#1
برآشفت بهرام و شد شوخ چشم
✦
زگفتار پرموده آمد بخشم
“Bahram flew into a passion, his eyes turning bold and fierce; he grew enraged at the words of Parmoudeh.”
#2
بتندیش یک تازیانه بزد
✦
بران سان که از ناسزایان سزد
“In fury he struck him with a whip, just as fitting for those who act unworthily.”
#3
ببستند هم در زمان پای اوی
✦
یکی تنگ خرگاه شد جای اوی
“At once they bound his feet, and a narrow, cramped tent became his dwelling.”
#4
چو خراد برزین چنان دید گفت
✦
که این پهلوان را خرد نیست جفت
“When Khorrad Barzin saw this happen, he said: 'Wisdom is no companion to this champion!'”
#5
بیامد بنزد دبیر بزرگ
✦
بدو گفت کین پهلوان سترگ
“He came to the chief scribe and said to him: 'This mighty paladin...'”
#6
بیک پر پشه ندارد خرد
✦
ازیرا کسی را بکس نشمرد
“...possesses not even the wisdom of a mosquito's wing, for he counts no man as anything!'”
#7
ببایدش گفتن کزین چاره نیست
✦
ورا بتر از خشم پتیاره نیست
“'He must be warned that there is no remedy for this, and no calamity worse for him than anger.'”
#8
به نزدیک بهرام رفت آن دو مرد
✦
زبانها پراز بند و رخ لاژورد
“Those two men went before Bahram, their tongues full of counsel and their faces pale as lapis.”
#9
بگفتند کین رنج دادی بباد
✦
سر نامور پر ز آتش مباد
“They said: 'You have given all your labor to the wind; let not the hero's head be filled with fire!'”
#10
بدانست بهرام کان بود زشت
✦
باب اندرافگند و تر گشت خشت
“Bahram realized that his deed was ugly; he poured water over his hot temper and softened his stance.”
#11
پشیمان شد وبند او برگرفت
✦
ز کردار خود دست بر سرگرفت
“He felt regret, removed the fetters from him, and held his head in distress over his action.”
#12
فرستاد اسبی بزرین ستام
✦
یکی تیغ هندی بزرین نیام
“He sent him a horse with a golden bridle, and an Indian sword in a golden scabbard.”
#13
هم اندر زمان شد به نزدیک اوی
✦
که روشن کند جان تاریک اوی
“At once he went to him in person, hoping to brighten his dark spirit.”
#14
همی‌بود تا او میان را ببست
✦
یکی بارهٔ تیزتگ برنشست
“He waited until the prince girded his loins and mounted a swift courser.”
#15
سپهبد همی‌راند با اوبه راه
✦
بدید آنک تازه نبد روی شاه
“The general rode along the path with him, observing that the royal face was far from cheerful.”
#16
بهنگام پدرود کردنش گفت
✦
که آزار داری ز من درنهفت
“At the moment of bidding farewell, he said: 'Do you harbor hidden resentment against me?'”
#17
گرت هست با شاه ایران مگوی
✦
نیاید تو را نزد او آب روی
“'If you do, speak not of it to the King of Iran, lest your honor fall before him.'”
#18
بدو گفت خاقان که ما راگله
✦
زبختست و کردم به یزدان یله
“The Khagan replied: 'Our complaint is against Fate, and I have left all to God.'”
#19
نه من زان شمارم که از هرکسی
✦
سخنها همی‌راند خواهم بسی
“'I am not one of those who wander about speaking countless words to everyone.'”
#20
اگر شهریار تو زین آگهی
✦
نیابد نزیبد برو بر مهی
“'Yet if your sovereign learns not of this, greatness does not truly suit him.'”
#21
مرا بند گردون گردنده کرد
✦
نگویم که با من بدی بنده کرد
“'The turning sky put me in chains; I say not that a slave did evil to me.'”
#22
ز گفتار اوگشت بهرام زرد
✦
بپیچید و خشم از دلیری بخورد
“At his words, Bahram turned pale; he twisted in irritation but swallowed his pride and anger.”
#23
چنین داد پاسخ که آمد نشان
✦
ز گفتار آن مهتر سرکشان
“He answered thus: 'Signs have come from the words of that leader of the proud...'”
#24
که تخم بدی تا توانی مکار
✦
چوکاری برت بر دهد روزگار
“'...that so long as you can, sow not the seed of evil, for when you sow, Time will give you its fruit.'”
#25
بدو گفت بهرام کای نامجوی
✦
سخنها چنین تا توانی مگوی
“Bahram said to him: 'O seeker of renown, speak not such words as long as you are able!'”
#26
چرا من بتو دل بیاراستم
✦
ز گیتی تو را نیکویی خواستم
“'Why did I incline my heart to you, and wish only good for you in this world?'”
#27
ز تو نامه کردم بشاه جهان
✦
همی زشت تو داشتم در نهان
“'I wrote letters to the King of the World on your behalf, concealing your ugly faults in secret.'”
