#1
ازان دشت بهرام یل بنگرید
✦
یکی کاخ پرمایه آمد پدید
“From that plain, brave Bahram looked ahead, and a magnificent palace appeared before his eyes.”
#2
بران کاخ بنهاد بهرام روی
✦
همان گور پیش اندرون راه جوی
“Bahram set his face toward that grand palace, while the wild ass trotted ahead, leading the way.”
#3
همی‌راند تا پیش آن کاخ اسب
✦
پس پشت او بود ایزد گشسب
“He spurred his steed until he reached the palace entrance, with Izad Goshasp riding closely behind him.”
#4
عنان تگاور بدو داد وگفت
✦
که با تو همیشه خرد باد جفت
“He handed the reins of his charger to Izad Goshasp and said, 'May wisdom ever be your companion.'”
#5
پیاده ز دهلیز کاخ اندرون
✦
همی‌رفت بهرام بی‌رهنمون
“Dismounting, Bahram walked into the palace corridor alone, guided by no one.”
#6
زمانی بدر بود ایزد گشسب
✦
گرفته بدست آن گرانمایه اسب
“For a while, Izad Goshasp waited at the gate, holding the noble steed by its bridle.”
#7
یلان سینه آمد پس او دوان
✦
براسب تگاور ببسته میان
“Yelan Sineh came running after them, his belt tightly girded upon his swift charger.”
#8
بدو گفت ایزد گشسب دلیر
✦
که‌ای پرهنر نامبردار شیر
“Brave Izad Goshasp spoke to him: 'O accomplished and renowned lion!'”
#9
ببین تا کجا رفت سالار ما
✦
سپهبد یل نامبردار ما
“'Go see where our commander has gone—our famous, valiant general.'”
#10
یلان سینه درکاخ بنهاد روی
✦
دلی پر ز اندیشه سالار جوی
“Yelan Sineh turned his face toward the palace interior, his heart filled with anxious concern for his commander.”
#11
یکی طاق و ایوان فرخنده دید
✦
کزان سان به ایران نه دید وشنید
“He beheld an auspicious vault and palace hall, the likes of which he had never seen nor heard of in Iran.”
#12
نهاده بایوان او تخت زر
✦
نشانده بهر پایه‌ای درگهر
“In that hall stood a golden throne, with precious gems inlaid upon every footpiece.”
#13
بران تخت فرشی ز دیبای روم
✦
همه پیکرش گوهر و زر بوم
“Upon the throne was spread a tapestry of Roman brocade, studded with jewels on a field of gold thread.”
#14
نشسته برو بر زنی تاجدار
✦
به بالا چو سرو و به رخ چون بهار
“Seated upon it was a crowned lady, tall as a cypress tree and fair as spring itself.”
#15
بر تخت زرین یکی زیرگاه
✦
نشسته برو پهلوان سپاه
“Beside the golden throne on a lower seat sat Bahram, the champion of the army.”
#16
فراوان پرستنده بر گرد تخت
✦
بتان پری روی بیدار بخت
“Countless maidens stood around the throne—fairy-faced idols of auspicious fortune.”
#17
چو آن زن یلان سینه را دید گفت
✦
پرستنده‌ای راکه‌ای خوب جفت
“When the lady saw Yelan Sineh, she called to a maiden, saying, 'O gentle companion,'”
#18
برو تیز و آن شیر دل را بگوی
✦
که ایدر تو را آمدن نیست روی
“'Go quickly and tell that lion-hearted warrior: "It is not fitting for you to enter here."'”
#19
همی‌باش نزدیک یاران خویش
✦
هم اکنون بیادت بهرام پیش
“'Remain near your companions outside; Bahram shall return to you shortly.'”
#20
بدین سان پیامش ز بهرام ده
✦
دلش را به برگشتن آرام ده
“'Deliver this message to him from Bahram, and set his heart at ease so he turns back.'”
#21
همانگه پرستنده‌گان را به راه
✦
ز ایوان برافگند نزد سپاه
“Instantly, maidens dispatched attendants from the hall toward the waiting warriors,”
#22
که تا اسب گردان به آخر برند
✦
پرآگند زینها همه بشمرند
“To take the heroes' horses to the stables and tend to all their saddles and gear.”
#23
درباغ بگشاد پالیزبان
✦
بفرمان آن تا زه رخ میزبان
“The gardener opened the garden gates by order of the radiant-faced host.”
#24
بیامد یکی مرد مهترپرست
✦
بباغ از پی و واژ و برسم بدست
“A noble-serving attendant entered the garden, carrying the sacred twigs (barsam) and reciting prayers.”
#25
نهادند خوان گرد باغ اندرون
✦
خورش ساختند ازگمانی فزون
“They spread lavish banqueting tables around the garden, presenting dishes beyond all imagination.”
