#1
چنین گفت پس با سپه ساوه شاه
✦
که از جادوی اندر آرید راه
“Savah Shah then spoke to his host: 'Unleash sorcery to block their way!'”
#2
بدان تا دل و چشم ایرانیان
✦
بپیچد نیاید شما را زیان
“'So that the hearts and eyes of the Iranians may be bewildered, and no harm shall come to you.'”
#3
همه جاودان جادوی ساختند
✦
همی در هوا آتش انداختند
“Then all the sorcerers conjured their spells, casting fire high into the air.”
#4
برآمد یکی باد و ابری سیاه
✦
همی تیر بارید ازو بر سپاه
“A black wind and dark cloud arose, raining arrows down upon the army.”
#5
خروشید بهرام کای مهتران
✦
بزرگان ایران و کنداوران
“Bahram shouted out: 'O leaders, great men of Iran, and mighty heroes!'”
#6
بدین جادویها مدارید چشم
✦
به جنگ اندر آیید یکسر بخشم
“'Pay no heed to these sorceries; enter the battle with full wrath!'”
#7
که آن سر به سر تنبل وجادویست
✦
ز چاره برایشان بباید گریست
“'For all of this is mere deceit and trickery; one should pity them for relying on such remedies!'”
#8
خروشی برآمد ز ایرانیان
✦
ببستند خون ریختن را میان
“A roar arose from the Iranians, and they girded their loins to shed blood.”
#9
نگه کرد زان رزمگه ساوه شاه
✦
که آن جادویی را ندادند راه
“Savah Shah looked out from the battlefield and saw that they gave no heed to the sorcery.”
#10
بیاورد لشکر سوی میسره
✦
چو گرگ اندر آمد به‌پیش بره
“He drove his troops toward the left wing, charging forward like a wolf upon a lamb.”
#11
چویک روی لشکر به‌هم برشکست
✦
سوی قلب بهرام یازید دست
“When one flank of the army gave way, he stretched out his hand toward Bahram's center.”
#12
نگه کرد بهرام زان قلب‌گاه
✦
گریزان سپه دید پیش سپاه
“Bahram looked from the center of the battlefield and saw troops fleeing before the vanguard.”
#13
بیامد به‌نیزه سه تن را ز زین
✦
نگون‌سار کرد و بزد بر زمین
“He charged with his spear, tearing three men from their saddles and hurling them headlong to the ground.”
#14
همی‌گفت زین سان بود کارزار
✦
همین بود رسم و همین بود کار
“He cried out: 'Is this the way to fight? Was this your tradition and your habit?'”
#15
ندارید شرم از خدای جهان
✦
نه از نامداران فرخ مهان
“'Have you no shame before the Lord of the World, nor before your glorious, renowned commanders?'”
#16
و زان پس بیامد سوی میمنه
✦
چو شیر ژیان کو شود گرسنه
“Thereupon he swept toward the right flank, like a furious lion driven by hunger.”
#17
چنان لشکری رابه‌هم بردرید
✦
درفش سپهدار شد ناپدید
“He tore through such a vast host that the enemy commander's banner vanished from sight.”
#18
و زان جایگه شد سوی قلب‌گاه
✦
بران سو که سالار بد با سپاه
“And from that place he turned toward the center, where the chieftain stood with his army.”
#19
بدو گفت برگشت باد این سخن
✦
گر ایدون که این رزم گردد کهن
“He said to him: 'May this talk be turned back, if this battle should drag on long...'”
#20
پراکنده گردد به جنگ این سپاه
✦
نگه کن کنون تا کدامست راه
“'...This army will be scattered in fight; look now to see which path is open for escape!'”
#21
برفتند وجستند راهی نبود
✦
کزان راه شایست بالا نمود
“They went and searched, but found no path by which they could ascend or break out.”
#22
چنین گفت با لشکر آرای خویش
✦
که دیوار ما آهنینست پیش
“He spoke thus to his marshal: 'Before us stands a wall of iron.'”
#23
هر آنکس که او رخنه داند زدن
✦
ز دیوار بیرون تواند شدن
“'Whosoever knows how to breach it, shall be able to pass through the wall.'”
#24
شود ایمن و جان به ایران برد
✦
به نزدیک شاه دلیران برد
“'He will be safe and carry his life back to Iran, presenting himself before the King of the Brave.'”
#25
همه دل به خون ریختن برنهید
✦
سپر بر سر آرید و خنجر دهید
“'Set your hearts entirely upon shedding blood; raise your shields over your heads and strike with your daggers!'”
#26
ز یزدان نباشد کسی ناامید
✦
و گر تیره بینند روز سپید
“'Let no one despair of God, even if the bright day appears dark before them.'”
#27
چنین گفت با مهتران ساوه شاه
✦
که پیلان بیارید پیش سپاه
“Savah Shah spoke thus to his chieftains: 'Bring forth the war-elephants before the army!'”
#28
به انبوه لشکر به جنگ آورید
✦
بدیشان جهان تار و تنگ آورید
“'Bring them into the fray with the dense host, and make the world dark and narrow for them!'”