#28
بدو گفت خاقان که آن بد گذشت
✦
گذشته سخنها همه باد گشت
“The Khagan said to him: 'That evil has passed; bygone words have all turned to wind.'”
#29
ولیکن چو در جنگ خواری بود
✦
گه آشتی بردباری بود
“'Yet when there is humiliation in battle, there should be forbearance at the time of peace.'”
#30
تو راخشم با آشتی گر یکیست
✦
خرد بی‌گمان نزد تواندکیست
“'If your wrath and your reconciliation are the same, wisdom surely is scarce within you.'”
#31
چو سالار راه خداوند خویش
✦
بگیرد نیفتد بهرکار پیش
“'When a ruler takes the path of his Lord, he does not leap ahead blindly in every affair.'”
#32
همان راه یزدان بباید سپرد
✦
ز دل تیرگیها بباید سترد
“'Likewise, the path of God must be followed, and gloom wiped clear from the heart.'”
#33
سخن گر نیفزایی اکنون رواست
✦
که آن بد که شد گشت با باد راست
“'If you say no more words now, it is proper; for the evil that was has dissolved into wind.'”
#34
زخاقان چوبشنید بهرام گفت
✦
که پنداشتم کین بماند نهفت
“When Bahram heard this from the Khagan, he said: 'I thought this matter would remain hidden.'”
#35
کنون زان گنه گر بیاید زیان
✦
نپوشم برو چادر پرنیان
“'Now if harm should come from that fault, I shall not cover it with a cloak of silk.'”
#36
چوآنجارسی هرچ باید بگوی
✦
نه زان مر مراکم شود آب روی
“'When you arrive there, say whatever must be said; my honor will not be diminished by it.'”
#37
بدو گفت خاقان که هرشهریار
✦
که ازنیک وبد برنگیرد شمار
“The Khagan said: 'Any sovereign who does not weigh good and evil...'”
#38
ببد کردن بنده خامش بود
✦
برمن چنان دان که بیهش بود
“'...and stays silent at a servant's wrongdoing, know that in my eyes he is devoid of sense.'”
#39
چواز دور بیند ورا بدسگال
✦
وگر نیک خواهی بود گر همال
“'When he sees an ill-wisher from afar, or a well-wisher who is his peer...'”
#40
تو را ناسزا خواند وسرسبک
✦
ورا شاه ایران ومغزی تُنُک
“'...and calls you unworthy with a light head, the King of Iran will prove to have a shallow mind!'”
#41
بجوشید بهرام وشد زردروی
✦
نگه کرد خراد برزین بروی
“Bahram boiled with anger and his face turned pale; Khorrad Barzin looked upon his visage.”
#42
بترسید زان تیزخونخوار مرد
✦
که اورا زباد اندرآرد بگرد
“He feared that quick-tempered, blood-shedding man might blow him away like dust in the wind.”
#43
ببهرام گفت ای سزاوار گاه
✦
بخور خشم وسر بازگردان ز راه
“He said to Bahram: 'O worthy of the throne, swallow your anger and turn your head back from the road!'”
#44
که خاقان همی راست گوید سخن
✦
توبنیوش واندیشه بدمکن
“'For the Khagan speaks the truth; listen to him and harbor no evil thoughts.'”
#45
سخن گر نرفتی بدین گونه سرد
✦
تو را نیستی دل پرآزار و درد
“'Had not the words gone so cold, your heart would not be filled with pain and grief.'”
#46
بدو گفت کین بدرگ بی‌هنر
✦
بجوید همی خاک وخون پدر
“He said to him: 'This ill-bred, skilless wretch seeks to avenge the blood and soil of his father.'”
#47
بدو گفت خاقان که این بد مکن
✦
بتیزی بزرگی بگردد کهن
“The Khaqan said to him: 'Do not commit this evil deed; through rash haste, greatness fades and grows old.'”
#48
بگیتی هرآنکس که او چون تو بود
✦
سرش پر ز گرد ودلش پر ز دود
“'In this world, whoever was like you, with a head full of pride and a heart full of malice,'”
#49
همه بد سگالید وباکس نساخت
✦
بکژی ونابخردی سر فراخت
“'Plotted only evil and made peace with none, lifting his head in crookedness and folly.'”
#50
همی ازشهنشاه ترسانییم
✦
سزا زو بود رنج وآسانییم
“'You constantly frighten us of the King of Kings, whereas both our hardship and our ease rightly come from him.'”
#51
زگردنکشان اوهمال منست
✦
نه چون بنده اوبدسگال منست
“'Among proud rulers he is my true equal, not a mere servant plotting ill against me.'”
#52
هشیوار وآهسته و با نژاد
✦
بسی نامبردار دارد بیاد
“'He is wise, tranquil, and noble of birth, keeping in mind many renowned figures of old.'”
#53
به جان و سرشاه ایران سپاه
✦
کز ایدر کنون بازگردی به راه
“'By the life and head of the King of Iran's host, you must now turn back on your path from here!'”
