As the golden sun unsheathed its blade against the dark vault of night, Bahram Chubin summoned the nobles and chieftains of Iran, seating them upon golden thrones as if he were already a victorious monarch. Raising his voice above the council, Bahram questioned the assembly, recounting how ancient evil, such as Zahhak’s patricide, had brought ruin to Iran, and noting how the royal throne now stood deserted after Khosrow Parviz’s flight. He asked who among them possessed the valour and righteous lineage to bind the waist of leadership and uphold the sacred customs of the Kayanids.
Shahran-Goraz, a venerable old chieftain, stood first, praising Bahram’s triumphant slaying of King Saveh and his vast army, declaring that Bahram alone was worthy of the throne of Iran. Khorasan then spoke, citing the sacred teachings of Zoroaster’s Avesta and Zand, asserting that a ruler who strays from justice must be counseled for a year, and if he remains unrepentant, he must be executed by royal command. Farrukh-Zad likewise urged adherence to justice. Yet the wise Khazravan rose to offer sober counsel, warning Bahram not to usurp the crown while King Khosrow Parviz still lived; he advised Bahram to send an apology to Khosrow, refrain from stepping boldly onto the throne, and content himself with governing Khorasan peacefully.
Zad-Farrukh echoed Khazravan’s wisdom, lamenting the grim historical precedents—from Zahhak and Afrasiab to Alexander and Khushnavaz—that brought calamity upon the realm. He wept openly over the tragedy of Khosrow fleeing to foreign lands, causing Bahram’s face to pale with agitation. Suddenly, Sunbad and Babuy the Armenian drew their swords, declaring Bahram their rightful king, while another hot-headed commander swore to slay anyone of royal blood who dared claim the crown. Seeing swords drawn in fury, Bahram Chubin chose restraint, commanding all to sheath their weapons lest their madness bring immediate execution. He withdrew from the assembly to the gardens of Shadgan, leaving the council to disperse in anger, confusion, and bitter turmoil.
#1
چو خورشید خنجر کشید از نیام
✦
پدید آمد آن مطرف زردفام
“When the sun drew its blade from the sheath, and the yellow-hued cloak of morning appeared across the sky,”
#2
فرستاد و گردنکشان را بخواند
✦
برتخت شاهی به زانو نشاند
“Bahram sent couriers and summoned the chieftains, seating them respectfully around the royal throne.”
#3
بهرجای کرسی زرین نهاد
✦
چوشاهان پیروز بنشست شاد
“He set golden thrones in every place, sitting joyfully like victorious monarchs of old.”
#4
چنین گفت زان پس به بانگ بلند
✦
که هرکس که هست ازشما ارجمند
“He then raised his voice and addressed them aloud: 'Whoever among you is exalted and noble,'”
#5
ز شاهان ز ضحاک بتر کسی
✦
نیامد پدیدار بجویی بسی
“'Among all kings, none worse than Zahhak ever arose, though you search through many a stream.'”
#6
که از بهر شاهی پدر را بکشت
✦
وزان کشتن ایرانش آمد بمشت
“'For the sake of sovereignty he slew his father, and through that murder Iran fell into his grasp.'”
#7
دگر خسرو آن مرد بیداد و شوم
✦
پدر را بکشت آنگهی شد بروم
“'And that other sinister, unjust monarch killed his father and then fled unto Rum.'”
#8
کنون ناپدیدست اندر جهان
✦
یکی نامداری ز تخت مهان
“'Now a renowned chief from the throne of the great has vanished from the world;'”
#9
که زیبا بود بخشش و بخت را
✦
کلاه و کمر بستن وتخت را
“'One who is worthy of bounty and good fortune, worthy to wear the crown, belt, and sit upon the throne.'”
#10
که دارید که اکنون ببندد میان
✦
بجا آورد رسم و راه کیان
“'Whom do you hold now who will gird his loins to restore the noble rites and ways of the Kayanids?'”
#11
بدارندهٔ آفتاب بلند
✦
که باشم شما را بدین یارمند
“'By the Creator of the lofty sun, I shall be your helper in this task!'”
#12
شنیدند گردنکشان این سخن
✦
که آن نامور مهتر افکند بن
“The chieftains heard these words, recognizing the high foundation laid by that renowned leader.”
#13
نپیچید کس دل ز گفتار راست
✦
یکی پیرتر بود بر پای خاست
“None turned their heart from true speech; then an elder noble rose to his feet.”
#14
کجا نام او بود شهران گراز
✦
گوی پیرسر مهتری دیریاز
“Whose name was Shahran-Goraz, an aged hero who had long held chieftainship.”
