumerable army.”
#95
شمار سپاه آمدش صد هزار
✦
پیاده بسی در میان سوار
“The count of the army reached one hundred thousand, with many foot soldiers alongside the horsemen.”
#96
بدو گفت موبد که با ساوه شاه
✦
سزد گر نشوریم با این سپاه
“The Mobad said to him: 'It is not fitting that we march against Saveh Shah with this army alone.'”
#97
مگر مردمی جویی و راستی
✦
بدور افگنی کژّی و کاستی
“'Unless you seek humanity and righteousness, casting far away all deceit and shortcomings,'”
#98
رهانی سر کهتران را ز بد
✦
چنان کز ره پادشاهان سزد
“'And deliver the heads of your subjects from harm, in a manner worthy of true sovereigns.'”
#99
شنیدستی آن داستان بزرگ
✦
که ارجاسب آن نامدار سترگ
“Have you not heard that great tale of how Arjasp, that mighty and renowned ruler,”
#100
بگشتاسب و لهراسب از بهر دین
✦
چه بد کرد با آن سواران چین
“Wrought great evil upon Goshtasp and Lohrasp for the sake of faith, leading the warriors of China?”
#101
چه آمد ز تیمار بر شهر بلخ
✦
که شد زندگانی بران بوم تلخ
“What sorrow befell the city of Balkh, so that life in that realm became bitter?”
#102
چنین تا گشاده شد اسفندیار
✦
همی‌بود هر گونهٔ کارزار
“And so it continued until Esfandiyar was freed, while every kind of battle raged on.”
#103
ز مهتر بسال ار چه من کهترم
✦
ازو من باندیشه بر بگذرم
“Though I am younger in years than that elder monarch, I surpass him in wisdom and foresight.”
#104
به موبد چنین گفت پس شهریار
✦
که قیصر نجوید ز ما کارزار
“The sovereign then said to the Mobad: 'The Caesar will not seek battle with us.'”
#105
همان شهرها را که بگرفت شاه
✦
سپارم بدو بازگردد ز راه
“'Those very cities that the King captured, I shall restore to him, so he may turn back from his path.'”
#106
فرستاده‌ای جست گرد و دبیر
✦
خردمند و گویا و دانش‌پذیر
“He sought an envoy who was a brave champion and a scribe—wise, eloquent, and receptive to knowledge.”
#107
به قیصر چنین گوی کز شهر روم
✦
نخواهم دگر باژ آن مرز و بوم
“'Say to Caesar: "I no longer demand tribute from the realm of Rome."'”
#108
تو هم پای در مرز ایران منه
✦
چو خواهی که مه باشی و روزبه
“'Do not step into the borders of Iran if you wish to remain great and prosperous.'”
#109
فرستاده چون پیش قیصر رسید
✦
بگفت آنچ از شاه ایران شنید
“When the envoy came before Caesar, he delivered all that he had heard from the King of Iran.”
#110
ز ره بازگشت آن زمان شاه روم
✦
نیاورد جنگ اندران مرز و بوم
“The King of Rome thereupon turned back from his course and brought no war to that land.”
#111
سپاهی از ایرانیان برگزید
✦
که از گردشان روز شد ناپدید
“He selected a host from among the Iranians, so vast that the day was darkened by their dust.”
#112
فرستادشان تا بران بوم و بر
✦
به پای اندر آرند مرز خزر
“He dispatched them to that land to overthrow and subjugate the border of Khazar.”
#113
سپهدارشان پیش خرّاد بود
✦
که با فرّ و اورنگ و با داد بود
“Their commander was Karrad, a leader possessed of divine glory, throne, and justice.”
#114
چو آمد به ارمینیه در سپاه
✦
سپاه خزر برگرفتند راه
“When the army arrived in Armenia, the host of the Khazars took to flight.”
#115
وز ایشان فراوان بکشتند نیز
✦
گرفتند زان مرز بسیار چیز
“They slew many of them and seized great spoil from that border region.”
#116
چو آگاهی آمد به نزدیک شاه
✦
که خرّاد پیروز شد با سپاه
“When tidings reached the King that Khrād had returned victorious with his host,”
#117
بجز کینهٔ ساوه شاهش نماند
✦
خرد را به اندیشه اندر نشاند
“Naught remained in his heart save vengeance against Sāveh Shāh, and he set his wisdom to deep reflection.”
#118
یکی بنده بد شاه را شادکام
✦
خردمند و بینا و نستوه نام
“The King had a prosperous servant, wise, clear-sighted, named Nastooh.”
#119
به شاه جهان گفت انوشه بدی
✦
ز تو دور بادا همیشه بدی
“He spoke to the Lord of the World: "Mayest thou be immortal, and may evil ever remain far from thee!"”