#29
چو از دور بهرام پیلان بدید
✦
غمی گشت و تیغ از میان برکشید
“When Bahram saw the elephants from afar, he grew grieved, yet drew his sword from his waist.”
#30
از آن پس چنین گفت با مهتران
✦
که ای نامداران و جنگ آوران
“Thereupon he spoke thus to his nobles: 'O glorious chiefs and battle-proven warriors!'”
#31
کمانهای چاچی بزه برنهید
✦
همه یکسره ترگ برسرنهید
“'String your Chachi bows, and put your helmets upon your heads, every one of you!'”
#32
به‌جان و سر شهریار جهان
✦
گزین بزرگان و تاج مهان
“'By the life and head of the Sovereign of the World, the chosen of nobles and crown of the great!'”
#33
که هرکس که بااو کمانست و تیر
✦
کمان را بزه برنهد ناگزیر
“'That whoever has a bow and arrows with him must inevitably string his bow!'”
#34
خدنگی که پیکانش یازد به‌خون
✦
سه چوبه به‌خرطوم پیل اندرون
“'Plant three poplar arrows, whose tips thirst for blood, deep into the trunk of every elephant,'”
#35
نشانید و پس گرزها برکشید
✦
به جنگ اندر آیید و دشمن کشید
“'Aim them well, then draw your maces; join the combat and slay the enemy!'”
#36
سپهبد کمان را بزه برنهاد
✦
یکی خود پولاد بر سر نهاد
“The commander strung his bow and set a steel helmet upon his head.”
#37
به‌پیل اندرون تیر باران گرفت
✦
کمان را چو ابر بهاران گرفت
“A shower of arrows rained down upon the war-elephants, as he gripped his bow like a storm-cloud of spring.”
#38
پس پشت او اندر آمد سپاه
✦
ستاره شد از پر و پیکان سیاه
“The host pressed closely behind him; the stars turned dark from the cloud of flight-feathers and arrowheads.”
#39
بخستند خرطوم پیلان به‌تیر
✦
ز خون شد در و دشت چون آب‌گیر
“They wounded the trunks of the elephants with arrows, until valley and plain turned into a pool of blood.”
#40
از آن خستگی پشت برگاشتند
✦
بدو دشت پیکار بگذاشتند
“Suffering from those severe wounds, the beasts turned back and abandoned that battleground.”
#41
چو پیل آن‌چنان زخم پیکان بدید
✦
همه لشکر خویش را بسپرید
“When the war-elephants suffered such arrow wounds, they trampled down their own army in retreat.”
#42
سپه بر هم افتاد و چندی بمرد
✦
همان بخت بد کام‌کاری ببرد
“The host fell into utter disarray and many died; ill fortune robbed them of all triumph.”
#43
سپاه اندر آمد پس پشت پیل
✦
زمین شد بکردار دریای نیل
“The army charged in behind the fleeing elephants, and the earth became like the turbulent River Nile.”
#44
تلی بود خرم بدان جایگاه
✦
پس پشت آن رنج دیده سپاه
“There was a pleasant hill in that place, lying behind that battered and suffering army.”
#45
یکی تخت زرین نهاده بروی
✦
نشسته برو ساوهٔ رزم‌جوی
“Upon it stood a golden throne, whereon sat the warlike King Sava.”
#46
سپه دید چون کوه آهن روان
✦
همه سر پر از گرد و تیره روان
“He saw the approaching army like a moving mountain of iron, their heads filled with dust and their spirits darkened.”
#47
پس پشت آن زنده پیلان مست
✦
همی‌کوفتند آن سپه را بدست
“Behind them, those wild and enraged elephants were crushing their own army with trunk and foot.”
#48
پر از آب شد دیدهٔ ساوه شاه
✦
بدان تا چرا شد هزیمت سپاه
“King Sava's eyes filled with tears, wondering why his army had been routed so terribly.”
#49
نشست از بر تازی اسب سمند
✦
همی‌تاخت ترسان ز بیم گزند
“He mounted his swift dun steed and galloped away, fearful of imminent harm.”
#50
بر ساوه بهرام چون پیل مست
✦
کمندی به بازو کمانی بدست
“Bahram bore down upon Sava like a wild elephant, lasso on arm and bow in hand.”
#51
به لشکر چنین گفت کای سرکشان
✦
زبخت بد آمد بر ایشان نشان
“He cried out to his army, "O champions! Ill fortune has cast its sign upon them."”
#52
نه هنگام رازست و روز سخن
✦
بتازید با تیغ‌های کهن
“"This is no time for secrets or idle words; charge them with your ancient blades!"”
#53
بر ایشان یکی تیر باران کنید
✦
بکوشید وکار سواران کنید
“"Rain down arrows upon them! Strive hard and fulfill the duty of true knights!"”
#54
بران تل بر آمد کجا ساوه شاه
✦
همی‌بود بر تخت زر با کلاه
“He ascended that hill where King Sava had sat crowned upon his golden throne.”