#15
چنین گفت کای نامدار بلند
✦
توی در جهان تابوی سودمند
“He spoke thus: 'O renowned and lofty lord, you are the world-illuminating benefactor.'”
#16
بدی گر نبودی جز از ساوه شاه
✦
که آمد بدین مرز ما با سپاه
“'It would have been ruinous had it not been for King Saveh, who invaded our border with a vast host,'”
#17
ز آزادگان بندگان خواست کرد
✦
کجا در جهانش نبد هم نبرد
“'Seeking to enslave the free-born nobles, having no match or peer in all the world.'”
#18
ز گیتی بمردی تو بستی میان
✦
که آن رنج بگذشت ز ایرانیان
“'Through manly strength you girded your loins, and that terrible affliction passed away from the Iranians.'”
#19
سپه چاربار از یلان صدهزار
✦
همه گرد و شایستهٔ کارزار
“'Four times their army numbered a hundred thousand warriors, all mighty and proven in battle.'”
#20
بیک چوبه تیر تو گشتند باز
✦
برآسود ایران ز گرم و گداز
“'Yet with a single arrow of yours they turned back, and Iran found relief from distress and agony.'”
#21
کنون تخت ایران سزاوار تست
✦
برین برگوا بخت بیدارتست
“'Now the throne of Iran is truly worthy of you; your vigilant fortune bears witness to this.'”
#22
کسی کو بپیچد ز فرمان ما
✦
وگر دور ماند ز پیمان ما
“'Whoever turns away from our command, or strays far from our solemn covenant,'”
#23
بفرمانش آریم اگر چه گوست
✦
و گر داستان را همه خسروست
“'We shall bring him under obedience though he be a warrior, even if the legend names him king.'”
#24
بگفت این و بنشست بر جای خویش
✦
خراسان سپهبد بیامد به پیش
“Having said this, he sat down in his place, and Khorasan the army commander stepped forward.”
#25
چنین گفت کاین پیر دانش پژوه
✦
که چندین سخن گفت پیش گروه
“He spoke thus: 'This wise elder who uttered so many words before the assembly,'”
#26
بگویم که او از چه گفت این سخن
✦
جهانجوی و داننده مرد کهن
“'Let me explain why he spoke these words—this world-seeking, experienced old hero.'”
#27
که این نیکویها ز تو یاد کرد
✦
دل انجمن زین سخن شاد کرد
“'He recalled all these virtues of yours, gladdening the heart of the assembly with his words.'”
#28
ولیکن یکی داستانست نغز
✦
اگر بشنود مردم پاک مغز
“'Yet there is a fine, profound tale, if a pure-minded man would listen:'”
#29
که زر دشت گوید باستا و زند
✦
که هرکس که از کردگاربلند
“'Zoroaster says in the Avesta and Zand that whosoever strays from the Almighty Creator,'”
#30
بپیچد بیک سال پندش دهید
✦
همان مایهٔ سودمندش دهید
“'Give him counsel for one full year, and grant him beneficial provisions;'”
#31
سرسال اگر بازناید به راه
✦
ببایدش کشتن بفرمان شاه
“'If at year’s end he does not return to the righteous path, he must be slain by the king’s command.'”
#32
چو بر دادگر شاه دشمن شود
✦
سرش زود باید که بی‌تن شود
“'When a man becomes an enemy to the just king, his head should soon be severed from his body.'”
#33
خراسان بگفت این و لب راببست
✦
بیامد بجایی که بودش نشست
“Khorasan said this and sealed his lips, returning to where his seat was located.”
#34
ازان پس فرخ زاد برپای خاست
✦
ازان انجمن سر برآورد راست
“Thereafter Farrukh-Zad stood up, raising his head high amidst the assembly.”
#35
چنین گفت کای مهتر سودمند
✦
سخن گفتن داد به گر پسند
“He spoke thus: 'O beneficial chieftain, to speak of justice is acceptable to the wise.'”
#36
اگر داد بهتر بود کس مباد
✦
که باشد به گفتار بیداد شاد
“'If justice is best, let no man be glad of unjust speech.'”
#37
ببهرام گوید که نوشه بدی
✦
جهان را بدیدار توشه بدی
“'One should say to Bahram: May you be immortal and healthy! May your countenance be sustenance for the world!'”
#38
اگر ناپسندست گفتار ما
✦
بدین نیست پیروزگر یارما
“'If our words are unpleasing, the Victorious Lord will not be our helper.'”