#120
بپرسید باید ز مهران ستاد
✦
که از روزگاران چه دارد بیاد
“"One must seek counsel from Mehrān Sedād, to learn what he remembers from days of old."”
#121
به کنجی نشستست با زند و اُست
✦
ز امید گیتی شده پیر و سست
“"He dwelleth in a quiet corner with the Zand and Avesta, grown old and weak, cut off from worldly hope."”
#122
بدین روزگاران بر او شدم
✦
یکی روز و یک شب بر او بدم
“"In recent times I went to visit him, and abode in his presence for a day and a night."”
#123
همی‌گفتم او را من از ساوه شاه
✦
ز پیلان جنگی و چندان سپاه
“"I spoke to him concerning Sāveh Shāh, of his war elephants and immense host."”
#124
چنین داد پاسخ چو آمد سخن
✦
ازان گفتهٔ روزگار کهن
“"When the topic arose, he thus replied with words passed down from ancient times."”
#125
بپرسیدم از پیر مهران ستاد
✦
که از روزگاران چه داری بیاد
“"I inquired of the aged Mehrān Sedād: 'What record of past eras keepest thou in memory?'"”
#126
چنین داد پاسخ که شاه جهان
✦
اگر پرسدم بازگویم نهان
“"He replied thus: 'Should the monarch of the world ask of me, I shall reveal hidden mysteries.'"”
#127
شهنشاه فرمود تا در زمان
✦
بشد نزد او نامداری دمان
“The King of kings straightway commanded, and a swift chieftain hastened to his abode.”
#128
تن پیر ازان کاخ برداشتند
✦
به مهد اندرون تیز بگذاشتند
“They lifted the aged man from his home and placed him swiftly upon a litter.”
#129
چو آمد بر شاه مرد کهن
✦
دلی پر ز دانش سری پرسخن
“When the ancient sage came before the King, his heart was full of wisdom and his mind abounding in lore.”
#130
بپرسید هرمز ز مهران ستاد
✦
کزین ترک جنگی چه داری بیاد
“Hormozd inquired of Mehrān Sedād: "What recollection hast thou of this warlike Turk?"”
#131
چنین داد پاسخ بدو مرد پیر
✦
که ای شاه گوینده و یادگیر
“The old man answered him thus: "O eloquent and attentive King!"”
#132
بدانگه کجا مادرت را ز چین
✦
فرستاد خاقان به ایران‌زمین
“"In that time when the Khāqān sent thy mother from China to the land of Iran,"”
#133
بخواهندگی من بدم پیشرو
✦
صد و شست مرد از دلیران گو
“"I was the leader of the suitor embassy, accompanied by one hundred and sixty brave warriors."”
#134
پدرت آن جهاندار دانا و راست
✦
ز خاقان پرستارزاده نخواست
“"Thy father, that wise and just ruler of the world, desired no handmaid's offspring from the Khāqān."”
#135
مرا گفت جز دخت خاتون مخواه
✦
نزیبد پرستار در پیشگاه
“"He instructed me: 'Ask for none other than the Khātūn's daughter; a servant fitly belongs not to the royal court.'"”
#136
برفتم به نزدیک خاقان چین
✦
به شاهی برو خواندم آفرین
“"I went unto the Khāqān of China and showered praises upon his sovereignty."”
#137
ورا دختری پنج بد چون بهار
✦
سراسر پر از بوی و رنگ و نگار
“"He had five daughters lovely as spring, each brimful of fragrance, color, and charm."”
#138
مرا در شبستان فرستاد شاه
✦
برفتم بران نامور پیشگاه
“"The King dispatched me into the inner chambers, and I entered that renowned court."”
#139
رخ دختران را بیاراستند
✦
سر زلف بر گل بپیراستند
“"They adorned the faces of the maidens, braiding their tresses around their rose-like cheeks."”
#140
مگر مادرت بر سر افسر نداشت
✦
همان یاره و طوق و گوهر نداشت
“"Yet thy mother wore no crown upon her head, nor wore she bangles, necklace, or jewels."”
#141
از ایشان جز او دخت خاتون نبود
✦
به پیرایه و رنگ و افسون نبود
“"Among them, none save her was the daughter of the Khātūn; she sought no artificial adornments, colors, or charms."”
#142
که خاتون چینی ز فغفور بود
✦
به گوهر ز کردار بد دور بود
“"For the Chinese Khātūn was of the lineage of Faghfoor, noble by nature and far removed from evil."”
#143
همی مادرش را جگر زان بخست
✦
که فرزند جایی شود دوردست
“"Her mother's heart was deeply pained at the thought of sending her child to a distant land."”