#55
و را دید برتازیی چون هزبر
✦
همی‌تاخت در دشت برسان ابر
“He saw him riding his steed like a lion, flying across the plain like a storm-cloud.”
#56
خدنگی گزین کرد پیکان چو آب
✦
نهاده برو چار پر عقاب
“He selected a choice poplar arrow with a point gleaming like water, fledged with four eagle feathers.”
#57
بمالید چاچی کمان را بدست
✦
به چرم گوزن اندر آورد شست
“He gripped his bow of Chach in hand and engaged his thumb-ring into the deer-hide string.”
#58
چو چپ راست کرد و خم آورد راست
✦
خروش از خم چرخ چاچی بخاست
“When he extended his left arm and drew the curve right, a roaring groan rose from the bent Chachi bow.”
#59
چو آورد یال یلی رابه‌گوش
✦
ز شاخ گوزنان برآمد خروش
“As he drew the heroic notch clear to his ear, a cry resounded from the antlered bow.”
#60
چو بگذشت پیکان از انگشت اوی
✦
گذر کرد از مهرهٔ پشت اوی
“The moment the arrowhead left his thumb, it pierced straight through Sava's spine.”
#61
سر ساوه آمد بخاک اندرون
✦
بزیر اندرش خاک شد جوی خون
“Sava's head plunged into the dirt, and beneath him the dust turned into a streaming conduit of blood.”
#62
شد آن نامور شاه و چندان سپاه
✦
همان تخت زرین و زرین کلاه
“Gone was that famous king and his vast army, along with his golden throne and golden crown.”
#63
چنینست کردار گردان سپهر
✦
نه نامهربانیش پیدا نه مهر
“Such is the manner of the revolving sphere; neither its cruelty is foreseeable nor its love.”
#64
نگر تا ننازی به‌تخت بلند
✦
چو ایمن شوی دورباش از گزند
“Take care never to pride yourself on a lofty throne; even when secure, stay vigilant against harm.”
#65
چو بهرام جنگی رسید اندروی
✦
کشیدش بر آن خاک تفته بروی
“When warlike Bahram reached his fallen foe, he dragged his body face-down across the scorching dust.”
#66
برید آن سر شاه‌وارش ز تن
✦
نیامد کسی پیشش از انجمن
“He severed that kingly head from its body, and no one from that assembly dared step forward against him.”
#67
چوترکان رسیدند نزدیک شاه
✦
فگنده تنی بود بی‌سر به راه
“When the Turks reached near their king, they found only a headless corpse lying in the path.”
#68
همه برگرفتند یکسر خروش
✦
زمین پر خروش و هوا پر ز جوش
“They all raised a sudden lamentation together; earth resounded with cries and the air boiled with grief.”
#69
پسر گفت کاین ایزدی کار بود
✦
که بهرام را بخت بیدار بود
“Sava's son said: "This was God's divine work, for fortune was awake and favoring Bahram."”
#70
ز تنگی کجا راه بد بر سپاه
✦
فراوان بمردند زان تنگ راه
“Because the pass was narrow for the retreating army, numbers of them perished in that tight bottleneck.”
#71
بسی پیل بسپرد مردم به‌پای
✦
نشد زان سپه ده یکی باز جای
“The elephants crushed countless men beneath their feet; not one in ten of that army returned to his place.”
#72
چه زیر پی پیل گشته تباه
✦
چه سرها بریده به‌آوردگاه
“Many were destroyed beneath the tread of elephants, and countless severed heads lay scattered across the field of strife.”
#73
چو بگذشت زان روز بد به زمان
✦
ندیدند زنده یکی بد گمان
“When that dire day had passed into time, not a single evil-thinking enemy was seen left alive.”
#74
مگرآنک بودند گشته اسیر
✦
روان‌ها به غم خسته و تن به تیر
“Save for those who had been captured alive, their spirits wounded by grief and their bodies pierced with arrows.”
#75
همه راه برگستوان بود و ترگ
✦
سران را ز ترگ آمده روز مرگ
“The whole road was strewn with armor and helmets; for the chieftains, their very helmets had brought the day of death.”
#76
همان تیغ هندی و تیر و کمان
✦
به هرسوی افگنده بد بدگمان
“Indian swords, arrows, and bows lay cast in every direction, discarded by the defeated enemy.”
#77
ز کشته چو دریای خون شد زمین
✦
به هرگوشه‌ای مانده اسبی به زین
“The earth became a sea of blood from the slain, and saddled horses stood abandoned in every corner.”
#78
همی‌گشت بهرام گرد سپاه
✦
که تا کشته ز ایران که یابد به راه
“Bahram rode around the army's field to see which Iranian warriors lay slain along the path.”
#79
از آن پس بخراد برزین بگفت
✦
که یک روز با رنج ما باش جفت
“He then commanded Khrad-i Barzin, saying: 'Share in our burden and labor for a day.'”
#80
نگه کن کز ایرانیان کشته کیست
✦
کزان درد ما را بباید گریست
“'Look carefully to see who among the Iranians has fallen, for whose loss we must weep in sorrow.'”
