When the white banner of the sun was unfurled across the sky and the darkness of night dissolved, the thunder of war-drums and the blare of trumpets resounded from the backs of war-elephants. The valley trembled as the armors of aligned hosts shimmered like endless stars upon a dark sea.
King Khosrow Parviz established his position at the center of the royal army, placing his trusted lords upon the flanks—Garduy commanded the right, while Shapur, Andiyan, and Gustahm protected the king. On the opposing side, Bahram Chubineh rode forth upon a giant white elephant, inciting his forces to clash. Bahram mocked Shapur for his loyalty to Khosrow, but Shapur answered fiercely that true nobility lies in service to the rightful sovereign. Seeing Bahram press forward on his elephant, Khosrow ordered a volley of arrows targeting the beast's trunk; pierced by countless steel points, the elephant recoiled in agony. Enraged, Bahram dismounted, tucked his chainmail skirt into his belt, and waded through the infantry like a wave of destruction before mounting a swift charger and smashing through Khosrow's center.
Bahram then charged the left wing, coming face-to-face with his own brother, Garduy. Sword against sword, brother fought brother. When Bahram reproached Garduy for shedding a brother's blood, Garduy replied firmly that a brother who betrays his King and the Divine Law is no brother, but an enemy deserving of the blade.
To prevent the Roman auxiliaries from claiming the glory of defeating the rebel, Khosrow hand-picked fourteen illustrious Iranian champions—including Gustahm, Bandoy, Garduy, Shapur, Andiyan, Azar Goshasp, and Farrukhzad—to engage Bahram directly. Bahram, noticing Khosrow's small escort, advanced with three of his fiercest captains: Izad Goshasp, Yalan Sineh, and Jan-Foruz. A ferocious skirmish erupted, and in the swirling chaos, Khosrow became separated from his men.
Pursued relentlessly by Bahram, Izad Goshasp, and Yalan Sineh, the king was driven up a rugged mountain path into a narrow, dead-end gorge. With towering rock walls blocking his front and the sharp steel of his deadliest enemies closing in behind, Khosrow dismounted, raised his hands to the heavens, and cried out in pure devotion to Almighty Yazdan, asking for divine salvation.
Instantly, a heavenly roar echoed across the crags, and the blessed divine angel Suroush appeared, clad in emerald green atop a radiant white steed. Suroush extended his hand, grasped Khosrow, and miraculously lifted the king through the air, depositing him safely atop an inaccessible mountain peak. Suroush prophesied that Khosrow would reign in righteousness over the realm for thirty-eight long years, and then vanished into the light.
Bahram stood spellbound by the miraculous sight, realizing with dread that his struggle was no longer merely against a mortal king, but against the cosmic decree of Heaven itself. Meanwhile, Prince Niatos and Princess Maryam, who had been weeping on the mountain slope believing Khosrow slain, looked up to see their sovereign standing unscathed upon the summit. Joy erupted across the encampment as Khosrow recounted his miraculous deliverance by Suroush, reigniting the spirits of his army for the final confrontation.
#1
چو بر زد ز دریا درفش سپید
✦
ستاره شد از تیرگی ناامید
“When the white banner unfurled from the sea of heaven, the stars lost all hope in the darkness.”
#2
تبیره زنان از دو پرده سرای
✦
برفتند با پیل و باکرنای
“Drums sounded from both pavilions as troops marched forth with elephants and trumpets.”
#3
خروش آمد و نالهٔ گاودم
✦
هم از کوههٔ پیل رویینه خم
“A roar arose from the cow-horns and brass drums mounted upon the backs of elephants.”
#4
تو گفتی بجنبد همی دشت وراغ
✦
شده روی خورشید چون پر زاغ
“You would say the plain and meadow trembled, and the sun's face turned dark as a raven's wing.”
#5
چو ایرانیان برکشیدند صف
✦
همه نیزه و تیغ هندی بکف
“When the Iranians drew up their battle lines, all held spears and Indian blades in hand.”
#6
زمین سر به سر گفتی ازجوشنست
✦
ستاره ز نوک سنان روشنست
“The earth seemed clad in mail from end to end, and stars gleamed from the tips of spears.”
#7
چو خسرو بیاراست بر قلبگاه
✦
همه دل گرفتند یکسر سپاه
“When Khosrow arranged his position at the center, the entire army took heart.”
#8
ورامیمنه دار گردوی بود
✦
که گرد ودلیر وجهانجوی بود
“Upon the right wing stood Garduy, a brave champion and world-seeking warrior.”
#9
بدست چپش نامدار ارمنی
✦
ابا جوشن وتیغ آهرمنی
“On his left stood the renowned Armenian leader, equipped with armor and a demon-cleaving sword.”
#10
مبارز چوشاپور وچون اندیان
✦
بران جنگ بر تنگ بسته میان
“Champions like Shapur and Andiyan stood with belts tightened for the battle.”
