The host of Khosrow Parviz set forth like the turning heavens, the thunder of royal kettle-drums filling the air and darkening the skies with ebony dust. Selecting an elite arm of noble champions, the king directed his march toward Azarabadagan. For two full weeks, reinforcing cohorts poured continuously into the royal encapment on the Plain of Duk, so vast that their ranks spilled across three narrow mountain passes. Khosrow conferred supreme command of this great host upon Niatos, while he himself, accompanied by a retinue of valiant horsemen, gave rein to his swift steed toward the paths of Chichast, heading toward the domain of Musil the Armenian.
As they rode, two horsemen galloped swiftly from afar toward the king's company. Khosrow turned to Gustahm, asking who these two bold riders were that swept across the plain with such urgency. Gustahm offered an answer that struck the king with utter astonishment: 'O Sovereign, the champion upon the piebald horse is none other than my brother Bandoy, and his companion hails from an allied army.' Khosrow marvelled, believing Bandoy to be either rotting in Bahram Chubin's dungeon or executed upon the gallows. Yet Gustahm pledged his very life upon the truth of his words. As the riders reached the shade of the royal presence, they dismounted and prostrated themselves in homage.
Bandoy recounted the perilous saga of his escape—how he had clad himself in Khosrow’s royal robes to trick Bahram's guards and gain precious time for his lord, before making his own daring break for freedom. Moved to tears by his uncle's loyalty, Khosrow embraced him. Bandoy then presented Musil the Armenian, declaring that ever since the king had departed for Rum, Musil had renounced the comforts of towns, dwelling only in tents upon the open plain, keeping a grand force armored and ready for Khosrow's return. Khosrow praised Musil's devotion, slipped his foot from his stirrup to allow Musil to kiss it, and promised to shower him with royal treasures.
Leaving the plain, Khosrow spurred his steed straight to the sacred fire temple of Adur Gushnasp. Trembling with solemn devotion, his heart heavy with grief, he stepped inside where the Herbad greeted him bearing the sacred Zand and Avesta. Unbuckling his golden girdle, the king showered sparkling jewels upon the holy flames and circled the altar in earnest prayer. He wept before the Divine Judge, praying for justice, that the heads of his treacherous foes be brought low to the dust. Refreshed in spirit, he returned to his camp, dispatching sharp-eyed scouts to gather intelligence on the movements of the world.
#1
بهشتم بیاراست خورشید چهر
✦
سپه را به کردار گردان سپهر
“The sun-faced king arrayed his host like paradise, causing his army to move like the turning heaven.”
#2
ز درگاه برخاست آوای کوس
✦
هوا شد ز گرد سپاه آبنوس
“From the royal threshold rose the thunder of war-drums, and the sky turned dark as ebony from the dust of the host.”
#3
سپاهی گزین کرد زآزادگان
✦
بیامد سوی آذرآبادگان
“He selected an elite army from among the noble-born and marched toward Azarabadagan.”
#4
دو هفته برآمد به فرمان شاه
✦
به لشکرگه آمد دمادم سپاه
“For two weeks, by the king’s command, troops flooded continuously into the royal encampment.”
#5
سراپردهٔ شاه بر دشت دوک
✦
چنان لشکری گشن و راهی سه دوک
“The royal pavilion was pitched upon the Plain of Duk; so vast was the army that it stretched across three narrow passes.”
#6
نیاطوس را داد لشکر همه
✦
بدو گفت مهتر تویی بر رمه
“He entrusted the command of the entire army to Niatos, saying: 'You are the commander of this host.'”
#7
وزان جایگه با سواران گرد
✦
عنان بارهٔ تیزتگ را سپرد
“From that place, accompanied by valiant knights, he gave rein to his swift-pacing steed.”
#8
سوی راه چیچست بنهاد روی
✦
همی راند شادان دل و راه جوی
“He set his face toward the path of Chichast, riding forward with a joyful heart, seeking the way.”
#9
به جایی که موسیل بود ارمنی
✦
که کردی میان بزرگان منی
“He headed toward the region where Musil the Armenian dwelt, a chief who held pride among the nobles.”
#10
به لشکرگهش یار بندوی بود
✦
که بندوی خال جهانجوی بود
“At his camp, he was joined by Bandoy, the royal uncle of the world-seeking king.”