#54
بپاسخ نیفزایی وبدخوی
✦
نگویی سخن نیز تا نشنوی
“'Add nothing to your reply, show no ill temper, and speak no further until you are addressed!'”
#55
چوبشنید بهرام زوگشت باز
✦
بلشکر گه آمد گو رزمساز
“When Bahram heard this from him, he turned back; the battle-ready warrior returned to the camp.”
#56
چو خراد برزین وآن بخردان
✦
دبیر بزرگ ودگر موبدان
“Then Khorrad-e Barzin and those wise men, the chief scribe, and the other Mobads...”
#57
نبشتند نامه بشاه جهان
✦
سخن هرچ بد آشکار ونهان
“Wrote a letter to the King of the World, setting down everything that had occurred, both manifest and hidden.”
#58
سپهدار با موبد موبدان
✦
بخشم آن زمان گفت کای بخردان
“The commander then said in anger to the Mobad of Mobads: 'O wise ones,'”
#59
هم اکنون از ایدر بدز درشوید
✦
بکوشید و با باد همبر شوید
“'Go straightway to the fortress from here; strive and match the speed of the wind!'”
#60
بدز بر ببیند تا خواسته
✦
چه مایه بود گنج آراسته
“'Inspect the fortress to see what vast wealth and adorned treasure lie within.'”
#61
دبیران برفتند دل پرهراس
✦
ز شبگیر تاشب گذشته سه پاس
“The scribes departed with anxious hearts, working from early dawn until three watches of the night had passed.”
#62
سیه شد بسی یازگار از شمار
✦
نبشته نشد هم بفرجام کار
“Many scrolls turned black with reckoning, yet even in the end, the count remained unfinished.”
#63
بدز بر نبد راه زان خواسته
✦
گذشته بدو سال و ناکاسته
“There was no passage left in the fortress for all that wealth; two years had passed, yet it remained undiminished.”
#64
ز هنگام ارجاسب و افراسیاب
✦
ز دینار و گوهر که خیزد ز آب
“Treasures amassed since the times of Arjasp and Afrasiab: golden dinars, and pearls born of the deep waters,”
#65
همان نیز چیزی که کانی بود
✦
کجا رستنش آسمانی بود
“As well as precious things mined from the earth, whose origin was as divine gift from the heavens.”
#66
همه گنجها اندر آورده بود
✦
کجا نام او در جهان برده بود
“Every treasure ever spoken of in the world had been gathered and brought together there.”
#67
زچیز سیاوش نخستین کمر
✦
بهرمهره‌ای در سه یاره گهر
“First was the belt of Siyavash, set in each of its beads with three jeweled armlets;”
#68
همان گوشوارش که اندر جهان
✦
کسی را نبود ازکهان ومهان
“Likewise his earring, the like of which no one in the world possessed, whether high or low;”
#69
که کیخسرو آن رابه لهراسب داد
✦
که لهراسب زان پس بگشتاسب داد
“Which Kay Khosrow had given to Lohrasp, and Lohrasp thereafter bestowed upon Goshtasp,”
#70
که ارجاسب آن را بدز درنهاد
✦
که هنگام آنکس ندارد بیاد
“Which Arjasp had stored inside that fortress in an age so distant no man remembers it.”
#71
شمارش ندانست کس در جهان
✦
ستاره شناسان و فرخ مهان
“None in the world knew its total count—neither astronomers nor auspicious nobles.”
#72
نبشتند یک یک همه خواسته
✦
که بود اندر آن گنج آراسته
“They wrote down one by one all the treasures contained in that magnificent hoard.”
#73
فرستاد بهرام مردی دبیر
✦
سخن گوی و روشن دل و یادگیر
“Bahram dispatched a scribe—an eloquent man, enlightened of mind, and quick of memory.”
#74
بیامد همه خواسته گرد کرد
✦
که بد در دز وهم به دشت نبرد
“He came and collected all the spoils that were in the fortress as well as on the battlefield.”
#75
ابا خواسته بود دو گوشوار
✦
دو موزه درو بود گوهرنگار
“Among the treasures were two earrings and a pair of boots studded with brilliant gems,”
#76
همان شوشه زر وبرو بافته
✦
بگوهر سر شوشه برتافته
“As well as bars of gold woven over with craft, their tips crowned with jewels.”
#77
دو برد یمانی همه زربفت
✦
بسختند هر یک بمن بود هفت
“Two Yemeni cloaks woven with pure gold thread, each weighing seven man when weighed.”
#78
سپهبد زکشی و کنداوری
✦
نبود آگه از جستن داوری
“The general, in his vanity and martial pride, was blind to the judgment he was stirring against himself.”
#79
دو برد یمانی بیکسونهاد
✦
دو موزه به نامه نکرد ایچ یاد
“He set the two Yemeni cloaks aside and made no mention of the two gem-laden boots in his dispatch.”
#80
بفرمود زان پس که پیداگشسب
✦
همی با سواران نشیند براسب
“He then ordered that Payda-Goshasb should mount his horse alongside the cavaliers.”