#81
به هرجای خراد برزین بگشت
✦
به هر پرده و خیمه‌ای برگذشت
“Khrad-i Barzin searched everywhere, passing through every pavilion and tent.”
#82
کم آمد زلشکر یکی نامور
✦
که بهرام بدنام آن پرهنر
“Only one famous chieftain was missing from the army—that accomplished hero named Bahram.”
#83
ز تخم سیاوش گوی مهتری
✦
سپهبد سواری دلاور سری
“A prince of Siyavash's noble lineage, a great chieftain, a brave rider, and a courageous leader.”
#84
همی‌رفت جوینده چون بیهشان
✦
مگر زو بیابد بجایی نشان
“He went searching like one frantic, hoping to discover some trace of him somewhere.”
#85
تن خسته و کشته چندی کشید
✦
ز بهرام جایی نشانی ندید
“He pulled aside many wounded and dead bodies, but found no sign of Bahram anywhere.”
#86
سپهدار زان کار شد دردمند
✦
همی‌گفت زار ای گو مستمند
“The commander grew grieved at this, lamenting bitterly: 'O wretched hero!'”
#87
زمانی برآمد پدید آمد اوی
✦
در بسته را چون کلید آمد اوی
“After a time he appeared, arriving like a key to a locked door.”
#88
ابا سرخ ترکی بد او گربه چشم
✦
تو گفتی دل آزرده دارد بخشم
“With him was a ruddy Turk with cat-like eyes, looking as though his heart burned with anger.”
#89
چو بهرام بهرام را دید گفت
✦
که هرگز مبادی تو با خاک جفت
“When Bahram saw Bahram, he said: 'May you never be laid low in the earth!'”
#90
از آن پس بپرسیدش از ترک زشت
✦
که ای دوزخی روی دور از بهشت
“Then he questioned him about that hideous Turk: 'O hellish-visaged one, far from paradise...'”
#91
چه مردی و نام نژاد تو چیست
✦
که زاینده را برتو باید گریست
“'What manner of man are you, and what is your lineage? For she who bore you must weep over you.'”
#92
چنین داد پاسخ که من جادوام
✦
ز مردی و از مردمی یک‌سوام
“He replied: 'I am a sorcerer, far removed from valor and humanity.'”
#93
هران کس که سالار باشد به جنگ
✦
به کارآیمش چون بود کارتنگ
“'Whoever is the commander in battle, I serve him when his plight becomes dire.'”
#94
به شب چیزهایی نمایم بخواب
✦
که آهستگان را کنم پرشتاب
“'At night I conjure things in dreams, throwing even the calmest of men into sudden turmoil.'”
#95
تو را من نمودم شب آن خواب بد
✦
بدان گونه تا بر سرت بد رسد
“'It was I who showed you that nightmare that night, so that calamity might fall upon your head.'”
#96
مرا چاره زان بیش بایست جست
✦
چو نیرنگ‌ها را نکردم درست
“'I should have sought more remedies, since my sorceries did not turn out right.'”
#97
به‌ما اختر بد چنین بازگشت
✦
همان رنج با باد انباز گشت
“'Thus did bad fortune turn back upon us, and all our labor was thrown to the wind.'”
#98
اگر یابم از تو به جان زینهار
✦
یکی پر هنر یافتی دست‌وار
“'If you grant me quarter for my life, you will gain a highly skilled assistant.'”
#99
چو بشنید بهرام و اندیشه کرد
✦
دلش گشت پر درد و رخساره زرد
“When Bahram heard this and pondered, his heart grew heavy with grief and his face turned pale.”
#100
زمانی همی‌گفت کین روز جنگ
✦
به کار آیدم چو شود کار تنگ
“For a moment he thought: 'This man might serve me on the day of battle when times become dire.'”
#101
زمانی همی‌گفت برساوه شاه
✦
چه سود آمد ازجادویی برسپاه
“Yet for a moment he thought: 'What good did sorcery bring to King Saveh and his army?'”
#102
همه نیکویها ز یزدان بود
✦
کسی را کجا بخت خندان بود
“'All goodness comes from God alone, whenever fortune smiles upon a man.'”
#103
بفرمود از تن بریدن سرش
✦
جدا کرد جان از تن بی‌برش
“He commanded that his head be severed from his body, parting the soul from his useless frame.”
#104
چو او رابکشتند بر پای خاست
✦
چنین گفت کای داور داد وراست
“When they slew him, Bahram rose to his feet and said: 'O Judge of Justice and Truth!'”
#105
بزرگی و پیروزی و فرهی
✦
بلندی و نیروی شاهنشهی
“'All greatness, victory, divine glory, loftiness, and the power of kingship belong to Thee!'”
#106
نژندی و هم شادمانی ز تست
✦
انوشه دلیری که راه توجست
“Sorrow and joy alike proceed from thee; immortal is the brave heart that sought thy path!”
#107
و زان پس بیامد دبیر بزرگ
✦
چنین گفت کای پهلوان سترگ
“Thereafter came the chief scribe and spake thus: 'O mighty and glorious champion!'”