#11
همی‌بود گستهم بردست شاه
✦
که دارد مر او را ز دشمن نگاه
“Gustahm stood beside the king to guard him against the enemy's assault.”
#12
چوبهرام یل رومیان راندید
✦
درنگی شد وخامشی برگزید
“When heroic Bahram drove back the Romans, he paused for a moment and chose silence.”
#13
بفرمود تاکوس برپشت پیل
✦
ببستند وشد گرد لشکر چونیل
“He commanded drums to be strapped to the elephant's back, and the dust of the army grew dark like indigo.”
#14
نشست ازبرپشت پیل سپید
✦
هم آوردش ازبخت شد ناامید
“He mounted a white elephant, and his adversary grew despairing of fortune.”
#15
همی‌راند آن پیل تامیمنه
✦
بشاپور گفت ای بد بدتنه
“He drove the elephant toward the right wing and called to Shapur, 'O evil-bodied villain!'”
#16
نه پیمانت این بد به نامه درون
✦
که پیش من آیی بدین دشت خون
“'Was this not your covenant in the letter, to come before me upon this field of blood?'”
#17
نه این باشد آیین پرمایگان
✦
همی تن بکشتن دهی رایگان
“'It is not the way of nobles to offer oneself up to slaughter so needlessly.'”
#18
بدو گفت شاپور کای دیوفش
✦
سرخویش دربندگی کرده کش
“Shapur answered him, 'O demon-like wretch! You who bowed your head in servitude!'”
#19
ازین نامه کی بود نام ونشان
✦
که گویی کنون پیش گردنکشان
“'When was there ever trace of such a letter that you now speak of before these proud champions?'”
#20
گرانمایه خسرو بشاپور گفت
✦
که آن نامه با رای او بود جفت
“Noble Khosrow said to Shapur that the letter had been crafted with his own counsel.”
#21
به نامه توپاداش یابی زمن
✦
هم ازنامداران این انجمن
“'You shall receive your reward from me for that letter, as well as from the nobles of this assembly.'”
#22
چوهنگام باشد بگویم تو را
✦
زاندیشه بد بشویم تو را
“'When the right moment comes, I shall explain it to you and cleanse your mind of bad thoughts.'”
#23
چوبهرام آواز خسرو شنید
✦
باندیشه آن جادوی را بدید
“When Bahram heard Khosrow's voice, he perceived the trickery behind that craft.”
#24
برآشفت وزان کار تنگ آمدش
✦
چوارغنده شد رای جنگ آمدش
“Enraged and constrained by that deceit, his fierce mind burned for battle.”
#25
جفا پیشه برپیل تنها برفت
✦
سوی قلب خسرو خرامید تفت
“The ruthless warrior advanced alone upon his elephant, riding swiftly toward Khosrow's center.”
#26
چوخسرو چنان دید با اندیان
✦
چین گفت کای نره شیر ژیان
“When Khosrow saw him, he called to Andiyan, 'O fierce and mighty lion!'”
#27
برین پیل برتیرباران کنید
✦
کمان را چوابر بهاران کنید
“'Rain down arrows upon this elephant; make your bows rain like spring clouds!'”
#28
از ایرانیان آنک بد روزبه
✦
کمان برنهادند یکسر بزه
“The fortunate archers among the Iranians strung their bows all as one.”
#29
زپیکان چنان گشت خرطوم پیل
✦
توگفتی شد از خستگی پیل نیل
“The elephant's trunk became so filled with arrowheads that you would say it turned blue like the Nile from wounds.”
#30
هم آنگاه بهرام بالای خواست
✦
یکی مغفر خسرو آرای خواست
“Then Bahram called for a charger and asked for a helmet fit for Khosrow.”
#31
همان تیرباران گرفتند باز
✦
برآشفت بهرام گردن فراز
“The volley of arrows fell upon him once more, and proud Bahram flew into a fury.”
#32
پیاده شد آن مرد پرخاشخر
✦
زره دامنش رابزد برکمر
“The combative warrior dismounted, tucking the skirt of his mail into his belt.”
#33
سپر برسرآورد وشمشیر تیز
✦
برآورد زان جنگیان رستخیز
“Holding his shield over his head and brandishing a sharp sword, he raised a resurrection among those warriors.”
#34
پیاده زبهرام بگریختند
✦
کمانهای چاچی فروریختند
“The foot-soldiers fled from Bahram, throwing down their Chachi bows.”
#35
یکی باره بردند هم درزمان
✦
سپهبد نشست از بر اودمان
“A warhorse was immediately brought to him, and the warlord mounted it in fury.”
#36
خروشان همی‌تاخت تا قلبگاه
✦
بجایی کجا شاه بد بی‌سپاه
“Roaring, he rode straight toward the center where the king stood without a heavy guard.”
#37
همه قلبگه پاک برهم درید
✦
درفش جهاندار شد ناپدید
“He completely tore apart the center, and the sovereign's banner disappeared from view.”