#81
زلشکر گزین کرد مردی هزار
✦
که با اوشود تا درشهریار
“From the army he selected a thousand chosen men, that they might accompany him to the threshold of the King of Kings.”
#82
زخاقان شتر خواست ده کاروان
✦
شمرد آن زمان جمله بر ساروان
“He requested ten caravans of camels from the Khaqan, and handed them all over to the chief camel-driver.”
#83
سواران پس پشت وخاقان زپیش
✦
همی‌راند با نامداران خویش
“With horsemen trailing behind and the Khaqan's son riding ahead, he advanced in the company of his renowned nobles.”
#84
چو خاقان بیامد به نزدیک شاه
✦
ابا گنج دیرینه و با سپاه
“When the Khaqan's son drew near to the Shah, bringing ancient treasures alongside his army,”
#85
چوبشنید شاه جهان برنشست
✦
به سر بر یکی تاج و گرزی بدست
“Upon hearing this, the Lord of the World mounted his charger, wearing his crown upon his head and holding a mace in hand.”
#86
بیامد چنین تا بدرگه رسید
✦
ز دهلیز چون روی خاقان بدید
“He rode until he reached the palace gate, and from the portico, as soon as he caught sight of the Khaqan's son,”
#87
همی‌بود تا چونش بیند به راه
✦
فرود آید او همچنان با سپاه
“He waited so that when the prince saw him on the road, he too might dismount alongside his army.”
#88
ببیندش و برگردد از پیش اوی
✦
پراندیشه بد زان سخن نامجوی
“To see him and then turn back before him; for the ambitious prince was filled with anxiety over this affair.”
#89
پس آنگاه خاقان چنان هم بر اسب
✦
ابا موبد خویش پیداگشسب
“Then the Khaqan's son remained upon his horse, accompanied by his high priest, Payda-Goshasp.”
#90
فرود آمد از اسب خاقان همان
✦
بیامد برشاه ایران دمان
“Immediately the Khaqan's son dismounted from his steed and swiftly approached the Shah of Iran.”
#91
درنگی ببد تا جهاندار شاه
✦
نشست از بر تازی اسبی سیاه
“There was a brief delay until the world-ruling monarch mounted a black Arabian charger.”
#92
شهنشاه اسب تگاور براند
✦
بدهلیز با او زمانی بماند
“The King of Kings spurred his swift horse forward and remained with him in the portico for a short while.”
#93
چوخاقان برفت از در شهریار
✦
عنانش گرفت آن زمان پرده دار
“When the Khaqan's son departed from the monarch's door, the chamberlain at once took hold of his reins.”
#94
پیاده شد از باره پرموده زود
✦
بران کهتری جادوییها نمود
“Parmudah quickly dismounted from his steed, displaying humble courtesies before that attendant.”
#95
پیاده همان شاه دستش بدست
✦
بیاورد او را بجای نشست
“Dismounted likewise, the King took him by the hand and led him to the seating place.”
#96
خرامان بیامد به نزدیک تخت
✦
مراورا شهنشاه بنواخت سخت
“Gracefully he approached the throne, and the King of Kings bestowed great royal favor upon him.”
#97
بپرسید و بنشاختش پیش خویش
✦
بگفتند بسیار ز انداره بیش
“He inquired after his health, seated him before himself, and they conversed at great length beyond measure.”
#98
سزاوار او جایگه ساختند
✦
یکی خرم ایوان بپرداختند
“They prepared a worthy residence for him and cleared a splendid, delightful palace.”
#99
ببردند چیزی که شایسته بود
✦
همان پیش پرموده بایسته بود
“They brought forth everything fitting and required for Parmudah's comfort.”
#100
سپه را به نزدیک او جای کرد
✦
دبیری بدان کاربر پای کرد
“He assigned quarters for the troops near him, and appointed a scribe to manage that task.”
#101
چو آگه شد از کار آن خواسته
✦
که آورد پرموده آراسته
“When the Shah became aware of the treasures that Parmudah had brought so richly arranged,”
#102
به میدان فرستاده تا همچنان
✦
برد بار پرمایه با ساروان
“He sent word to the square so that the heavy, precious loads might be carried along with the camel-drivers.”
#103
چوآسود پرموده از رنج راه
✦
بهشتم یکی سور فرمود شاه
“When Parmudah had rested from the toil of the road, on the eighth day the Shah commanded a feast.”
#104
چو خاقان زپیش جهاندار شاه
✦
نشستند برخوان او پیش گاه
“As the Khaqan's son sat before the Lord of the World, dining at his royal table in front of the throne,”
#105
بفرمود تابار آن اشتران
✦
بپشت اندر آرند پیش سران
“The King commanded that the camel loads be carried upon men's backs before the assembled chieftains.”
#106
کسی برگرفت از کشیدن شمار
✦
بیک روز مزدور بدصدهزار
“Someone kept account of the haulers, and in a single day, one hundred thousand laborers were employed.”
#107
دگر روز هم بامداد پگاه
✦
بخوان برمی‌آورد وبنشست شاه
“On the next day at early dawn, wine was brought to the table as the Shah sat enthroned.”