#11
برفت این دو گرد از میان سپاه
✦
ز لشکر نگه کرد خسرو به راه
“As these two champions rode out from the midst of the army, Khosrow looked down the road toward them.”
#12
به گستهم گفت آن دلاور دو مرد
✦
چنین اسپ تازان به دشت نبرد
“He said to Gustahm: 'Who are these two brave men, galloping their steeds across the field of battle?'”
#13
برو سوی ایشان ببین تا کی‌اند
✦
برین گونه تازان ز بهر چی‌اند
“'Ride toward them and see who they are, and why they gallop in such a manner!'”
#14
چنین گفت گستهم که‌ای شهریار
✦
برانم که آن مرد ابلق سوار
“Gustahm replied: 'O Sovereign! I believe that piebald-mounted horseman...'”
#15
برادرم بندوی کنداورست
✦
همان یارش از لشکری دیگرست
“'...is my valiant brother Bandoy, and his companion belongs to another army.'”
#16
چنین گفت خسرو به گستهم شیر
✦
که این کی بود ای سوار دلیر
“Khosrow said to the lion-like Gustahm: 'O brave rider, how could this be?'”
#17
کجا کار بندوی باشد درشت
✦
مگر پاک یزدان بود یار و پشت
“'Bandoy’s plight was dire indeed, unless Almighty God has been his protector and aid!'”
#18
اگر زنده خواهی به زندان بود
✦
وگر کشته بردار میدان بود
“'If alive, he should be in prison; if slain, his body should hang upon the gallows of the field.'”
#19
بدو گفت گستهم شاها درست
✦
بدان سو نگه کن که او خال تست
“Gustahm said to him: 'O King, look carefully toward that side—for indeed, it is your uncle!'”
#20
گر آید به نزدیک و باشد جز اوی
✦
ز گستهم گوینده جز جان مجوی
“'If he draws near and proves to be any other, demand nothing less than Gustahm's life!'”
#21
هم آنگه رسیدند نزدیک شاه
✦
پیاده شدند اندران سایه‌گاه
“At that very moment they reached the king, dismounting beneath the shade.”
#22
چو رفتند نزدیک خسرو فراز
✦
ستودند و بردند پیشش نماز
“As they approached Khosrow, they praised him and bowed down before him in homage.”
#23
بپرسید خسرو به بندوی گفت
✦
که گفتم تو را خاک یابم نهفت
“Khosrow questioned Bandoy, saying: 'I believed you were buried beneath the earth!'”
#24
به خسرو بگفت آنچ بر وی رسید
✦
همان مردمی کو ز بهرام دید
“Bandoy recounted all that had befallen him, and the honorable treatment he had received even from Bahram.”
#25
وزآن چاره جستن در آن روزگار
✦
وزآن پوشش جامهٔ شهریار
“He spoke of his clever stratagem in those desperate days, and how he had disguised himself in the king's royal robes.”
#26
همی گفت و خسرو فراوان گریست
✦
از آن پس بدو گفت که‌این مرد کیست
“As he spoke, Khosrow wept bitterly; then he asked Bandoy: 'Who is this noble man with you?'”
#27
بدو گفت که‌ای شاه خورشید چهر
✦
تو موسیل را چون نپرسی ز مهر
“Bandoy replied: 'O sun-faced King, why do you not warmly greet Musil?'”
#28
که تا تو ز ایران شده‌ستی به روم
✦
نخفته‌ست هرگز به آباد بوم
“'Since the day you departed from Iran for Rum, he has never slept in settled habitations!'”
#29
سراپرده و دشت جای وی است
✦
نه خرگاه وخیمه سرای وی است
“'The open plain and royal tent have been his only home; neither pavilion nor chamber holds him.'”
#30
فراوان سپاهست با او به هم
✦
سلیح بزرگی و گنج درم
“'He brings a vast host with him, equipped with noble arms and abundant treasures of coin.'”
#31
کنون تا تو رفتی برین راه بود
✦
نیازش به برگشتن شاه بود
“'From the moment of your departure he has walked this path, longing only for the return of his king!'”