#26
چونان خورده شد اسب گردنگشان
✦
ببردند پویان بجای نشان
“Once the prideful warriors' horses were fed and rested, they led them back to their marked places.”
#27
بدان زن چوبرگشت بهرام گفت
✦
که با تاج تو مشتری باد جفت
“As Bahram turned to leave, he said to the lady, 'May Jupiter ever be aligned with your crown!'”
#28
بدو گفت پیروزگر باش زن
✦
همیشه شکیبا دل ورای زن
“The lady replied to him, 'Be victorious, O warrior! May your heart ever be patient and your counsel wise.'”
#29
چوبهرام زان کاخ آمد برون
✦
تو گفتی ببارید از چشم خون
“When Bahram emerged from that enchanted palace, it seemed as though blood wept from his eyes.”
#30
منش را دگر کرد و پاسخ دگر
✦
توگفتی بپروین برآورد سر
“His spirit was transformed and his speech altered; it was as if his head now reached the Pleiades.”
#31
بیامد هم اندر پی نره گور
✦
سپهبد پس اندر همی‌راند بور
“He rode back following the path of the male wild ass, spurning his dun steed forward.”
#32
چنین تا ازان بیشه آمد برون
✦
همی‌بود بهرام را رهنمون
“Thus he traveled until he emerged from the thicket, guided along the path.”
#33
بشهر اندر آمد زنخچیرگاه
✦
ازان کار بگشاد لب برسپاه
“Returning to the city from the hunting ground, he finally spoke of these matters to his army.”
#34
نگه کرد خراد برزین بدوی
✦
چنین گفت کای مهتر راست گوی
“Khrad Barzin looked closely upon him and said, 'O truthful chieftain,'”
#35
بنخچیرگاه این شگفتی چه بود
✦
که آنکس ندید و نه هرگز شنود
“'What was this wonder at the hunting grounds, the likes of which no man has ever seen or heard?'”
#36
ورا پهلوان هیچ پاسخ نداد
✦
دژم بود سر سوی ایوان نهاد
“The champion gave him no answer; sullen and brooding, he directed his steps toward his palace hall.”
#37
دگر روز چون سیمگون گشت راغ
✦
پدید آمد آن زرد رخشان چراغ
“Next morning, when the meadow turned silver and the bright golden lamp of the sun appeared,”
#38
بگسترد فرشی ز دیبای چین
✦
تو گفتی مگر آسمان شد زمین
“Bahram ordered Chinese brocade carpets spread, such that the earth seemed to match the heavens.”
#39
همه کاخ کرسی زرین نهاد
✦
ز دیبای زربفت بالین نهاد
“Throughout the palace, golden chairs were placed, and cushions of gold-woven silk were arranged.”
#40
نهادند زرین یکی زیرگاه
✦
نشسته برو پهلوان سپاه
“They set up a magnificent golden throne-seat, and the champion of the army took his seat upon it.”
#41
نشستی بیاراست شاهنشهی
✦
نهاده به سر بر کلاه مهی
“He arranged his seating like a king of kings, placing the crown of sovereignty upon his head.”
#42
نگه کرد کارش دبیر بزرگ
✦
بدانست کو شد دلیر و سترگ
“The Chief Scribe observed his deeds and realized that Bahram had grown fierce and arrogant.”
#43
چو نزدیک خراد برزین رسید
✦
بگفت آنچ دانست و دید و شنید
“Approaching Khrad Barzin, he recounted all that he knew, saw, and heard.”
#44
چو خراد برزین شنید این سخن
✦
بدانست کان رنجها شد کهن
“When Khrad Barzin heard this speech, he knew that their past loyal labors were now undone.”
#45
چنین گفت پس با گرامی دبیر
✦
که کاری چنین بر دل آسان مگیر
“He then said to the esteemed scribe, 'Do not take a matter of such gravity lightly.'”
#46
نباید گشاد اندرین کارلب
✦
بر شاه باید شدن تیره شب
“We must not utter a word regarding this matter; under cover of the dark night, we must make haste unto the King.”
#47
چوبهرام را دل پراز تاج گشت
✦
همان تخت زیراندرش عاج گشت
“When Bahram's heart became filled with longing for the crown, the very throne beneath him seemed turned to ivory.”
#48
زدند اندران کار هرگونه رای
✦
همه چاره از رفتن آمد بجای
“They deliberated upon the matter in every way, and resolved that flight was the only remedy.”
#49
چورنگ گریز اندر آمیختند
✦
شب تیره از بلخ بگریختند
“Having united in their plan of flight, they escaped from Balkh under the cloak of the dark night.”
#50
سپهبد چو آگه شد ازکارشان
✦
ز روشن روانهای بیدارشان
“When the commander became aware of their deed through his alert and vigilant companions,”
#51
یلان سینه را گفت با صد سوار
✦
بتاز از پس این دو ناهوشیار
“He commanded Yalan-Sina with a hundred horsemen: 'Gallop swiftly after these two foolish men!'”