#108
زمیدان ببردند پنجه هزار
✦
هم ازتنگ بر پشت مردان کار
“Fifty thousand loads were moved from the square, tied tightly onto the backs of sturdy laborers.”
#109
از آورده صد گنج شد ساخته
✦
دل شاه زان کار پرداخته
“From what was brought, a hundred hoards were compiled, and the Shah's heart was well satisfied with the task.”
#110
یکی تخت جامه بفرمود شاه
✦
کز آنجا بیارند پیش سپاه
“The Shah ordered a tray of royal garments to be brought from there before the army,”
#111
همان بر کمر گوهر شاهوار
✦
که نامد همی ارز او در شمار
“Along with royal jewels set upon belts, the boundless value of which could not be counted.”
#112
یکی آفرین خاست از بزمگاه
✦
که پیروز باداین جهاندار شاه
“A shout of praise arose from the banquet hall: 'May this world-conquering King be ever victorious!'”
#113
بآیین گشسب آن زمان شاه گفت
✦
که با او بدش آشکار و نهفت
“The Shah then spoke to Ayin-Goshasp, with whom he shared all his secret and open thoughts:”
#114
که چون بینی این کار چوبینه را
✦
بمردی به کار آورد کینه را
“'How do you view this deed of Chubineh, who executed his vengeance so courageously?'”
#115
چنین گفت آیین گشسب دبیر
✦
که‌ای شاه روشن دل و یادگیر
“Thus spoke Ayin-Goshasp the scribe: 'O wise and enlightened King!'”
#116
بسوری که دستانش چوبین بود
✦
چنان دان که خوانش نو آیین بود
“Know that at the feast given by Bahram Chubin, the banquet was set out in a whole new fashion.”
#117
ز گفتار او شاه شد بدگمان
✦
روانش پراندیشه بدیک زمان
“At his words, the King grew suspicious; his soul instantly became filled with anxious forebodings.”
#118
هیونی بیامد همانگه سترگ
✦
یکی نامه‌ای از دبیر بزرگ
“Thereupon a swift, mighty courier camel arrived, bearing a letter from the chief scribe.”
#119
که شاه جهان جاودان شادباد
✦
همه کار اوبخشش وداد باد
“Saying: "May the King of the world be forever joyful, and may all his deeds be marked by bounty and justice!”
#120
چنان دان که برد یمانی دوبود
✦
همه موزه از گوهر نابسود
“Know that the Yemeni garments were two, and all the boots were encrusted with unblemished jewels.”
#121
همان گوشوار سیاوش رد
✦
کزو یادگارست ما را خرد
“Likewise the earrings of the noble Siyavash, through which wisdom has remained as a legacy unto us.”
#122
ازین چار دو پهلوان برگرفت
✦
چو او دید رنج این نباشد شگفت
“Of these four treasures, the champion took two; considering the hardship he endured, this should cause no wonder.”
#123
زشاهک بپرسید پس نامجوی
✦
کزین هرچ دیدی یکایک بگوی
“Then the fame-seeking King asked Shahak: "Relate to me one by one everything you witnessed of this matter."”
#124
سخن گفت شاهک برین‌همنشان
✦
برآشفت زان شاه گردنکشان
“Shahak spoke in this wise, and at his words the King of proud monarchs flew into a rage.”
#125
هم اندر زمان گفت چوبینه راه
✦
همی گم کند سربرآرد بماه
“Immediately he said: "Chubin is straying from the right path; he is raising his head to the moon in rebellion!”
#126
یکی آنک خاقان چین رابزد
✦
ازان سان که ازگوهر بد سزد
“First, he struck down the Khaqan of China, in a manner befitting an evil origin.”
#127
دگر آنک چون گوشوارش به کار
✦
بیامد مگرشد یکی شهریار
“Second, when the earrings came to his use, perhaps he deemed himself a sovereign monarch!”
#128
همه رنج او سر به سر بادگشت
✦
همه داد دادنش بیداد گشت
“All his efforts have dissolved into wind; all his former justice has turned into tyranny."”
#129
بگفت این و پرموده را پیش خواند
✦
بران نامور پیشگاهش نشاند
“Saying this, he summoned Parmudah to his presence and seated him before his glorious throne.”
#130
ببودند وخوردند تا شب زراه
✦
بیفشاند آن تیره زلف سیاه
“They remained and feasted until night arrived from its path, scattering its dark, black tresses over the world.”
#131
بخاقان چین گفت کز بهر من
✦
بسی زنج دیدی توازشهرمن
“He said to the Khaqan of China: "On my account, you have suffered much hardship from my realm.”
#132
نشسته بیازید ودستش گرفت
✦
ازو ماند پرموده اندر شگفت
“Sitting there, he reached out and took his hand, leaving Parmudah lost in utter amazement.”
#133
بدو گفت سوگند ما تازه کن
✦
همان کار بر دیگر اندازه کن
“He said to him: "Renew our solemn pledge, and set this relationship upon a new footing."”