#108
فریدون یل چون تویک پهلوان
✦
ندید و نه کسری نوشین روان
“Neither heroic Fereydun nor Noshirvan the Just ever witnessed a champion such as thee!”
#109
همت شیرمردی هم اورند و بند
✦
که هرگز به جان‌ت مبادا گزند
“Thine is true chivalry, majesty, and wisdom; may no harm ever reach thy life!”
#110
همه شهر ایران به تو زنده‌اند
✦
همه پهلوانان تو را بنده‌اند
“The whole realm of Iran lives through thee, and all champions are thy devoted servants.”
#111
بتو گشت بخت بزرگی بلند
✦
به‌تو زیردستان شوند ارجمند
“Through thee the fortune of greatness rose high; through thee the humble are exalted.”
#112
سپهبد تویی هم سپهبدنژاد
✦
خنک مام کو چون تو فرزند زاد
“Thou art the commander and of noble lineage; blessed is the mother who bore such a son!”
#113
که فرخ نژادی و فرخ سری
✦
ستون همه شهر و بوم و بری
“For thou art of auspicious birth and high honor, the pillar of the entire realm and land.”
#114
پراگنده گشتند ز آوردگاه
✦
بزرگان و هم پهلوان سپاه
“Then departed from the battlefield the nobles and the main champions of the army.”
#115
شب تیره چون زلف را تاب داد
✦
همان تاب او چشم را خواب داد
“As the dark night curled its dusky tresses, its twisting darkness brought slumber to the eyes.”
#116
پدید آمد آن پردهٔ آبنوس
✦
بر آسود گیتی ز آواز کوس
“The ebony veil of night appeared, and the world rested from the thunderous roar of war drums.”
#117
همی‌گشت گردون شتاب آمدش
✦
شب تیره را دیریاب آمدش
“The heavens revolved in swift movement, yet the dark night seemed long to pass.”
#118
بر آمد یکی زرد کشتی ز آب
✦
بپالود رنج و بپالود خواب
“Then a golden vessel [the sun] rose from the waters, washing away all weariness and sleep.”
#119
سپهبد بیامد فرستاد کس
✦
به‌نزدیک یاران فریادرس
“The commander came and sent forth messengers unto his helpful comrades and allies,”
#120
که تا هرک شد کشته از مهتران
✦
بزرگان ترکان و جنگ آوران
“Commanding that whoever among the chieftains had been slain—the Turkish lords and warriors—”
#121
سران‌شان ببرید یکسر ز تن
✦
کسی راکه بد مهتر انجمن
“Should have their heads severed from their bodies, especially those who led the host.”
#122
درفشی درفشان پس هر سری
✦
که بودند از آن جنگیان افسری
“Placing a gleaming banner behind the head of each noble commander among those warriors.”
#123
اسیران و سرها همه گرد کرد
✦
ببردند ز آوردگاه نبرد
“They gathered all the captives and severed heads, carrying them away from the field of battle.”
#124
دبیر نویسنده را پیش خواند
✦
ز هر در فراوان سخن‌ها براند
“He summoned the royal scribe before him and discussed many matters at length.”
#125
از آن لشکر نامور بی‌شمار
✦
از آن جنبش و گردش روزگار
“Speaking of that renowned, boundless army, and of the changes and turns of fortune,”
#126
از آن چاره و جنگ واز هر دری
✦
کجا رفته بد با چنان لشکری
“Of stratagems, combat, and every event that had transpired with such a mighty host,”
#127
و زان کوشش و جنگ ایرانیان
✦
که نگشاد روزی سواری میان
“And of the valiant struggle of the Iranians, whose horsemen unbuckled not their belts for even a day.”
#128
چو آن نامه بنوشت نزدیک شاه
✦
گزین کرد گوینده‌ای زان سپاه
“When that letter to the King was written, he chose an eloquent envoy from the host.”
#129
نخستین سر ساوه برنیزه کرد
✦
درفشی کجا داشتی در نبرد
“First, he mounted Sava's head upon a spear, alongside the banner he bore in battle,”
#130
سران بزرگان توران زمین
✦
چنان هم درفش سواران چین
“And the heads of the chieftains of Turan, as well as the banners of the horsemen of Chin.”
#131
بفرمود تا برستور نوند
✦
به‌زودی برشاه ایران برند
“He commanded swift messengers on courser steeds to bear them quickly to the King of Iran.”
#132
اسیران و آن خواسته هرچ بود
✦
همی‌داشت اندر هری نابسود
“The captives and all the gathered wealth he kept untouched in the city of Herat,”
#133
بدان تا چه فرمان دهد شهریار
✦
فرستاد با سر فراوان سوار
“Awaiting the sovereign's command; and sent many horsemen along with the severed heads.”
#134
همان تا بود نیز دستور شاه
✦
سوی جنگ پرموده بردن سپاه
“Also awaiting the King's royal decree to march the army unto war against Parmudah.”
#135
ستور نوند اندر آمد ز جای
✦
به‌پیش سواران یکی رهنمای
“The fleet-footed courser bounded forward, acting as a guide ahead of the riders.”
