Deep into the trackless wilderness, King Khosrow Parviz spurred his mount forward through a parched realm destitute of both water and vegetation, guided by naught but desperation. Giving his steed free rein, he pressed on reluctantly until he reached the gates of Bahle. The nobles of that city, possessed of inherent virtue, emerged to welcome him and granted shelter to his weary forces. Yet no sooner had they settled than a swift courier arrived in breathless haste from Iran, concealing a secret letter within his garments. Written by the usurper Bahram Chubin to the governor of Bahle, the missive commanded the lord not to let Khosrow's forces slip away, warning that Bahram's army was pursuing close behind.
Upon inspecting the letter delivered by the governor, Khosrow was filled with astonishment and dread. Realizing the grave peril, the King bound his girdle tightly for swift flight and galloped toward the banks of the Euphrates. Reaching the river, they initially found no life, but soon chanced upon a verdant grove watered by running streams. Starved and exhausted, the warriors strung their bows to hunt, yet no wild beasts were to be found in the thicket.
At that desperate juncture, a caravan appeared led by an Arab camel-driver named Qays ibn al-Harith. Recognizing the royal majesty of Khosrow, Qays offered rich blessings. Learning of the king's plight and the ravenous hunger of his men, the noble Arab declared his life and possessions at their service. He slaughtered a fat beast, and amidst roaring fires fed with dry and green wood, the famished men devoured roasted meat. Rested and nourished, they offered praise to the Almighty, while Khosrow proclaimed to his followers that any who had erred in the past would find royal favor and amnesty if they turned toward righteousness.
When Khosrow inquired about the road ahead, Qays warned that over seventy leagues of formidable mountains and arid deserts remained, offering his own swift camels to carry water and provisions to guide the host. As they journeyed further, another caravan drew near, led by a wealthy scribe and merchant named Mehran-Setad from Khurreh-i Ardashir. Mehran generously showered the royal party with abundant food and drink. To preserve the monarch's dignity, the courtier Khorrad Borzin stepped forward to take the warm washing vessel and the cup of rose-scented wine from the merchant's hands to serve his sovereign.
Delighted by Mehran’s selfless hospitality, Khosrow inquired of his home and origin, commanding his scribe Rozbeh to record the merchant’s name and village so he might be magnificently rewarded when fortune returned. With heartfelt blessings of wisdom and peace, Khosrow bade farewell to Mehran and pressed onward along his fateful path.
#1
همی‌تاخت خسرو به پیش اندرون
✦
نه آب وگیا بود و نه رهنمون
“Khosrow spurred his steed onward in full flight, where there was neither water, grass, nor any guide.”
#2
عنان را بدان باره کرده یله
✦
همی‌راند ناکام تا باهله
“Giving full rein to his warhorse, he rode unwillingly until he reached the town of Bahle.”
#3
پذیره شدندش بزرگان شهر
✦
کسی را که از مردمی بود بهر
“The grandees of the city came out to welcome him—everyone who possessed a spark of humanity.”
#4
چو خسرو به نزدیک ایشان رسید
✦
بران شهر لشکر فرود آورید
“When Khosrow drew near to them, he dismounted his army at that city.”
#5
همان چون فرود آمد اندر زمان
✦
نوندی بیامد ز ایران دمان
“Yet as soon as he had alighted, a swift messenger arrived in haste from Iran.”
#6
ز بهرام چوبین یکی نامه داشت
✦
همان نامه پوشیده در جامه داشت
“He carried a letter from Bahram Chubin, concealed carefully within his robe.”
#7
نوشته سوی مهتری باهله
✦
که گرلشکر آید مکنشان یله
“It was written to the governor of Bahle: 'If the army arrives, do not let them pass free.”
#8
سپاه من اینک پس اندر دمان
✦
بشهر تو آید زمان تا زمان
“My host is pursuing swiftly behind, and will arrive in your city at any moment.'”
#9
چو مهتر برانگونه برنامه دید
✦
هم اندر زمان پیش خسرو دوید
“When the chieftain saw the contents of the letter, he immediately ran before Khosrow.”
#10
چوخسرو نگه کرد و نامه بخواند
✦
ز کار جهان در شگفتی بماند
“When Khosrow looked upon it and read the letter, he was filled with wonder at the turns of fortune.”
#11
بترسید که آید پس او سپاه
✦
بران نامه بر تنگدل گشت شاه
“He feared the pursuing army would catch him, and his royal heart grew deeply troubled over the letter.”
#12
ازان شهر هم در زمان برنشست
✦
میان کیی تاختن را ببست
“He mounted at once from that town, binding his royal girdle tightly for the ride.”
#13
همی‌تاخت تا پیش آب فرات
✦
ندید اندرو هیچ جای نبات
“He rode on until he reached the waters of the Euphrates, seeing no green plant anywhere upon the way.”