#134
بخوردند سوگندهای گران
✦
به یزدان پاک وبه جان سران
“They swore solemn and weighty oaths by the pure God and by the lives of noble chieftains,”
#135
که از شاه خاقان نپیچد به دل
✦
ندارد به کاری ورا دلگسل
“That the King’s heart would never turn away from the Khaqan, nor hold any grievance to sever their bond;”
#136
بگاه وبتاج و بخورشیدوماه
✦
به آذرگشسب و به آذرپناه
“Swearing by throne, crown, sun, and moon, by Azar Gushasp and the sacred fire of Azar Panah,”
#137
به یزدان که او برتر ازبرتریست
✦
نگارندهٔ زهره ومشتریست
“By God, who is higher than the highest, the Creator of Venus and Jupiter,”
#138
که چون بازگردی نپیچی زمن
✦
نه از نامداران این انجمن
“"That when you return, you shall not turn away from me, nor from the illustrious figures of this assembly."”
#139
بگفتند وز جای برخاستند
✦
سوی خوابگه رفتن آراستند
“Having spoken these words, they arose from their seats and prepared to retire to the bedchamber.”
#140
چوبرزد سرازکوه زرد آفتاب
✦
سرتاجداران برآمد زخواب
“When the golden sun reared its head above the mountain, the crowned heads woke from their sleep.”
#141
یکی خلعت آراسته بود شاه
✦
ز زرین وسیمین و اسب وکلاه
“The King had prepared a lavish robe of honor, composed of gold, silver, steed, and crown.”
#142
به نزدیک خاقان فرستاد شاه
✦
دومنزل همی‌رفت با او به راه
“The King sent it to the Khaqan, and accompanied him on his journey for two full stages.”
#143
سه دیگر نپیمود راه دراز
✦
درودش فرستاد وزو گشت باز
“On the third stage, he journeyed no further; he sent him blessings and turned back.”
#144
چو آگاهی آمد سوی پهلوان
✦
ازان خلعت شهریار جهان
“When news reached the warrior champion of that robe of honor bestowed by the monarch of the world,”
#145
زخاقان چینی که از نزد شاه
✦
چنان شاد برگشت و آمد به راه
“And how the Khaqan of China had departed from the King's presence so joyful and taken to the road,”
#146
پذیره شدش پهلوان سوار
✦
از ایران هرآنکس که بد نامدار
“The mounted hero, along with all the renowned men of Iran, went out to welcome him.”
#147
علف ساخت جایی که اوبرگذشت
✦
به شهروده و منزل وکوه دشت
“He prepared provisions wherever he passed—in city, village, station, mountain, and plain.”
#148
همی‌ساخت پوزش کنان پیش اوی
✦
پراز شرم جان بداندیش اوی
“He kept offering excuses before him, while the soul of that ill-wisher was filled with shame.”
#149
چوپرموده را دید کرد آفرین
✦
ازو سربپیچید خاقان چین
“When he saw Parmudah, he praised him, yet the Khaqan of China turned his face away from him.”
#150
نپذرفت ازو هرچ آورده بود
✦
علفت بود اگر بدره وبرده بود
“He accepted nothing that Bahram had brought, whether provisions, sacks of treasure, or captives.”
#151
همی‌راند بهرام با او به راه
✦
نکرد ایچ خاقان بدو بر نگاه
“Bahram rode along the road with him, yet the Khaqan did not cast a single glance upon him.”
#152
بدین گونه برتاسه منزل براند
✦
که یک روز پرموده اورانخواند
“In this manner Bahram rode for three stages, without Parmuda calling upon him even once.”
#153
چهارم فرستاد خاقان کسی
✦
که برگرد چون رنج دیدی بسی
“On the fourth day, the Khaqan sent someone to him saying, 'Turn back, for you have endured much toil.'”
#154
چوبشنید بهرام برگشت از وی
✦
بتندی سوی بلخ بنهاد روی
“Hearing this, Bahram turned back from him and, full of wrath, set off toward Balkh.”
#155
همی‌بود دربلخ چندی دژم
✦
زکرده پشیمان ودل پر زغم
“For some time he remained in Balkh, dejected and full of grief, repenting of what he had done.”
#156
جهاندار زو هم نه خشنودبود
✦
زتیزی روانش پراز دود بود
“The ruler of the world was likewise displeased with him, his spirit clouded with smoke owing to his anger.”
#157
از آزار خاقان چینی نخست
✦
که بهرام آزار او را بجست
“First, because of the offense to the Khaqan of China, whose insult Bahram had sought out;”
#158
دگر آنک چیزی که فرمان نبود
✦
ببرداشتن چون دلیری نمود
“And second, because he had shown audacity in seizing treasures without royal command.”
#159
یکی نامه بنوشت پس شهریار
✦
ببهرام کای دیو ناسازگار
“Then the king wrote a letter to Bahram, saying, 'O incompatible demon!”
#160
ندانی همی خویشتن راتوباز
✦
چنین رابزرگان شدی بی‌نیاز
“You no longer know your own measure; have you grown so independent of the great?'”