#32
جهاندار خسرو به موسیل گفت
✦
که رنج تو کی ماند اندر نهفت
“The world-lord Khosrow said to Musil: 'How could your great toil remain unrewarded or hidden?'”
#33
بکوشیم تا روز تو به شود
✦
همان نامت از مهتران مه شود
“'We shall strive so that your days grow brighter, and your name shines grander among the great.'”
#34
بدو گفت موسیل که‌ای شهریار
✦
به من بر یکی تازه کن روزگار
“Musil said to him: 'O Sovereign, grant me a fresh beginning and favor in your eyes!'”
#35
که آیم ببوسم رکیب تو را
✦
ستایش کنم فر و زیب تو را
“'Allow me to approach and kiss your stirrup, to praise your royal divine grace and splendor.'”
#36
بدو گفت خسرو که با رنج تو
✦
درفشان کنم زین سخن گنج تو
“Khosrow replied to him: 'In return for your toil, I shall fill your treasure-chests with sparkling riches.'”
#37
برون کرد یک پای خویش از رکیب
✦
شد آن مرد بیدار دل ناشکیب
“The king slipped one foot out of his stirrup, and that vigilant-hearted man, overcome with emotion, stepped forward.”
#38
ببوسید پای و رکیب ورا
✦
همی خیره گشت از نهیب ورا
“He kissed his foot and stirrup, filled with awe by the magnificent majesty of the king.”
#39
چو بیکار شد مرد خسرو پرست
✦
جهانجوی فرمود تا برنشست
“When the loyal subject had performed his homage, the world-seeking king bade him remount.”
#40
وزآن دشت بی بر، انگیخت اسپ
✦
همی تاخت تا پیش آذرگشسپ
“From that barren plain he spurred his horse, riding swift until he reached the sacred fire of Adur Gushnasp.”
#41
نوان اندر آمد به آتشکده
✦
دلش بود یکسر به درد آژده
“Trembling with emotion, he entered the fire temple, his heart entirely pierced with sorrow and pain.”
#42
بشد هیربد زند و استا به دست
✦
به پیش جهاندار یزدان پرست
“The Herbad approached with the Zand and Avesta in hand, coming before the God-worshipping sovereign.”
#43
گشاد از میان شاه زرین کمر
✦
بر آتش برآگند چندی گهر
“The king unclasped the golden belt from his waist and showered precious jewels upon the holy fire.”
#44
نیایش کنان پیش آذر بگشت
✦
بنالید وز هیربد برگذشت
“Praying devoutly, he walked around the sacred fire, groaning in supplication, passing beyond the priest.”
#45
همی گفت که‌ای داور داد و پاک
✦
سر دشمنان اندر آور به خاک
“He cried: 'O Just and Pure Judge of all! Bring down the heads of my enemies into the dust!'”
#46
تو دانی که بر داد نالم همی
✦
همه راه نیکی سگالم همی
“Thou knowest that I cry out only for justice, and that I ponder only the path of righteousness.”
#47
تو مپسند بیداد بیدادگر
✦
بگفت این و بربست زرین کمر
“'Permit not the tyranny of the oppressor!' He spoke these words, and bound his golden girdle.”
#48
سوی دشت دوک اندر آورد روی
✦
همی شد خلیده دل و راه‌جوی
“He turned his face towards the plain of Dok, riding onward with a wounded heart, seeking the way.”
#49
چو آمد به لشکرگه خویش باز
✦
همان تیره گشت آن شب دیر یاز
“When he returned unto his army's camp, that long and dark night descended once more.”
#50
فرستاد بیدار کارآگهان
✦
که تا باز جویند کار جهان
“He dispatched vigilant scouts to spy out and probe the affairs of the realm.”
#51
چو آگاه شد لشکر نیمروز
✦
که آمد ز ره شاه گیتی فروز
“When the host of Nimruz learned that the world-glorifying king had returned from his journey,”
#52
همه کوس بستند بر پشت پیل
✦
زمین شد به کردار دریای نیل
“They bound war-drums upon the backs of elephants, and the earth swelled like the mighty Nile.”
#53
ازآن آگهی سر به سر نو شدند
✦
به یاری به نزدیک خسرو شدند
“At that glad tidings they were all renewed in spirit, and marched forth in haste to Khosrow's aid.”