#52
بیامد از آنجا بکردار گرد
✦
ابا او دلیران روز نبرد
“He rode forth from there like a cloud of dust, accompanied by warriors brave in the day of battle.”
#53
همی‌راند تا در دبیر بزرگ
✦
رسید و برآشفت برسان گرگ
“He pressed on until he overtook the Grand Scribe, pouncing upon him in fury like a wolf.”
#54
ازو چیز بستد همه هرچ داشت
✦
ببند گرانش ز ره بازگاشت
“He stripped him of all he possessed and bound him in heavy chains, turning him back from his path.”
#55
به نزدیک بهرام بردش ز راه
✦
بدان تاکند بیگنه را تباه
“He brought him back from the road to Bahram, seeking to bring ruin upon an innocent man.”
#56
بدو گفت بهرام کای دیوساز
✦
چرارفتی از پیش من بی‌جواز
“Bahram said to him: 'O sorcerer-deceiver, why didst thou depart from my presence without leave?'”
#57
چنین داد پاسخ که ای پهلوان
✦
مراکرد خراد برزین نوان
“He answered: 'O hero, it was Kharad-i Barzin who made me tremble and weep with fear.'”
#58
همی‌گفت کایدر بدن روی نیست
✦
درنگ تو جز کام بدگوی نیست
“'He kept telling me that staying here is impossible, and thy delay serves only the desire of thy enemies.'”
#59
مرا و تو را بیم کشتن بود
✦
ز ایدر مگر بازگشتن بود
“'For both thee and me there is fear of death; we must perforce turn back from this place.'”
#60
چوبهرام را پهلوان سپاه
✦
ببردند آب اندران بارگاه
“When the army's champion stripped Bahram of his honor and dignity before the entire court,”
#61
بدو گفت بهرام شاید بدن
✦
بنیک وببد رای باید زدن
“Bahram said to him: 'It may well be so; we must deliberate on both the good and the bad.'”
#62
زیانی که بودش همه باز داد
✦
هم از گنج خویشش بسی ساز داد
“He made good all the losses he had suffered, and bestowed upon him abundant provisions from his own treasury.”
#63
بدو گفت زان پس که تو ساز خویش
✦
بژرفی نگه دار و مگریز بیش
“He said to him thereafter: 'Guard thy belongings closely, and attempt to flee no more.'”
#64
وزین روی خراد برزین نهان
✦
همی‌تاخت تا نزد شاه جهان
“Meanwhile, Kharad-i Barzin rode in secret until he reached the presence of the King of the world.”
#65
همه گفتنیها بدوبازگفت
✦
همه رازها برگشاد از نهفت
“He related all that was to be told, revealing every secret from its concealment.”
#66
چنین تا ازان بیشه و مرغزار
✦
یکایک همی‌گفت با شهریار
“Thus, beginning with that forest and meadow, he recounted everything step by step to the monarch,”
#67
وزان رفتن گور و آن راه تنگ
✦
ز آرام بهرام و چندین درنگ
“And of the wild ass's flight along that narrow path, Bahram's stillness, and his long delay,”
#68
وزان رفتن کاخ گوهرنگار
✦
پرستندگان و زن تاجدار
“And of entering the jewel-adorned palace, the maiden attendants, and the crowned lady.”
#69
یکایک بگفت آن کجا دیده بود
✦
دگر هرچ‌ازکار پرسیده بود
“He reported one by one all that he had witnessed, as well as all he had inquired concerning the affair.”
#70
ازان تاجورماند اندر شگفت
✦
سخن هرچ بشنید در دل گرفت
“The crowned sovereign remained in utter amazement, taking deeply to heart every word he heard.”
#71
چوگفتار موبد بیاد آمدش
✦
ز دل بر یکی سرد باد آمدش
“When he recalled the priest's prophecy, a cold sigh welled up from his heart.”
#72
همان نیز گفتار آن فال‌گوی
✦
که گفت او بپیچد ز تخت تو روی
“Likewise he remembered the fortune-teller's words: 'He shall turn his face away from thy throne.'”
#73
سبک موبد موبدان را بخواند
✦
بران جای خراد برزین نشاند
“Swiftly he summoned the High Priest and seated Kharad-i Barzin beside him in his court.”
#74
بخراد برزین چنین گفت شاه
✦
که بگشای لب تا چه دیدی به راه
“The King said to Kharad-i Barzin: 'Open thy lips and reveal what thou hast seen along the way.'”
#75
بفرمان هرمز زبان برگشاد
✦
سخنها یکایک همه کرد یاد
“By command of Hormizd, he loosened his tongue and recounted every event one by one.”