#39
انوشه بدی شاد تاجاودان
✦
زتو دور دست و زبان بدان
“'May you be immortal and joyous forever, with the hands and tongues of evil kept far from you!'”
#40
بگفت این و بنشست مرد دلیر
✦
خزروان خسرو بیامد چو شیر
“Having said this, the brave man sat down; then Khazravan, Khosrow's warrior, came forward like a lion.”
#41
بدو گفت اکنون که چندین سخن
✦
سراینده برنا و مرد کهن
“He said to him: 'Now that so many words have been uttered by young and old alike,'”
#42
سرانجام اگر راه جویی بداد
✦
هیونی برافگن بکردار باد
“'If in the end you seek the path of justice, dispatch a courier swift as the wind.'”
#43
ممان دیر تا خسرو سرفراز
✦
بکوبد بنزد تو راه دراز
“'Do not delay, lest the exalted Khosrow march a long road to reach you.'”
#44
ز کار گذشته به پوزش گرای
✦
سوی تخت گستاخ مگذار پای
“'Apologize for past deeds, and do not step boldly toward the throne.'”
#45
که تا زنده باشد جهاندار شاه
✦
نباشد سپهبد سزاوار گاه
“'For as long as the sovereign King lives, a general is not worthy of the royal throne.'”
#46
وگر بیم داری ز خسرو به دل
✦
پی از پارس وز طیسفون برگسل
“And if your heart still harbors fear of Khosrow, sever all ties with Pars and Ctesiphon.”
#47
بشهر خراسان تن آسان بزی
✦
که آسانی و مهتری را سزی
“Dwell in comfort in the realm of Khorasan, for you are truly worthy of ease and grandeur.”
#48
به پوزش یک اندر دگر نامه ساز
✦
مگر خسرو آید برای تو باز
“Send apology after apology in writing, perchance Khosrow may relent and turn back to favor you.”
#49
نه برداشت خسرو پی از جای خویش
✦
کجا زاد فرخ نهد پای پیش
“Yet Khosrow yielded no ground, even as Zad-Farrokh stepped forward to speak.”
#50
سخن گفت پس زاد فرخ بداد
✦
که‌ای نامداران فرخ نژاد
“Then Zad-Farrokh spoke with equity, addressing them: 'O renowned ones of blessed lineage,'”
#51
شنیدم سخن گفتن مهتران
✦
که هستند ز ایران گزیده سران
“'I have heard the words of the elders, who are the chosen chieftains of Iran.'”
#52
نخستین سخن گفتن بنده وار
✦
که تا پهلوانی شود شهریار
“'First was the humble discourse proposing that a warlord should become king;'”
#53
خردمند نپسندد این گفت وگوی
✦
کزان کم شود مرد راآب روی
“'No wise man would approve such counsel, for it diminishes a man's honor and pride.'”
#54
خراسان سخن برمنش وار گفت
✦
نگویم که آن با خرد بود جفت
“'The chieftain of Khorasan spoke with haughtiness; I cannot say his speech was bound with wisdom.'”
#55
فرخ زاد بفزود گفتار تند
✦
دل مردم پرخرد کرد کند
“'Farrokh-Zad added harsh utterings, dampening the spirits of the prudent.'”
#56
چهارم خزروان سالاربود
✦
که گفتار او با خرد یاربود
“'The fourth was the lord of Khazar, whose discourse was indeed allied with wisdom.'”
#57
که تا آفرید این جهان کردگار
✦
پدید آمد این گردش روزگار
“'Saying: Since the Creator fashioned this universe and the cycles of time began,'”
#58
ز ضحاک تازی نخست اندرآی
✦
که بیدادگر بود و ناپاک رای
“'Recall first Zahhak the Arab, who was unjust and evil in his intent,'”
#59
که جمشید برتر منش را بکشت
✦
به بیداد بگرفت گیتی بمشت
“'Who slew proud Jamshid and seized the world in his tyrannical grip.'”
#60
پر از درد دیدم دل پارسا
✦
که اندر جهان دیو بد پادشا
“'I saw the heart of the righteous filled with pain when an evil demon ruled the world.'”
#61
دگر آنک بد گوهر افراسیاب
✦
ز توران بدانگونه بگذاشت آب
“'Another was vile-natured Afrasiab, who crossed the waters from Turan in such evil manner,'”
#62
بزاری سر نوذر نامدار
✦
بشمشیر ببرید و برگشت کار
“'And wretchedly beheaded the famous Nozhar with a sword, turning back fortune's tide.'”