#144
دژم بود زان دختر پارسا
✦
گسی کردن از خانهٔ پادشا
“She was sorrowful to send away that chaste princess from the royal home.”
#145
من او را گزین کردم از دختران
✦
نگه داشتم چشم زان دیگران
“"I chose her alone from among all the daughters, turning my eyes away from the others."”
#146
مرا گفت خاتون که دیگر گزین
✦
که هر پنج خوبند و با‌آفرین
“"The Khātūn said to me: 'Choose another, for all five are beautiful and praised.'"”
#147
مرا پاسخ این بد که این بایدم
✦
چو دیگر گزینم گزند آیدم
“"My answer was: 'This one alone I desire; if I choose another, harm shall surely befall me.'"”
#148
فرستاد و کنداوران را بخواند
✦
بر تخت شاهی به زانو نشاند
“"He sent word and summoned the brave champions, seating them upon their knees before the royal throne."”
#149
بپرسش گرفت اختر دخترش
✦
که تا چون بود گردش اخترش
“"He began to inquire into his daughter's star, seeking to know what horoscope the heavens held for her."”
#150
ستاره‌شمر گفت جز نیکویی
✦
نبینی و جز راستی نشنوی
“"The astrologer said: 'Naught but goodness shalt thou behold, and naught but truth shalt thou hear.'"”
#151
ازین دخت و از شاه ایرانیان
✦
یکی کودک آید چو شیر ژیان
“From this princess and the King of Iran, a child shall be born, fierce as a raging lion.”
#152
ببالا بلند و ببازو ستبر
✦
به مردی چو شیر و ببخشش چو ابر
“Tall of stature and mighty of arm; in valor like a lion, and in generosity like a rain-laden cloud.”
#153
سیه‌چشم و پر‌خشم و نابردبار
✦
پدر بگذرد او بود شهریار
“Dark-eyed, fierce-tempered, and impatient; when his father passes away, he shall inherit the crown.”
#154
فراوان ز گنج پدر بر‌خورد
✦
بسی روزگاران ببد نشمرد
“He shall enjoy abundantly the treasures of his father, and for many long years he shall suffer no ill.”
#155
وزان پس یکی شاه خیزد سترگ
✦
ز ترکان بیارد سپاهی بزرگ
“Thereafter shall arise a mighty king who will lead a massive host of Turks.”
#156
بسازد که ایران و شهر یمن
✦
سراسر بگیرد بران انجمن
“He shall scheme to capture Iran and the land of Yemen, along with all that vast assembly.”
#157
ازو شاه ایران شود دردمند
✦
بترسد ز پیروز بخت بلند
“The King of Iran shall grow sorrowful because of him, fearing that enemy's triumphant fate.”
#158
یکی کهتری باشدش دوردست
✦
سواری سرافراز مهترپرست
“Yet there shall be a humble, distant vassal of his—a proud horseman, loyal to his superiors.”
#159
ببالا دراز و به اندام خشک
✦
به گرد سرش جَعد مویی چو مشک
“Tall in height and slender of body, with curly hair black as musk crowning his head.”
#160
سخن‌آوری جلد و بینی بزرگ
✦
سیه‌چرده و تندگوی و سترگ
“Eloquent, swift, large-nosed, dark-complexioned, sharp-spoken, and imposing.”
#161
جهانجوی چوبینه دارد لقب
✦
هم از پهلوانانش باشد نسب
“The world-seeker is titled Chobineh, and his lineage traces back to noble champions.”
#162
چو این مرد چاکر باندک سپاه
✦
ز جایی بیاید به درگاه شاه
“When this servant comes to the king's court with but a modest force from afar,”
#163
مرین ترک را ناگهان بشکند
✦
همه لشکرش را بهم برزند
“He shall suddenly break the Turk, throwing all his army into utter disarray.”
#164
چو بشنید گفتِ ستاره شمر
✦
ندیدم ز خاقان کسی شادتر
“When the Khagan heard the astrologer's words, I saw no man happier than he.”
#165
به نوشین‌روان داد پس دخترش
✦
که از دختران او بدی افسرش
“He then gave his daughter to Noshinravan—she who was the crown among all his daughters.”
#166
پذیرفتم او را من از بهر شاه
✦
چو آن کرده بد بازگشتم به راه
“I accepted her on the King's behalf, and having done so, turned back onto my path.”
#167
بیاورد چندی گهرها ز گنج
✦
که ما یافتیم از کشیدنش رنج
“He brought forth quantities of jewels from the treasury, which cost us much toil to carry back.”
#168
همان تا لب رود جیحون براند
✦
جهان‌بین خود را بکشتی نشاند
“He accompanied us as far as the banks of the Oxus, and placed his envoy upon the ship.”