#76
بدوشاه گفت این چه شاید بدن
✦
همه داستانها بباید زدن
“The King said to him: 'What might this signify? We must carefully examine all these tales;'”
#77
که در بیشه گوری بود رهنمای
✦
میان بیابان بی‌بر سرای
“'That a wild ass should act as a guide in a forest, leading to a barren palace in the midst of a desert,'”
#78
برتخت زرین یکی تاجدار
✦
پرستار پیش اندرون شاهوار
“'Where a crowned lady sits upon a golden throne with regal maidens standing before her!'”
#79
بکردار خوابیست این داستان
✦
که برخواند از گفته باستان
“'This tale is like a dream recited from the ancient lore of old.'”
#80
چنین گفت موبد بشاه جهان
✦
که آن گور دیوی بود درنهان
“The Mobad spoke to the King of the world: 'That wild ass was in truth a demon in disguise.'”
#81
چوبهرام را خواند از راستی
✦
پدید آمد اندر دلش کاستی
“When he spoke of Bahram with truthfulness and praise, a seed of doubt and mistrust sprouted within the king's heart.”
#82
همان کاخ جادوستانی شناس
✦
بدان تخت جادو زنی ناسپاس
“Know that very place to be a realm of sorcery, and upon that throne sits a deceitful witch.”
#83
که بهرام را آن سترگی نمود
✦
چنان تاج وتخت بزرگی نمود
“Who displayed such grand allure to Bahram, tempting his eyes with visions of glorious crown and throne.”
#84
چوبرگشت ازو پرمنش گشت ومست
✦
چنان دان که هرگز نیاید بدست
“When he returned from her presence, he became arrogant and intoxicated with ambition; know that he will never again be brought to heel.”
#85
کنون چاره‌ای کن که تا آن سپاه
✦
ز بلخ آوری سوی این بارگاه
“Now devise a strategy to summon that army back from Balkh toward this royal court.”
#86
پشیمان شد از دوکدان شهریار
✦
وزان پنبه وجامهٔ نابکار
“The sovereign then regretted sending the spindle-case, the raw cotton, and that humiliating dress.”
#87
برین بر نیامد بسی روزگار
✦
که آمد کس از پهلوان سوار
“Not many days had elapsed after this when an envoy arrived from the valiant champion.”
#88
یکی سله پرخنجری داشته
✦
یکایک سرتیغ برگاشته
“He bore a hamper filled with daggers, every single blade snapped and notched at its tip.”
#89
بیاورد وبنهاد درپیش شاه
✦
همی‌کرد شاه اندر آهن نگاه
“He brought it and set it down before the king, while the monarch gazed intently upon the broken iron.”
#90
بفرمود تا تیغها بشکنند
✦
دران سلهٔ نابکار افگنند
“He commanded the daggers to be snapped further in two and thrown back into that contemptible basket.”
#91
فرستاد نزدیک بهرام باز
✦
سخنهای پیکار و رزم دراز
“He dispatched them back to Bahram, accompanying them with grim messages of open warfare and protracted strife.”
#92
بدو نیمه کرده نهاده‌بجای
✦
پراندیشه شد مرد برگشته رای
“Seeing the blades snapped in twain and set before him, the rebellious champion grew deeply troubled in thought.”
#93
فرستاد وایرانیان را بخواند
✦
همه گرد آن سله اندرنشاند
“He sent out to summon the Iranian nobles, seating them all in a circle around that hamper.”
#94
چنین گفت کین هدیهٔ شهریار
✦
ببینید واین را مدارید خوار
“He spoke thus: 'Behold this royal offering from the king, and do not hold it light or meaningless!'”
#95
پراندیشه شد لشکر ازکار شاه
✦
به گفتار آن پهلوان سپاه
“The army grew fiercely anxious and incensed over the king's deed upon hearing the words of their commander.”
#96
که یک روزمان هدیه شهریار
✦
بود دوک وآن جامهٔ پرنگار
“They declared: 'On one day the king's gift to us is a spinning spindle and a patterned robe of mockery,”
#97
شکسته دگر باره خنجر بود
✦
ز زخم و ز دشنام بتر بود
“And on another, it is broken daggers—which is an insult worse than a wound or a bitter curse!”
#98
چنین شاه برگاه هرگز مباد
✦
نه آنکس که گیرد ازو نیز یاد
“May such a monarch never sit upon the throne, nor anyone even deign to remember his name!”
#99
اگر نیز بهرام پورگشسب
✦
بران خاک درگاه بگذارد اسب
“If Bahram, son of Goshasp, ever sets his steed's hoof upon the dust of that royal court again...”
#100
زبهرام مه مغز بادا مه پوست
✦
نه آن کم بها را که بهرام ازوست
“...May neither brain nor skin remain of Bahram, nor of that worthless monarch whom Bahram serves!'”