#161
هنرها ز یزدان نبینی همی
✦
به چرخ فلک برنشینی همی
“You fail to attribute these talents to God, and act as though you ride high upon the celestial sphere!”
#162
زفرمان من سربپیچیده‌ای
✦
دگرگونه کاری بسیجیده‌ای
“You have turned your head from my command and prepared for a different course of action.”
#163
نیاید همی یادت از رنج من
✦
سپاه من و کوشش وگنج من
“You care nothing for my toil, my army, my efforts, and my treasury!”
#164
ره پهلوانان نسازی همی
✦
سرت به آسمان برفرازی همی
“You do not follow the path of true champions, but lift your head to the sky in arrogance.”
#165
کنون خلعت آمد سزاوار تو
✦
پسندیده و در خور کار تو
“Now a robe of honor has arrived suitable for you, approved and worthy of your deeds!”
#166
چوبنهاد برنامه برمهرشاه
✦
بفرمود تا دو کدانی سیاه
“When the king set his seal upon the letter, he commanded that two black distaffs,”
#167
بیارند با دوک و پنبه دروی
✦
نهاده بسی ناسزا رنگ وبوی
“Be brought, containing a spindle and cotton, infused with unworthy colors and scents.”
#168
هم از شعر پیراهن لاژورد
✦
یکی سرخ مقناع و شلوار زرد
“Along with a lapis-blue silk shirt, a red veil, and yellow trousers.”
#169
فرستاده پر منش برگزید
✦
که آن خلعت ناسزا را سزید
“He chose a proud messenger, fit to deliver such a humiliating robe of honor.”
#170
بدو گفت کاین پیش بهرام بر
✦
بگو ای سبک مایه بی‌هنر
“He said to him: 'Take this to Bahram and say: "O worthless man lacking merit,”
#171
توخاقان چین را ببندی همی
✦
گزند بزرگان پسندی همی
“You bind the Khaqan of China in chains and approve of harm coming to noble rulers!”
#172
زتختی که هستی فرود آرمت
✦
ازین پس بکس نیزنشمارمت
“I shall drag you down from the throne on which you sit, and henceforth I will count you as nothing!"'”
#173
فرستاده با خلعت آمد چوباد
✦
شنیده سخنها همه کرد یاد
“The messenger came with the gift swift as the wind, and recounted all the words he had heard.”
#174
چو بهرام با نامه خلعت بدید
✦
شکیبایی وخامشی برگزید
“When Bahram saw the letter and the robe of women's attire, he chose patience and silence.”
#175
همی‌گفت کینست پاداش من
✦
چنین از پی شاه پرخاش من
“He mused: 'Is this my reward? Such is the outcome of my battle for the king's sake!”
#176
چنین بد ز اندیشه شاه نیست
✦
جز ار ناسزا گفت بدخواه نیست
“Yet such evil thoughts could not have come from the king himself; surely malice was spoken by an ill-wisher.'”
#177
که خلعت ازینسان فرستد بمن
✦
بدان تا ببینند هر انجمن
“That he should send me a robe of honor of this kind, so that every assembly might behold it!”
#178
جهاندار بر بندگان پادشاست
✦
اگر مر مرا خوار گیرد رواست
“Yet the ruler of the world is master over his servants; if he holds me in contempt, he has the right.”
#179
گمانی نبردم که نزدیک شاه
✦
بداندیشگان تیز یابند راه
“I never suspected that evil-wishers could so easily find a path to the king's ear.”
#180
ولیکن چوهرمز مرا خوار کرد
✦
به گفتار آهرمنان کارکرد
“But since Hormozd has humiliated me, acting upon the council of demons,”
#181
زشاه جهان اینچنین کارکرد
✦
نزیبد به پیش خردمند مرد
“Such an act from the king of the world does not seem fitting in the eyes of a wise man.”
#182
ازان پس که با خوار مایه سپاه
✦
بتندی برفتم زدرگاه شاه
“After I set out in haste from the king's court with a small and meager force,”
#183
همه دیده‌اند آنچ من کرده‌ام
✦
غم و رنج وسختی که من برده‌ام
“Everyone has seen what I have accomplished, and the sorrow, toil, and hardship I have endured.”
#184
چوپاداش آن رنج خواری بود
✦
گر ازبخت ناسازگاری بود
“If the reward for all that toil is humiliation, it must be due to adverse fate.”
#185
به یزدان بنالم ز گردان سپهر
✦
که از من چنین پاک بگسست مهر
“I complain to God against the turning sky, which has so utterly severed its affection from me!'”
#186
زدادار نیکی دهش یاد کرد
✦
بپوشید پس جامهٔ سرخ و زرد
“He remembered God, the Bestower of Good, and then put on the red and yellow robe sent to insult him.”
#187
به پیش اندرون دوکدان سیاه
✦
نهاده هرآنچش فرستاد شاه
“In front of himself he placed the black spindle-case and all that the king had sent him.”
#188
بفرمود تا هرک بود ازمهان
✦
ازان نامداران شاه جهان
“He then commanded that all the grandees and noble commanders of the world-king’s army...”