#14
شده گرسنه مرد پیر وجوان
✦
یکی بیشه دیدند و آب روان
“Old and young were famished; then they spied a thicket with running streams.”
#15
چوخسرو به پیش اندرون بیشه دید
✦
سپه را بران سبزه اندر کشید
“When Khosrow saw the grove ahead, he led his host into that green haven.”
#16
شده گرسنه مرد ناهاروسست
✦
کمان را بزه کرد نخچیر جست
“Faint and hungry, the men bent their bows to seek game to hunt.”
#17
ندیدند چیزی بجایی دوان
✦
درخت و گیا بود و آب روان
“Yet they saw nothing running anywhere; there were only trees, grass, and flowing water.”
#18
پدید آمد اندر زمان کاروان
✦
شتر بود و پیش اندرون ساروان
“Presently a caravan came into view, laden on camels, with a driver leading them forward.”
#19
چو آن ساربان روی خسرو بدید
✦
بدان نامدار آفرین گسترید
“When the camel-driver saw Khosrow's countenance, he poured praises upon that illustrious lord.”
#20
بدو گفت خسرو که نام توچیست
✦
کجا رفت خواهی و کام تو چیست
“Khosrow said to him: 'What is your name, where do you travel, and what is your goal?'”
#21
بدو گفت من قیس بن حارثم
✦
ز آزادگان عرب وارثم
“He replied: 'I am Qays ibn al-Harith, an heir of the noble chieftains of the Arabs.”
#22
ز مصر آمدم با یکی کاروان
✦
برین کاروان بر منم ساروان
“I have come from Egypt with a caravan, and I am the master of these camels.”
#23
به آب فراتست بنگاه من
✦
از انجا بدین بیشه بد راه من
“My home is by the waters of the Euphrates, and my path lay through this thicket.'”
#24
بدو گفت خسروکه از خوردنی
✦
چه داری هم از چیز گستردنی
“Khosrow asked him: 'What have you for food, and what carpets or bedding have you brought?”
#25
که ما ماندگانیم و هم گرسنه
✦
نه توشست ما را نه بار و بنه
“For we are exhausted and starving, with neither provisions nor baggage remaining.'”
#26
بدو گفت تازی که ایدر بایست
✦
مرا با تو چیز و تن جان یکیست
“The Arab said to him: 'Halt here, for my possessions, body, and soul are as one with yours.'”
#27
چو بر شاه تازی بگسترد مهر
✦
بیاورد فربه یکی ماده سهر
“When the Arab manifested his devotion to the king, he brought forth a fat female game bird [or beast].”
#28
بکشتند و آتش بر افروختند
✦
ترو خشک هیزم همی‌سوختند
“They slaughtered it and kindled a fire, burning dry and green firewood together.”
#29
بر آتش پراگند چندی کباب
✦
بخوردن گرفتند یاران شتاب
“They laid pieces of meat upon the embers, and the companions fell eagerly to eating.”
#30
گرفتند واژ آنک بد دین پژوه
✦
بخوردن شتابید دیگر گروه
“Some ate while praying and seeking faith, while the rest rushed hungrily to feast.”
#31
بخوردند بی‌نان فراوان کباب
✦
بیاراست هر مهتری جای خواب
“They ate bountiful meat without bread, and every nobleman arranged his place to sleep.”
#32
زمانی بخفتند و برخاستند
✦
یکی آفرین نو آراستند
“They slept a short while, then arose and offered fresh blessings and praise.”
#33
بدان دادگر کو جهان آفرید
✦
توانایی و ناتوان آفرید
“Unto the Just God who created the world, the Maker of the powerful and the weak.”
#34
ازان پس به یاران چنین گفت شاه
✦
که هرکس که او بیش دارد گناه
“Then the King spoke thus to his companions: 'Whosoever has sinned most in the past,”
#35
به پیش من آنکس گرامی ترست
✦
وزان کهتران نیز نامی ترست
“Shall be even more honored before me, and among the lesser men he shall gain renown.”
#36
هرآنکس کجا بیش دارد بدی
✦
بگشت از من و از ره بخردی
“Whoever committed evil, turning away from me and from the path of wisdom—”
#37
بما بیش باید که دارد امید
✦
سراسر به نیکی دهیدش نوید
“Must place all the more hope in us; give him glad tidings of goodness across the board.'”
#38
گرفتند یاران برو آفرین
✦
که ای پاک دل خسرو پاک دین
“His companions praised him, saying: 'O pure-hearted Khosrow of pure faith!'”
#39
بپرسید زان مرد تازی که راه
✦
کدامست و من چون شوم با سپاه
“Then he asked the Arab: 'Which is the way, and how may I travel with my host?'”
#40
بدو گفت هفتاد فرسنگ بیش
✦
شما را بیابان و کوهست پیش
“The Arab said: 'More than seventy leagues of desert and mountain lie before you.”