#101
سپهبد چو گفتار ایشان شنید
✦
دل لشکر از تاجور خسته دید
“When the commander heard their outrage and saw the heart of his army deeply wounded by the monarch,”
#102
بلشکر چنین گفت پس پهلوان
✦
که بیدار باشید و روشن روان
“The champion said to his host: 'Stay vigilant and clear-minded,”
#103
که خراد برزین برشهریار
✦
سخنهای پوشیده کردآشکار
“For Khammad Barzin has exposed our hidden secrets before the king.”
#104
کنون یک بیک چارهٔ جان کنید
✦
همه بامن امروز پیمان کنید
“Now, each and every one of you must seek a way to preserve your lives; join me in a solemn covenant today.”
#105
مگر کس فرستم زلشکر به راه
✦
که دارند ما را زلشکر نگاه
“Perchance I may dispatch someone from our ranks to watch over us and monitor the king's forces.”
#106
وگرنه مرا روز برگشته گیر
✦
سپه رایکایک همه کشته گیر
“Otherwise, regard my fortune as utterly ruined, and consider every warrior of this army as slain!'”
#107
بگفت این وخود ساز دیگر گرفت
✦
نگه کن کنون تا بمانی شگفت
“He spoke thus and set about adopting another course of action; behold now, and marvel at what unfolds!”
#108
پراگند بر گرد کشور سوار
✦
بدان تا مگر نامه شهریار
“He scattered horsemen across the realm, so that if perchance a letter from the king should come...”
#109
بیاید به نزدیک ایرانیان
✦
ببندند پیکار وکین را میان
“...and arrive among the Iranians, they might gird their loins for conflict and revenge.”
#110
برین نیز بگذشت یک روزگار
✦
نخواندند کس نامه شهریار
“A period of time passed in this manner, yet no one received or read any decree from the monarch.”
#111
ازان پس گرانمایگان را بخواند
✦
بسی رازها پیش ایشان براند
“Thereafter, he gathered the noble chieftains and disclosed many secrets in their presence.”
#112
چوهمدان گشسب ودبیر بزرگ
✦
یلان سینه آن نامدار سترگ
“Men such as Hamdan Goshasp, the chief scribe, and Yalan-Sineh, that renowned and mighty champion,”
#113
چوبهرام گرد آن سیاوش نژاد
✦
چوپیدا گشسب آن خردمند وراد
“Along with valiant Bahram of Siavash's line, and Peyda-Goshasp, wise and magnanimous,”
#114
همی رای زد با چنین مهتران
✦
که بودند شیران کنداوران
“He took counsel with such preeminent leaders, who were all fierce lions and brave commanders.”
#115
چنین گفت پس پهلوان سپاه
✦
بدان لشکر تیزگم کرده راه
“The host's warlord then spoke to that headstrong army that had lost its path:”
#116
که‌ای نامداران گردن فراز
✦
برای شما هرکسی را نیاز
“O proud and exalted champions, every soul stands in dire need of your counsel.”
#117
ز ما مهتر آزرده شد بی‌گناه
✦
چنین سربپیچید زآیین وراه
“Our sovereign has taken offense at us without cause, turning away from right custom and the proper path.”
#118
چه سازید ودرمان این کارچیست
✦
نباید که برخسته باید گریست
“What remedy shall you devise, and what is the cure? We must not let matters reach a state where we mourn a wounded heart.”
#119
هرآنکس که پوشید درد ازپزشک
✦
زمژگان فروریخت خونین سرشک
“Whosoever conceals their affliction from the healer shall in the end weep tears of blood from their eyes.”
#120
زدانندگان گر بپوشیم راز
✦
شود کارآسان بما بر دراز
“If we keep our secrets hidden from the wise, a simple task will become long and arduous for us.”
#121
کنون دردمندیم اندرجهان
✦
بداننده گوییم یکسر نهان
“We are now in anguish in this world; let us reveal all our hidden troubles to those who know.”
#122
برفتیم ز ایران چنین کینه خواه
✦
بدین مایه لشکر بفرمان شاه
“By the King's command, we marched forth from Iran seeking vengeance, accompanied by a host of immense magnitude.”
#123
ازین بیش لشکر نبیند کسی
✦
وگر چند ماند بگیتی بسی
“No one shall ever behold a greater army than this, though they should abide in the world for ages to come.”
#124
چوپرمودهٔ گرد با ساوه شاه
✦
اگر سوی ایران کشیدی سپاه
“Had the valiant Parmudeh and King Saveh led their hosts toward Iran...”
#125
نیرزید ایران بیک مهره موم
✦
وزان پس همی‌داشت آهنگ روم
“Iran would not have been worth a bead of wax to them, and thereafter they intended to march upon Rome.”
#126
بپرموده و ساوه شاه آن رسید
✦
که کس درجهان آن شگفتی ندید
“Yet such a wondrous fate befell Parmudeh and King Saveh as none in the world had ever witnessed.”
#127
اگر چه فراوان کشیدیم رنج
✦
نه شان پیل ماندیم زان پس نه گنج
“Though we endured immense suffering, we left them neither elephant nor treasure in the end.”