#189
زلشکر برفتند نزدیک اوی
✦
پراندیشه بد جان تاریک اوی
“...should gather before him from the troops, while his own dark spirit was overwhelmed with grief and thought.”
#190
چورفتند و دیدند پیر وجوان
✦
بران گونه آن پوشش پهلوان
“When the young and old came and beheld the great paladin clad in such women's garments,”
#191
بماندند زان کار یکسر شگفت
✦
دل هرکس اندیشه‌ای برگرفت
“They were left entirely astonished by the sight, and dark forebodings gripped the heart of each man.”
#192
چنین گفت پس پهلوان با سپاه
✦
که خلعت بدین سان فرستاد شاه
“Then the paladin said to the host, 'Behold, this is the robe of honor the King has bestowed upon me.'”
#193
جهاندار شاهست وما بنده‌ایم
✦
دل و جان به مهر وی آگنده‌ایم
“'The sovereign is king and we are but servants; we have devoted our hearts and souls to his love.'”
#194
چه بینید بینندگان اندرین
✦
چه گوییم با شهریار زمین
“'What do you discerning men see in this act? What answer shall we offer to the monarch of the earth?'”
#195
بپاسخ گشادند یکسر زبان
✦
که‌ای نامور پرهنر پهلوان
“They opened their mouths in unified response, saying: 'O famed and most valiant hero!'”
#196
چو ارج تو اینست نزدیک شاه
✦
سگانند بر بارگاهش سپاه
“'If this is your reward and value before the king, then his army are no better than dogs at his court!'”
#197
نگر تا چه گفت آن خردمند پیر
✦
به ری چون دلش تنگ شد ز اردشیر
“'Remember what that wise old sage said in Ray, when his heart grew bitter against Ardashir:'”
#198
سری پر زکینه دلی پر زدرد
✦
زبان و روان پر زگفتار سرد
“'With a head full of vengeance, a heart full of pain, and a tongue and spirit laden with cold reproaches,'”
#199
بیامد دمان تا باصطخر پارس
✦
که اصطخر بد بر زمین فخر پارس
“'He came raging all the way to Istakhr of Fars, for Istakhr was the glory of Fars upon the earth,'”
#200
که بیزارم از تخت وز تاج شاه
✦
چونیک وبد من ندارد نگاه
“'Saying: I am utterly weary of the king's crown and throne, since he pays no heed to my good or ill deeds.'”
#201
بدو گفت بهرام کین خود مگوی
✦
که از شاه گیرد سپاه آبروی
“Bahram said to them, 'Do not utter such words, for the army derives its honor and standing from the king.'”
#202
همه سر به سر بندگان وییم
✦
دهنده‌ست وخواهندگان وییم
“'We are all his servants from top to bottom; he is the giver of bounties, and we are his supplicants.'”
#203
چنین یافت پاسخ ز ایرانیان
✦
که ماخود نبندیم زین پس میان
“He received this reply from the Iranians: 'Henceforth, we shall never gird our loins in his service!'”
#204
به ایران کس اورا نخوانیم شاه
✦
نه بهرام را پهلوان سپاه
“'In Iran, no one shall address him as king, nor shall we recognize Bahram as the commander of the army!'”
#205
بگفتند وز پیش بیرون شدند
✦
ز کاخ همایون به هامون شدند
“Having spoken thus, they departed from his presence, leaving the blessed palace for the open plain.”
#206
سپهبد سپه را همی‌داد پند
✦
همی‌داشت با پند لب را ببند
“The commander kept advising the army to remain loyal, yet sealed his lips alongside his advice.”
#207
چنین تا دوهفته برین برگذشت
✦
سپهبد ز ایوان بیامد به دشت
“Thus passed two weeks in this manner, until the commander stepped out of the palace into the wild plain.”
#208
یکی بیشه پیش آمدش پر درخت
✦
سزاوار میخوارهٔ نیکبخت
“A dense, tree-filled grove appeared before him, a place worthy of fortunate wine-drinkers and hunters.”
#209
یکی گور دید اندر آن مرغزار
✦
کزان خوبتر کس نبیند نگار
“He spotted an onager in that meadow, more beautiful than any painting a man could ever behold.”
#210
پس اندر همی‌راند بهرام نرم
✦
برو بارگی را نکرد ایچ گرم
“Bahram rode gently in pursuit, taking care not to press his steed too hard.”
#211
بدان بیشه در جای نخچیرگاه
✦
به پیش اندر آمد یکی تنگ راه
“In that grove, which served as a hunting ground, a narrow path opened before him.”
#212
ز تنگی چو گور ژیان برگذشت
✦
بیابان پدید آمد و راغ ودشت
“When the fierce onager passed through the narrow pass, a vast desert, meadow, and open plain emerged.”
#213
گرازنده بهرام و تازنده گور
✦
ز گرمای آن دشت تفسیده هور
“Bahram galloped proudly while the onager fled, beneath the blazing sun that scorched the hot plain.”