#63
سدیگر سکندر که آمد ز روم
✦
به ایران و ویران شد این مرز وبوم
“'Third was Alexander who came from Rome to Iran, leaving this realm desolate.'”
#64
چو دارای شمشیر زن را بکشت
✦
خور و خواب ایرانیان شد درشت
“'When he slew Dara the sword-wielder, the ease and repose of Iranians turned bitter.'”
#65
چهارم چو ناپاک دل خوشنواز
✦
که گم کرد زین بوم و بر نام و ناز
“'Fourth was foul-hearted Khushnawaz, who wiped away honor and glory from this land.'”
#66
چو پیروز شاهی بلند اختری
✦
جهاندار وز نامداران سری
“'When King Peroz of high star, sovereign of the world and chief among nobles,'”
#67
بکشتند هیتالیان ناگهان
✦
نگون شد سرتخت شاه جهان
“'Was suddenly slain by the Hephthalites, the royal crown of the world was overthrown.'”
#68
کس اندر جهان این شگفتی ندید
✦
که اکنون بنوی به ایران رسید
“'Yet none in the world ever saw such a marvel as has newly come upon Iran:'”
#69
که بگریخت شاهی چوخسرو زگاه
✦
سوی دشمنان شد ز دست سپاه
“'That a monarch like Khosrow should flee his throne, driven by his own host toward enemies!'”
#70
بگفت این و بنشست گریان بدرد
✦
ز گفتار او گشت بهرام زرد
“He said this and sat weeping in anguish; at his words, Bahram's face turned pale.”
#71
جهاندیده سنباد برپای جست
✦
میان بسته وتیغ هندی بدست
“The battle-tested Sonbad sprang up, girdle tightened and holding an Indian blade.”
#72
چنین گفت کاین نامور پهلوان
✦
بزرگست و با داد و روشن روان
“He spoke: 'This renowned champion is mighty, just, and enlightened in soul.'”
#73
کنون تاکسی از نژادکیان
✦
بیاید ببندد کمر بر میان
“'Until someone of the royal Kayanid lineage arrives to gird his loins for sovereignty,'”
#74
هم آن به که این برنشیند بتخت
✦
که گردست و جنگاور و نیک بخت
“'It is far better that he mounts the throne, for he is valiant, warlike, and favored by fortune.'”
#75
سرجنگیان کاین سخنها شنید
✦
بزد دست و تیغ از میان برکشید
“When the chief of warriors heard these words, he reached out and drew his sword from his belt.”
#76
چنین گفت کز تخم شاهان زنی
✦
اگر باز یابیم در بر زنی
“He declared: 'If we were to find even a woman of the royal seed,'”
#77
ببرم سرش را بشمشیر تیز
✦
زجانش برآرم دم رستخیز
“'I would sever her head with a sharp sword and send her soul straight to resurrection day!'”
#78
نمانم که کس تاجداری کند
✦
میان سواران سورای کند
“'I will let no one wear the crown or lord it over the horsemen of this realm!'”
#79
چوبشنید بابوی گرد ارمنی
✦
که سالار ناپاک کرد آن منی
“When Baboy, the Armenian brave, heard how that wicked warlord boasted in arrogance,”
#80
کشیدند شمشیر و برخاستند
✦
یکی نو سخن دیگر آراستند
“They drew their swords, sprang up, and ignited a fierce new brawl.”
#81
که بهرام شاهست و ماکهتریم
✦
سر دشمنان را بپی بسپریم
“That Bahram is king and we are but his servants; beneath our heels we shall trample the heads of his enemies.”
#82
کشیده چو بهرام شمشیر دید
✦
خردمندی و راستی برگزید
“When he saw Bahram with a drawn sword, he chose the path of wisdom and truthfulness.”
#83
چنین گفت کانکو ز جای نشست
✦
برآید بیازد به شمشیر دست
“He spoke thus: "Whosoever rises up from his place and reaches out his hand toward the sword,”
#84
ببرم هم اندر زمان دست اوی
✦
هشیوار گردد سر مست اوی
“I shall sever his hand upon the instant, so that his intoxicated head may be brought to sobriety!"”
#85
بگفت این و از پیش آزادگان
✦
بیامد سوی گلشن شادگان
“Spaking these words, he departed from the presence of the nobles and repaired toward the joyful garden.”
#86
پراگنده گشت آن بزرگ انجمن
✦
همه رخ پر آژنگ و دل پرشکن
“Thus that great assembly was dispersed, every face lined with distress and every heart torn with anguish.”