#128
بنوی یکی گنج بنهاد شاه
✦
توانگر شد آشفته شد بر سپاه
“The King amassed a new treasure; he grew wealthy, yet turned wrathful and suspicious toward his own army.”
#129
کنون چارهٔ دام او چون کنیم
✦
که آسان سر از بند بیرون کنیم
“How now shall we devise a way out of his snare, so that we may easily free our necks from the noose?”
#130
شهنشاه راکارهاساختست
✦
وزین چاره بی‌رنج پرداختست
“All matters stand arranged for the King of Kings, who has resolved this without suffering any pain.”
#131
شما هریکی چارهٔ جان کنید
✦
بدین خستگی تاچه درمان کنید
“Let each of you now seek a way to preserve your life, and find what remedy you can for this affliction.”
#132
من از راز پردخته کردم دلم
✦
زتیمارجان را همی‌بگسلم
“I have emptied my heart of all secrets, and my spirit is breaking under the weight of grief.”
#133
پس پردهٔ نامور پهلوان
✦
یکی خواهرش بود روشن روان
“Behind the curtain of that famous warrior dwelt his sister, a woman of luminous spirit.”
#134
خردمند راگردیه نام بود
✦
دلارام وانجام بهرام بود
“That sagacious lady was named Gordyeh; she was the comfort of Bahram's heart and the guardian of his fate.”
#135
چواز پرده گفت برادر شنید
✦
برآشفت وز کین دلش بردمید
“When she heard her brother's words from behind the veil, she grew distraught and her heart burned with indignation.”
#136
بران انجمن شد سری پرسخن
✦
زبان پر ز گفتارهای کهن
“She entered that assembly, her mind full of wisdom and her tongue laden with the lore of old.”
#137
برادر چو آواز خواهر شنید
✦
زگفتار وپاسخ فرو آرمید
“When the brother heard his sister's voice, he ceased speaking and fell quiet.”
#138
چنان هم زگفتار ایرانیان
✦
بماندند یکسر زبیم زیان
“Likewise, all the Iranians fell silent, paralyzed by the fear of impending calamity.”
#139
چنین گفت پس گردیه با سپاه
✦
که‌ای نامداران جوینده راه
“Then Gordyeh spoke unto the army, saying: 'O noble champions who seek the righteous path...'”
#140
زگفتار خامش چرا ماندید
✦
چنین از جگر خون برافشاندید
“'Why have you fallen into silence, shedding your heart's blood in such despair?'”
#141
ز ایران سرانید وجنگ‌آوران
✦
خردمند ودانا وافسونگران
“'You are the chieftains and warriors of Iran, wise, knowledgeable, and masters of persuasive speech...'”
#142
چه بینید یکسر به کار اندرون
✦
چه بازی نهید اندرین دشت خون
“'How do you view this entire affair, and what gambit will you play upon this field of blood?'”
#143
چنین گفت ایزد گشسب سوار
✦
که‌ای ازگرانمایگان یادگار
“Izad Goshasp the rider replied: 'O noble remnant of illustrious ancestors...'”
#144
زبانهای ماگر شود تیغ نیز
✦
زدریای رای تو گیرد گریز
“'Though our tongues were to turn as sharp as swords, they would flee before the vast ocean of your judgment.'”
#145
همه کارهای شما ایزدیست
✦
زمردی و ز دانش و بخردیست
“'All your deeds are inspired by the Divine, born of valour, wisdom, and nobility of mind.'”
#146
نباید که رای پلنگ آوریم
✦
که با هرکسی رای جنگ آوریم
“'We must not adopt the fierce nature of the leopard, nor be eager for war with every opponent.'”
#147
مجویید ازین پس کس ازمن سخن
✦
کزین باره‌ام پاسخ آمد ببن
“'Ask no further counsel of me henceforth, for my final answer on this matter has been given.'”
#148
اگر جنگ سازید یاری کنیم
✦
به پیش سواران سواری کنیم
“'Yet if you choose to wage war, we shall aid you, riding at the fore among the bravest horsemen.'”
#149
چوخشنود باشد ز من پهلوان
✦
برآنم که جاوید مانم جوان
“'So long as the hero remains pleased with me, I hold that I shall remain eternally young and glorified.'”
#150
چوبهرام بشنید گفتار اوی
✦
میانجی همی‌دید کردار اوی
“When Bahram heard her words, he perceived that her actions were guided by a spirit of mediation.”
#151
ازان پس یلان سینه را دید وگفت
✦
که اکنون چه داری سخن درنهفت
“Then he looked upon Yalan-Sineh and said, "What secret counsel do you hold now within?"”
#152
یلان سینه گفت ای سپهدار گرد
✦
هرآنکس که اوراه یزدان سپرد
“Yalan-Sineh replied, "O valiant commander, whosoever walks upon the path of God..."”