#41
چودستور باشی من ازگوشت و آب
✦
به راه آورم گر نسازی شتاب
“If you permit, I will bring meat and water to set you on your path, provided you do not rush.'”
#42
بدو گفت خسرو جزین نیست رای
✦
که با توشه باشیم و با رهنمای
“Khosrow said to him: 'No counsel is better than having provisions and a guide.'”
#43
هیونی بر افگند تازی به راه
✦
بدان تا برد راه پیش سپاه
“The Arab sent swift camels on the path to guide the way before the host.”
#44
همی‌تاخت اندر بیابان و کوه
✦
پر از رنج و تیمار با آن گروه
“They journeyed through wilderness and mountains, full of toil and distress with that group.”
#45
یکی کاروان نیز دیگر به راه
✦
پدید آمد از دور پیش سپاه
“Then another caravan appeared from afar along the path before the army.”
#46
یکی مرد بازارگان مایه دار
✦
بیامد هم آنگه بر شهریار
“At that very moment, a wealthy merchant came into the presence of the King.”
#47
بدو گفت شاه از کجایی بگوی
✦
کجا رفت خواهی چنین پوی پوی
“The King said to him, 'Tell me, whence do you come, and whither do you haste with such eager steps?'”
#48
بدو گفت کز خرهٔ اردشیر
✦
یکی مرد بازارگانم دبیر
“He replied, 'I am a merchant and a scribe from Khorreh-ye Ardashir.'”
#49
بدو گفت نامت چه کرد آنک زاد
✦
چنین داد پاسخ که مهران ستاد
“The King asked, 'What name did your parents give you?' He answered, 'I am Mehran Satad.'”
#50
ازو توشه جست آن زمان شهریار
✦
بدو گفت سالار کای نامدار
“Thereupon the monarch sought provisions from him, and the leader addressed him, 'O noble guest!'”
#51
خورش هست چندانک اندازه نیست
✦
اگر چهره بازارگان تازه نیست
“'Food I have beyond measure, though the merchant's visage is weary and unrefreshed.'”
#52
بدو گفت خسرو که مهمان به راه
✦
بیابی فزونی شود دستگاه
“Khosrow said to him, 'When you welcome a traveler as your guest, your wealth and prosperity shall multiply.'”
#53
سر بار بگشاد بازارگان
✦
درمگان به آمد ز دینارگان
“The merchant unfastened his packs; to the needy travelers, silver dirhams were far sweeter than gold coins.”
#54
خورش برد و بنشست خود بر زمین
✦
همی‌خواند بر شهریار آفرین
“He brought forth the victuals and sat upon the ground, pouring blessings upon the King.”
#55
چونان خورده شد مرد مهمان پرست
✦
بیامد گرفت آبدستان بدست
“When the guest had finished eating, that hospitable man stepped forward and took the wash-basin and ewer in hand.”
#56
چو از دور خراد برزین بدید
✦
ز جایی که بد پیش خسرو دوید
“When Khorrad Barzin saw this from afar, he ran from where he stood to Khosrow's side.”
#57
ز بازارگان بستد آن آب گرم
✦
بدن تا ندارد جهاندار شرم
“He took the warm water from the merchant, so that the King of the world might feel no embarrassment before a stranger.”
#58
پس آن مرد بازارگان پر شتاب
✦
می آورد برسان روشن گلاب
“Then the merchant hastily brought forth wine, clear and fragrant as pure rosewater.”
#59
دگر باره خراد برزین ز راه
✦
ازو بستد آن جام و شد نزد شاه
“Once again Khorrad Barzin intercepted the goblet from him and presented it to the King.”
#60
پرستش پرستنده را داشت سود
✦
بران برتری برتریها فزود
“Such devotion brought honor to the courtier, adding new layers of nobility to his stature.”
#61
ازان پس ببازارگان گفت شاه
✦
که اکنون سپه را کدامست راه
“Thereafter the King asked the merchant, 'Now tell me, which is the path for the army to take?'”
#62
نشست تو در خره اردشیر
✦
کجا باشد ای مرد مهمان‌پذیر
“'Where is your dwelling in Khorreh-ye Ardashir, O hospitable man?'”
#63
بدو گفت کای شاه با داد ورای
✦
ز بازارگانان منم پاک رای
“He answered, 'O just and wise King, among merchants I am a man of righteous intent.'”
#64
نشانش یکایک به خسرو بگفت
✦
همه رازها برگشاد از نهفت
“He described every detail of his place to Khosrow, revealing all hidden secrets and routes.”
#65
بفرمود تا نام برنا و ده
✦
نویسد نویسندهٔ روزبه
“The King commanded his auspicious scribe to record the young man's name and village.”
#66
ببازارگان گفت پدرود باش
✦
خرد را به دل تار و هم پود باش
“He bade farewell to the merchant, saying, 'Farewell! May wisdom be the very warp and weft of your soul.'”