#136
وزان روی ترکان همه برهنه
✦
برفتند بی‌ساز واسب و بنه
“Meanwhile, the defeated Turks fled stripped of all, without armor, steeds, or baggage.”
#137
رسیدند یکسر به‌توران زمین
✦
سواران ترک و دلیران چین
“They arrived all together in the land of Turan, those Turkish riders and brave warriors of Chin.”
#138
چو آمد بپرموده زان آگهی
✦
بینداخت از سر کلاه مهی
“When word of this reached Parmudah, he cast down the crown of kingship from his head.”
#139
خروشی بر آمد ز ترکان به‌زار
✦
برآن مهتران تلخ شد روزگار
“A wail of anguish arose from the Turks, and life turned bitter for their leaders.”
#140
همه سر پر از گرد و دیده پر آب
✦
کسی رانبد خورد و آرام و خواب
“Their heads were covered in dust and eyes filled with tears; none had heart for food, rest, or sleep.”
#141
ازآن پس گوان‌را بر خویش خواند
✦
به‌مژگان همی خون دل برفشاند
“Thereafter he summoned his champions to his side, shedding the blood of his heart from his eyelashes.”
#142
بپرسید کز لشکر بی‌شمار
✦
که در رزم جستن نکردند کار
“He asked, "Of this countless army, who failed to do their duty in seeking battle?"”
#143
چنین داد پاسخ ورا رهنمون
✦
که ما داشتیم آن سپه را زبون
“Thus the counselor answered him: "We held that Persian host in low esteem."”
#144
چو بهرام جنگی بهنگام کار
✦
نبیند کس اندر جهان یک سوار
“"No man in all the world shall ever see a warrior like warlike Bahram in the hour of battle."”
#145
ز رستم فزونست هنگام جنگ
✦
دلیران نگیرند پیشش درنگ
“"In the day of conflict he exceeds even Rostam; no brave hero can stand firm before his onset."”
#146
نبد لشکرش را ز ما صد یکی
✦
نخست از دلیران ما کودکی
“"His host was not even a hundredth of ours; at first, even our young boys held them in small regard."”
#147
جهان‌دار یزدان ورا برکشید
✦
ازین بیش گویم نباید شنید
“"God, the Master of the World, exalted him; you should not listen to more than this from me."”
#148
چو پرموده بشنید گفتار اوی
✦
پر اندیشه گشتش دل از کار اوی
“When Parmoudeh heard his words, his heart grew anxious and full of thought over Bahram's deeds.”
#149
بجوشید و رخسارگان کرد زرد
✦
به‌درد دل آهنگ آورد کرد
“Seething with rage, his cheeks turned pale, and with a sorrowful heart he resolved to wage war.”
#150
سپه بودش از جنگیان صدهزار
✦
همه نامدار از در کارزار
“He had an army of one hundred thousand warriors, all renowned and worthy of the field of combat.”
#151
ز خرگاه لشکر به‌هامون کشید
✦
به نزدیکی رود جیحون کشید
“He led his army from their pavilions out to the plain, advancing toward the banks of the Jayhun River.”
#152
وزان پس کجا نامه پهلوان
✦
بیامد بر شاه روشن روان
“Thereafter, when the letter of the champion arrived before the enlightened King...”
#153
نشسته جهان‌دار با موبدان
✦
همی‌گفت کای نامور بخردان
“The ruler of the world was seated with his Mobads, saying: "O renowned and wise counselors..."”
#154
دو هفته بدین بارگاه مهی
✦
نیامد ز بهرام هیچ آگهی
“"For two full weeks no news of Bahram has reached this majestic court."”
#155
چه گویید ازین پس چه شاید بدن
✦
بباید بدین داستان‌ها زدن
“"What say you? What might come to pass hereafter? We must reflect upon these matters deeply."”
#156
همانگه که گفت این سخن شهریار
✦
بیامد ز درگاه سالار بار
“The very moment the king uttered these words, the Master of Ceremonies entered from the court threshold.”
#157
شهنشاه را زان سخن مژده داد
✦
که جاوید بادا جهان‌دار شاد
“He brought glad tidings to the King of Kings, praying: "May the Lord of the World be forever joyful!"”
#158
که بهرام بر ساوه پیروز گشت
✦
به رزم اندرون گیتی افروز گشت
“"For Bahram has triumphed over Saveh, and his prowess has illuminated the world in battle."”
#159
سبک مرد بهرام را پیش خواند
✦
وزان نامدارانش برتر نشاند
“Swiftly the king summoned the messenger who brought news of Bahram, and seated him above all the nobles.”
#160
فرستاده گفت ای سر افراز شاه
✦
به کام تو شد کام آن رزم‌گاه
“The messenger said: "O exalted King, the outcome of that battlefield has turned out according to your heart's desire!"”
#161
انوشه بدی شاد و رامش‌پذیر
✦
که بخت بد اندیش توگشت پیر
“"May you be immortal, happy, and serene! For the fortune of your malicious enemies has grown old and feeble."”