#153
چو پیروزی و فرهی یابد اوی
✦
بسوی بدی هیچ‌نشتابد اوی
“"When he attains victory and divine grace, he will never hasten toward evil."”
#154
که آن آفرین باز نفرین شود
✦
وزو چرخ گردنده پرکین شود
“"For that praise will turn to a curse, and the revolving heavens will become full of vengeance against him."”
#155
چو یزدان تو را فرهی داد و بخت
✦
همه لشکر گنج با تاج وتخت
“"Since God has granted you divine glory, good fortune, an army, treasure, crown, and throne,"”
#156
ازو گر پذیری بافزون شود
✦
دل از ناسپاسی پرازخون شود
“"If you accept it with gratitude from Him, it will increase; but through ingratitude, the heart becomes filled with blood."”
#157
ازان پس ببهرام بهرام گفت
✦
که‌ای با خردیاروبا رای جفت
“Thereafter, Bahram spoke to Bahram, saying, "O you who are paired with wisdom and allied with good counsel!"”
#158
چه گویی کزین جستن تخت وگنج
✦
بزرگیست فرجام گر درد ورنج
“"What say you? Is the outcome of seeking throne and treasure greatness, or pain and hardship?"”
#159
بخندید بهرام ازان داوری
✦
ازان پس برانداخت انگشتری
“Bahram laughed at that judgment, and then tossed a signet ring into the air.”
#160
بدو گفت چندانک این در هوا
✦
بماند شود بنده‌ای پادشا
“He said to him, "Only as long as this ring remains suspended in the air can a servant become a king!"”
#161
بدو گفت کین را مپندار خرد
✦
که دیهیم را خرد نتوان شمرد
“Bahram replied to him, "Do not consider this a small matter, for the royal crown cannot be counted insignificant."”
#162
چنین گفت زان پس بپیداگشسب
✦
که‌ای تیغ زن شیر تازنده اسب
“Thereupon he said to Peda-Goshasp, "O sword-wielder, brave as a lion charging on horseback!"”
#163
چه بینی چه گویی بدین کار ما
✦
بود گاه شاهی سزاوار ما
“"How do you view our endeavor, and what do you say? Is the royal throne worthy of us?"”
#164
چنین گفت پیداگشسب سوار
✦
که‌ای از یلان جهان یادگار
“Peda-Goshasp the rider replied, "O glorious souvenir of the world's brave heroes!"”
#165
یکی موبدی داستان زد برین
✦
که هرکس که دانا بد وپیش بین
“"A wise priest once struck a parable on this, that whoever was knowledgeable and foresighted..."”
#166
اگر پادشاهی کند یک زمان
✦
روانش بپرد سوی آسمان
“"...If he should rule as king even for a brief moment before his soul flies to heaven,"”
#167
به ازبنده بودن بسال دراز
✦
به گنج جهاندار بردن نیاز
“"...It is far better than remaining a servant for long years, dependent on the world-ruler's treasure."”
#168
چنین گفت پس با دبیر بزرگ
✦
که بگشای لب را تو ای پیرگرگ
“Then he said to the High Scribe, "Open your lips, O experienced old wolf!"”
#169
دبیر بزرگ آن زمان لب ببست
✦
بانبوه اندیشه اندر نشست
“The High Scribe kept his lips sealed at that moment, sinking deep into a sea of thoughts.”
#170
ازان پس چنین گفت بهرام را
✦
که هرکس که جویا بود کامرا
“Thereafter he said to Bahram, "Whoever seeks the fulfillment of his desires,"”
#171
چودرخور بجوید بیابد همان
✦
درازست ویازنده دست زمان
“"If he seeks appropriately, he will attain it; long and reaching is the hand of Time."”
#172
زچیزی که بخشش کند دادگر
✦
چنان دان که کوشش بیاید ببر
“"Whatever the Just Creator bestows, know that effort will surely bring it to fruition."”
#173
بهمدان گشسب آن زمان گفت باز
✦
که‌ای گشته اندر نشیب وفراز
“Then he turned to Hamdan-Goshasp and said, "O you who have traversed the ups and downs of life,"”
#174
سخن هرچ‌گویی بروی کسان
✦
شود باد وکردار او نارسان
“"Whatever words you speak merely to flatter others will turn to wind and leave deeds unfulfilled."”
#175
بگو آنچ دانی به کار اندورن
✦
زنیک وبد روزگار اندرون
“"Speak whatever true knowledge you possess regarding this affair, of the good and evil of fate."”
#176
چنین گفت همدان گشسب بلند
✦
که‌ای نزد پرمایگان ارجمند
“The noble Hamdan-Goshasp replied, "O you who are esteemed among men of high worth!"”
#177
زناآمده بد بترسی همی
✦
زدیهیم شاهان چه پرسی همی
“"You fear future evils yet unborn; why then do you inquire about the crown of kings?"”
