#1
همی راند دستان گرفته شتاب
✦
چو پرنده مرغ و چو کشتی برآب
“Dastan rode swiftly on, making speed like a flying bird or a ship upon the water.”
#2
کسی را نبد ز آمدنش آگهی
✦
پذیره نرفتند با فرهی
“No one had news of his approach, so none went forth with grand ceremony to welcome him.”
#3
خروشی برآمد ز پرده سرای
✦
که آمد ز ره زال فرخنده‌رای
“A clamor arose from within the royal enclosure, announcing that the auspicious Zal had arrived from his journey.”
#4
پذیره شدش سام یل شادمان
✦
همی داشت اندر برش یک زمان
“The heroic Sam went forth joyfully to welcome him, embracing him warmly for a time.”
#5
فرود آمد از باره بوسید خاک
✦
بگفت آن کجا دید و بشنید پاک
“Zal dismounted from his steed, kissed the ground, and faithfully recounted all he had seen and heard.”
#6
نشست از بر تخت پرمایه سام
✦
ابا زال خرم دل و شادکام
“Glorious Sam sat upon the noble throne alongside Zal, his heart gladdened and well pleased.”
#7
سخنهای سیندخت گفتن گرفت
✦
لبش گشت خندان نهفتن گرفت
“Sam began to speak of Sindokht's words; a smile played upon his lips as he began to reveal the secrets.”
#8
چنین گفت کامد ز کابل پیام
✦
پیمبر زنی بود سیندخت نام
“He said, 'A message came from Kabul through an envoy, a wise lady named Sindokht.'”
#9
ز من خواست پیمان و دادم زمان
✦
که هرگز نباشم بدو بدگمان
“'She asked my pledge and I granted her time, promising that I would never harbor ill intent toward her.'”
#10
ز هر چیز کز من به خوبی بخواست
✦
سخنها بران برنهادیم راست
“'Whatever she righteously asked of me, we agreed upon in truth and virtue.'”
#11
نخست آنکه با ماه کابلستان
✦
شود جفت خورشید زابلستان
“'First, that the Moon of Kabulstan should wed the Sun of Zabolstan.'”
#12
دگر آنکه زی او به مهمان شویم
✦
بران دردها پاک درمان شویم
“'Second, that we go to visit them as guests, thereby curing all our heartaches completely.'”
#13
فرستاده‌ای آمد از نزد اوی
✦
که پردخته شد کار بنمای روی
“'Now a messenger has arrived from her side saying: The matter is concluded, now show your face.'”
#14
کنون چیست پاسخ فرستاده را
✦
چه گوییم مهراب آزاده را
“'What answer shall we now give to the messenger? What shall we say to the noble Mehrab?'”
#15
ز شادی چنان شد دل زال سام
✦
که رنگش سراپای شد لعل فام
“At these words, Zal son of Sam was so overcome with joy that his whole countenance flushed like a ruby.”
#16
چنین داد پاسخ که ای پهلوان
✦
گر ایدون که بینی به روشن روان
“He replied, 'O Paladin, if you deem it right in your enlightened soul...'”
#17
سپه رانی و ما به کابل شویم
✦
بگوییم زین در سخن بشنویم
“'...Lead forth the army, and let us ride to Kabul, that we may speak of this union and hear their words.'”
#18
به دستان نگه کرد فرخنده سام
✦
بدانست کورا ازین چیست کام
“Blessed Sam looked upon Dastan and perceived well what his heart desired.”
#19
سخن هر چه از دخت مهراب نیست
✦
به نزدیک زال آن جز از خواب نیست
“For whatever speech did not concern Mehrab's daughter was nothing but an idle dream to Zal's ears.”
#20
بفرمود تا زنگ و هندی درای
✦
زدند و گشادند پرده سرای
“Sam ordered the bells and Indian gongs to be sounded, and the pavilion gates to be opened wide.”
#21
هیونی برافگند مرد دلیر
✦
بدان تا شود نزد مهراب شیر
“The brave hero dispatched a swift camel-rider to make haste unto the lion-like Mehrab.”
#22
بگوید که آمد سپهبد ز راه
✦
ابا زال با پیل و چندی سپاه
“To announce that the Commander has arrived on the way, accompanied by Zal, elephants, and a great host.”
#23
فرستاده تازان به کابل رسید
✦
خروشی برآمد چنان چون سزید
“Riding swiftly, the messenger reached Kabul, whereupon a fitting shout of celebration arose.”
#24
چنان شاد شد شاه کابلستان
✦
ز پیوند خورشید زابلستان
“The King of Kabulstan rejoiced exceedingly over this union with the Sun of Zabolstan.”
#25
که گفتی همی جان برافشاندند
✦
ز هر جای رامشگران خواندند
“That it seemed as if they would offer up their very souls; and they summoned musicians from every corner.”