#162
سر ساوه شاهست و کهتر پسر
✦
که فغفور خواندیش وی‌را پدر
“"Here is the head of King Saveh and his younger son, whom the Fag hfur honored as a father."”
#163
زده بر سرنیزه‌ها بر درست
✦
همه شهر نظاره آن سرست
“"Fixed upright upon spearheads, the entire city stands gazing upon those severed heads."”
#164
شهنشاه بشنید بر پای خاست
✦
بزودی خم آورد بالای راست
“The King of Kings heard this and stood up; quickly he bowed his tall, upright stature in devotion.”
#165
همی‌بود بر پیش یزدان به‌پای
✦
همی‌گفت کای داور رهنمای
“Standing in prayer before God, he proclaimed: "O Guiding Judge..."”
#166
بد اندیش ما را تو کردی تباه
✦
تویی آفریننده هور و ماه
“"Thou hast destroyed our malicious foe; Thou art the Creator of the sun and the moon."”
#167
چنان زار و نومید بودم ز بخت
✦
که دشمن نگون اندر آمد ز تخت
“"So wretched and hopeless had I grown of fortune, until the enemy fell headlong from his throne."”
#168
سپهبد نکرد این نه جنگی سپاه
✦
که یزدان بد این جنگ را نیک خواه
“"Neither the commander nor his army wrought this victory; it was God who favored us in this battle."”
#169
بیاورد زان پس صد و سی هزار
✦
ز گنجی که بود از پدر یادگار
“Thereafter he brought forth one hundred and thirty thousand pieces from the treasure inherited from his father.”
#170
سه یک زان نخستین بدرویش داد
✦
پرستندگان را درم بیش داد
“A third of it he first bestowed upon the poor, and gave abundant silver to his attendants.”
#171
سه یک دیگر از بهر آتشکده
✦
همان بهر نوروز و جشن سده
“Another third was designated for the fire temples, as well as for the festivals of Nowruz and Sadeh.”
#172
فرستاد تا هیربد را دهند
✦
که در پیش آتشکده برنهند
“He sent it to be given to the Hirbad, to be placed before the sacred fire of the altar.”
#173
سیم بهره جایی که ویران بود
✦
رباطی که اندر بیابان بود
“The third portion was meant for desolate places and for caravanserais in the wilderness,”
#174
کند یکسر آباد جوینده مرد
✦
نباشد به راه اندرون بیم و درد
“So that industrious men might restore them completely, and travelers would feel no fear or hardship along the way.”
#175
ببخشید پس چار ساله خراج
✦
به درویش و آن را که بد تخت عاج
“Then he remitted four years of taxes for both the destitute and those who sat upon thrones of ivory.”
#176
نبشتند پس نامه از شهریار
✦
به هرکشوری سوی هرنامدار
“Then letters were written on behalf of the King, dispatched to every realm and unto every illustrious chief.”
#177
که بهرام پیروز شد بر سپاه
✦
بریدند بی‌بر سر ساوه شاه
“Announcing that Bahram had triumphed over the host, and severed the head of the hapless King Saveh.”
#178
پرستنده بد شاه در هفت روز
✦
به هشتم چو بفروخت گیتی فروز
“For seven days the King remained in worshipful devotion, and on the eighth, when the sun illuminated the world anew—”
#179
فرستادهٔ پهلوان رابخواند
✦
به مهر از بر نامداران نشاند
“He summoned the champion’s messenger and affectionately seated him above all the nobility.”
#180
مر آن نامه را خوب پاسخ نبشت
✦
درختی به باغ بزرگی بکشت
“He wrote a most gracious reply to the letter, planting a flourishing tree in the garden of greatness.”
#181
یکی تخت سیمین فرستاد نیز
✦
دو نعلین زرین و هر گونه چیز
“He also sent a silver throne, two golden sandals, and a vast array of precious gifts.”
#182
ز هیتال تا پیش رود برک
✦
به بهرام بخشید و بنوشت چک
“From Haital to the banks of the River Barek, he bestowed upon Bahram and issued a royal grant.”
#183
بفرمود کان خواسته بر سپاه
✦
ببخش آنچ آوردی از رزم‌گاه
“He commanded him: 'Distribute among the army all the spoils brought from the battlefield,”
#184
مگرگنج ویژه تن ساوه شاه
✦
که آورد باید بدین بارگاه
“Save for the royal treasure of King Saveh himself, which must be brought unto this court.'”
#185
وزان پس تو خود جنگ پرموده ساز
✦
ممان تا شود خصم گردن فراز
“'And thereafter prepare for war against Parmudah; suffer not the adversary to raise his head high.'”
#186
هم ایرانیان را فرستاد چیز
✦
نبشته به هر شهر منشور نیز
“Likewise he dispatched gifts to the Iranians, and wrote royal decrees to every city.”
#187
فرستاده را خلعت آراستند
✦
پس اسب جهان پهلوان خواستند
“They adorned the envoy with robes of honor, then called for the World-Champion’s steed.”
#188
فرستاده چون پیش بهرام شد
✦
سپهدار از و شاد و پدرام شد
“When the messenger arrived before Bahram, the commander grew joyful and blithe of heart.”