#178
بکن کار وکرده به یزدان سپار
✦
بخرما چه یازی چوترسی زخار
“"Do your work and entrust the outcome to God; why reach for the date if you fear the thorn?"”
#179
تن آسان نگردد سرانجمن
✦
همه بیم جان باشد ورنج تن
“"The leader of an assembly finds no ease; it brings only peril to life and toil to the body."”
#180
زگفتارشان خواهر پهلوان
✦
همی‌بود پیچان وتیره روان
“Hearing their words, the hero's sister was troubled, her spirit growing dark with anxiety.”
#181
بران داوری هیچ نگشاد لب
✦
زبرگشتن هور تا نیم شب
“She did not open her lips regarding that dispute, from the setting of the sun until midnight.”
#182
بدو گفت بهرام کای پاک تن
✦
چه بینی به گفتار این انجمن
“Bahram said to her, "O pure-hearted soul, what do you perceive in the speeches of this assembly?"”
#183
ورا گردیه هیچ پاسخ نداد
✦
نه از رای آن مهتران بود شاد
“Gordyeh gave him no answer, for she was not pleased with the counsel of those nobles.”
#184
چنین گفت اوبا دبیر بزرگ
✦
که‌ای مرد بدساز چون پیرگرگ
“Then she said to the High Scribe, "O scheming man, like a cunning old wolf!"”
#185
گمانت چنینست کین تاج وتخت
✦
سپاه بزرگی و پیروزبخت
“"Do you suppose that this crown and throne, this great army, and victorious fortune..."”
#186
ز گیتی کسی را نبد آرزوی
✦
ازان نامداران آزاده خوی
“Among those noble-natured men of renown, none ever cherished such an ambitious desire in their hearts.”
#187
مگر شاهی آسانتر از بندگیست
✦
بدین دانش تو بباید گریست
“Is kingship thought to be easier than humble service? Over such flawed understanding, one can only weep!”
#188
بر آیین شاهان پیشین رویم
✦
سخنهای آن برتران بشنویم
“Let us walk upon the custom of the ancient kings, and listen to the wisdom of those exalted predecessors.”
#189
چنین داد پاسخ مر او را دبیر
✦
که گر رای من نیستت جایگیر
“Thus answered the learned scribe: 'If my counsel finds no place within your mind...'”
#190
هم آن گوی وآن کن که رای آیدت
✦
بران رو که دل رهنمای آیدت
“'...then speak and act as your own judgment sees fit, and follow whichever path your heart dictates.'”
#191
همان خواهرش نیز بهرام را
✦
بگفت آن سواران خودکام را
“Likewise did Bahram's sister address him and those headstrong, self-willed horsemen.”
#192
نه نیکوست این دانش ورای تو
✦
بکژی خرامد همی پای تو
“'This judgment of yours is far from sound; your feet are treading upon a crooked path.'”
#193
بسی بد که بیکار بدتخت شاه
✦
نکرد اندرو هیچ‌کهتر نگاه
“'Many a time the royal throne stood vacant, yet no subordinate dared cast an ambitious eye upon it.'”
#194
جهان را بمردی نگه داشتند
✦
یکی چشم برتخت نگماشتند
“'They guarded the realm through bravery and valor, yet never sought to usurp the crown.'”
#195
هرآنکس که دانا بدو پاک مغز
✦
زهرگونه اندیشه‌ای راند نغز
“Whoever is wise and pure of intellect, pondering deeply over every subtle thought,”
#196
بداند که شاهی به ازبندگیست
✦
همان سرافرازی زافگندگیست
“Knows well that sovereignty surpasses servitude, just as exaltation excels lowliness.”
#197
نبودند یازان بتخت کیان
✦
همه بندگی را کمر برمیان
“Yet those ancient heroes never reached for the Kayanid throne; rather, they girt their loins in loyal service.”
#198
ببستند و زیشان بهی خواستند
✦
همه دل بفرمانش آراستند
“They bound their belts in devotion, wished good for the sovereign, and attuned their hearts entirely to his command.”
#199
نه بیگانه زیبای افسر بود
✦
سزای بزرگی بگوهر بود
“A stranger is not worthy to wear the crown; true fitness for grandeur lies in royal lineage.”
#200
زکاوس شاه اندرآیم نخست
✦
کجا راه یزدان همی‌بازجست
“Let me begin first with King Kay Kavus, who sought to probe the secrets of the Almighty God,”
#201
که برآسمان اختران بشمرد
✦
خم چرخ گردنده رابشکرد
“Who attempted to count the stars in heaven and hunt down the secrets of the revolving sky.”
#202
به خواری و زاری بساری فتاد
✦
از اندیشهٔ کژ وز بدنهاد
“Yet from his crooked thoughts and ill-fated intent, he fell into disgrace and misery in the city of Sari.”