#169
ز جیحون دلی پر ز غم بازگشت
✦
ز فرزند با درد انباز گشت
“From the Oxus he turned back with a heart full of grief, sharing in the sorrow of parting with his child.”
#170
کنون آنچ دیدم بگفتم همه
✦
به پیش جهاندار شاه رمه
“Now I have recounted all that I witnessed before the ruler of the realm, the monarch of men.”
#171
ازین کشور این مرد را باز‌جوی
✦
بپوینده شاید که گویی بپوی
“Seek out this man within this kingdom; send swift messengers, if need be, to search for him,”
#172
که پیروزی شاه بر دست اوست
✦
بدشمن ممان این سخن گر بدوست
“For the King's victory lies in his hands; do not conceal this truth from enemy or friend.”
#173
بگفت این و جانش برآمد ز تن
✦
برو زار و گریان شدند انجمن
“Having spoken this, his soul departed his body, and the assembled company wept bitterly over him.”
#174
شهنشاه زو در شگفتی بماند
✦
به مژگان همی خون دل برفشاند
“The Shahanshah was left in wonder at his words, shedding tears of heart's blood from his lashes.”
#175
به ایرانیان گفت مهران ستاد
✦
همی‌داشت این راستی‌ها بیاد
“He said to the Iranians: 'Mehran Setad remembered these truths faithfully and kept them in mind.”
#176
چو با من یکایک بگفت و بمرد
✦
پسندیده جانش به یزدان سپرد
“When he had spoken all this to me, he passed away and surrendered his noble soul to God.'”
#177
سپاسم ز یزدان کزین مرد پیر
✦
برآمد چنین گفتن ناگزیر
“'Praise be to God that from this elderly man such indispensable counsel came forth.'”
#178
نشان جست باید ز هر مهتری
✦
اگر مهتری باشد ار کهتری
“'We must seek trace of him from every leader, whether he be of high or low degree.'”
#179
بجویید تا این بجای آورید
✦
همه رنج‌ها را به پای آورید
“'Search, so that you may fulfill this quest and bring all these labors to a fruitful end.'”
#180
یکی مهتری نامبردار بود
✦
که بر آخر اسب سالار بود
“There was a renowned nobleman who served as the master of the royal stables.”
#181
کجا راد‌فرخ بدی نام اوی
✦
همه شادی شاه بد کام اوی
“His name was Rad-Farrokh, and all his desire was the joy of the King.”
#182
بیامد بر شاه گفت این نشان
✦
که داد این ستوده به گردنکشان
“He came before the King and said: 'This description which that praised elder gave to the nobles—'”
#183
ز بهرام بهرام پورگشسب
✦
سواری سرافراز و پیچنده اسب
“'Fits Bahram, son of Bahram Gushasp—a lofty knight who breaks and turns swift steeds.'”
#184
ز اندیشهٔ من بخواهد گذشت
✦
ندیدم چنو مرزبانی به دشت
“'He shall exceed all my expectations; I have seen no border-lord like him in all the realm,'”
#185
که دادی بدو بَردَع و اردبیل
✦
یکی نامور گشت با کوس و خیل
“'To whom you granted Bardha'a and Ardabil, making him famous with drums and retinue.'”
#186
فرستاد و بهرام را مژده داد
✦
سخنهای مهران برو کرد یاد
“He dispatched a herald bearing glad tidings to Bahram, recalling all the prophecies that Mihran-Sitad had spoken.”
#187
جهانجوی پویان ز بردع برفت
✦
ز گردنکشان لشکری برد تفت
“Swiftly the ambitious warrior set forth from Barda, leading a formidable army of noble champions in great haste.”
#188
چو بهرام تنگ اندر آمد ز راه
✦
بفرمود تا بار دادند شاه
“When Bahram drew near from his long journey, the King commanded that his doors be opened to grant him audience.”
#189
جهاندیده روی شهنشاه دید
✦
بران نامدار آفرین گسترید
“Upon beholding the radiant face of the King of Kings, the battle-experienced hero showered praises on the illustrious sovereign.”
#190
نگه کرد شاه اندرو یک زمان
✦
نبودش بدو جز به نیکی گمان
“The monarch gazed upon him for a moment, harboring in his heart nothing but trust and high esteem for him.”
#191
نشان‌های مهران ستاد اندروی
✦
بدید و بخندید و شد تازه‌روی
“Discerning in his posture the very signs Mihran-Sitad had described, the king smiled and his visage brightened with joy.”
#192
ازان پس بپرسید و بنواختش
✦
یکی نامور جایگه ساختش
“Thereafter he greeted him with warmth, showered royal favors upon him, and assigned him a seat of eminent honor.”