#189
غنیمت ببخشید پس بر سپاه
✦
جز از گنج ناپاک دل ساوه شاه
“Then Bahram bestowed the spoils upon the army, save for the treasure of the foul-hearted King Saveh.”
#190
فرستاد تا استواران خویش
✦
جهان‌دیده ونام‌داران خویش
“He sent his trusted officers, his experienced and renowned chieftains,”
#191
ببردند یکسر به درگاه شاه
✦
سپهبد سوی جنگ شد با سپاه
“To convey all the treasure directly to the King's court, while the commander marched forth to war with his host.”
#192
ازو چون بپرموده شد آگهی
✦
که جوید همی تخت شاهنشهی
“When news reached Parmudah concerning him, that he sought the throne of sovereignty,”
#193
دزی داشت پرموده افراز نام
✦
کزان دز بدی ایمن و شادکام
“Parmudah possessed a stronghold named Afraz, wherein he felt safe and secure.”
#194
نهاد آنچ بودش بدز در درم
✦
ز دینار وز گوهر و بیش و کم
“He deposited inside that fortress all he possessed of dirhams, dinars, jewels, and goods great and small.”
#195
ز جیحون گذر کرد خود با سپاه
✦
بیامد گرازان سوی رزم‌گاه
“He himself crossed the Jayhun with his army, marching proudly toward the battlefield.”
#196
دو لشکر به تنگ اندر آمد به جنگ
✦
بهره بر نکردند جایی درنگ
“The two armies drew close together to do battle, tarrying nowhere along the way.”
#197
بدو منزل بلخ هر دو سپاه
✦
گزیدند شایسته دو رزم‌گاه
“Two marches away from Balkh, both hosts chose two fitting grounds for battle.”
#198
میان دو لشکر دو فرسنگ بود
✦
که پهنای دشت از در جنگ بود
“Two farsangs lay between the two armies, a broad plain perfectly suited for war.”
#199
دگر روز بهرام جنگی برفت
✦
به دیدار گردان پرموده تفت
“On the next day, warlike Bahram rode out swiftly to inspect Parmudah's warriors.”
#200
نگه کرد پرموده را بدید
✦
ز هامون یکی تند بالا گزید
“He observed and caught sight of Parmudah, selecting a steep height above the plain.”
#201
سپه را سراسر همه برنشاند
✦
چنان شد که در دشت جایی نماند
“He mounted all his troops, filling the plain so completely that no space remained vacant.”
#202
سپه دید پرموده چندانک دشت
✦
ز دیدار ایشان همی خیره گشت
“Parmudah beheld an army as vast as the plain itself, and grew dazzled by the sight of them.”
#203
و را دید در پیش آن لشکرش
✦
به گردون برآورده جنگی سرش
“He saw Bahram at the head of his host, his warlike head towering up to the heavens.”
#204
غمی گشت و با لشکر خویش گفت
✦
که این پیش‌رو را هزبرست جفت
“Disquieted, he spoke to his army: 'This leader has a fierce lion for a companion!”
#205
شمار سپاهش پدیدار نیست
✦
هم این رزم را کس خریدار نیست
“The count of his troops is beyond reckoning, nor is anyone eager to undertake this battle.”
#206
سپهدار گردن‌کش و خشمناک
✦
همی خون شود زیر او تیره خاک
“Their commander is proud and furious; beneath his tread the dark earth turns to blood.”
#207
چو شب تیره گردد شبیخون کنیم
✦
ز دل بیم و اندیشه بیرون کنیم
“When the night grows dark, let us launch a night assault, driving fear and anxiety from our hearts.'”
#208
چو پرموده آمد به پرده سرای
✦
همی‌زد ز هر گونه از جنگ رای
“When Parmudah returned to his pavilion, he took counsel on every manner of waging war.”
#209
همی‌گفت کین از هنرها یکیست
✦
اگر چه سپه‌شان کنون اندکیست
“He said: 'This is one of the martial arts—though their force seems small at present,”
#210
سواران و گردان پر مایه‌اند
✦
ز گردن‌کشان برترین پایه‌اند
“Their horsemen and warriors are of supreme valour, occupying the highest rank among mighty lords.'”
#211
سلیحست وبهرام‌شان پیش‌رو
✦
که گردد سنان پیش او خار و خو
“Fully armed are they, with Bahram leading the van, before whose might spearheads soften like withered thorns.”
#212
به پیروزی ساوه شاه اندرون
✦
گرفته دل و مست گشته به خون
“Exalted in the pride of King Saveh's triumph, their hearts grew bold and intoxicated with the thrum of battle.”
#213
اگر یار باشد جهان آفرین
✦
به خون پدر خواهم از کوه کین
“"If the World-Creator be my guide," he swore, "I shall exact my father's blood-revenge even from a mountain of hate!"”
#214
بدان‌گه که بهرام شد جنگ‌جوی
✦
از ایران سوی ترک بنهاد روی
“At that very hour when Bahram was roused to war, he set his face from Iran toward the domain of the Turks.”