#38
وزان جایگه شد سوی میسره
✦
پس پشتش آزادگان یکسره
“From there he charged toward the left wing, with noblemen pursuing close behind.”
#39
نگهبان آن دست گردوی بود
✦
که مردی دلیر وجهانجوی بود
“The defender of that wing was Garduy, a courageous and world-seeking hero.”
#40
برادر چوروی برادر بدید
✦
کمان را بزه کرد واندرکشید
“When brother saw the face of brother, he strung his bow and drew it tight.”
#41
دوخونی بران سان برآویختند
✦
که گفتی بهمشان برآمیختند
“The two deadly fighters clashed in such a way that you would say they were entangled as one.”
#42
بدین سان زمانی برآمد دراز
✦
همی یک زدیگر نگشتند باز
“In this manner a long space of time passed, and neither turned away from the other.”
#43
بدو گفت بهرام کای بی‌پدر
✦
به خون برادر چه بندی کمر
“Bahram said to him, 'O fatherless wretch! Why do you gird yourself to shed your brother's blood?'”
#44
بدو گفت گردوی کای پیسه گرگ
✦
تونشنیدی آن داستان بزرگ
“Garduy replied, 'O piebald wolf! Have you not heard that famous tale?'”
#45
که هرکو برادر بود دوست به
✦
چو دشمن بود بی پی و پوست به
“'He who is a brother is best when a friend; when he becomes an enemy, better he be flayed skin and bone!'”
#46
تو هم دشمن و بد تن و ریمنی
✦
جهان آفرین را به دل دشمنی
“Thou too art an enemy, evil-bodied and treacherous, an adversary at heart to the Creator of the World.”
#47
به پیش برادر برادر به جنگ
✦
نیاید اگر باشدش نام و ننگ
“A brother comes not to battle against his brother, if he possesses any sense of honor or shame.”
#48
چوبشنید بهرام زو بازگشت
✦
برآشفت و با او دژم ساز گشت
“When Bahram heard this, he turned away from him; he grew enraged and turned grimly against him.”
#49
همی‌راند گردوی تا نزد شاه
✦
ز آهن شده روی جنگی سیاه
“Gorduy rode swift until he reached the King, his warrior face darkened beneath iron armor.”
#50
برو آفرین کرد خسرو به مهر
✦
که پاداش بادت ز گردان سپهر
“Khosrow showered loving praise upon him, saying: 'May the revolving sky grant thee thy full reward!'”
#51
فرستاده خسرو به شاپور کس
✦
که موسیل راباش فریادرس
“Khosrow sent a messenger unto Shapur, saying: 'Go thou and speed to the aid of Mushel!'”
#52
بکوشید تا پشت پشت آورید
✦
مگر بخت روشن به مشت آورید
“'Strive back-to-back in unity, that perchance ye may seize bright fortune in your grasp.'”
#53
به گستهم گفت آن زمان شهریار
✦
که گر هیچ رومی کند کارزار
“Then spake the King to Gustahm: 'If any Roman champion should wage this fight...'”
#54
چو بهرام جنگی شکسته شود
✦
وگر نیز در جنگ خسته شود
“'...and if warlike Bahram be broken or wounded in the thick of fray...'”
#55
همه رومیان سر به گردون برند
✦
سخنها ز اندازه بیرون برند
“'...the Romans will raise their heads to the heavens in pride, and utter boasts beyond all measure.'”
#56
نخواهم که رومی بود سرفراز
✦
به ما برکنند اندرین جنگ ناز
“'I desire not that a Roman stand triumphant, or flaunt his pride over us in this war.'”
#57
بدیدم هنرهای رومی همه
✦
بسان رمه روزگار دمه
“'I have seen all the prowess of the Romans—they are like a flock stranded in a stormy blizzard.'”
#58
هم آن به که من با سپاه اندکی
✦
ز چوبینه آورد خواهم یکی
“''Tis far better that I, with a meager force, seek single combat with Chubin.'”
#59
نخواهم درین کار یاری ز کس
✦
امیدم به یزدان فریادرس
“'I ask no help from any man in this cause; my only hope rests in God, the Succorer.'”
#60
بدو گفت گستهم کای شهریار
✦
به شیرین روانت مخور زینهار
“Gustahm said to him: 'O King, take not a dangerous oath by thy sweet soul!'”
#61
چو رایت چنین است مردان کین
✦
بخواه و مکن تیره روی زمین
“'If such be thy resolve, call forth thy men of vengeance, and darken not the face of the earth with despair.'”
#62
بدو گفت خسرو که اینست روی
✦
که گفتی ز لشکر کنون یار جوی
“Khosrow answered him: 'Indeed, this is the proper path thou hast spoken—to seek now companions from the army.'”
#63
گزین کرد گستهم ز ایران سوار
✦
ده و چار گردنکش نامدار
“Gustahm chose from Iran's noble horsemen fourteen famed and formidable warriors.”
#64
نخستین ازین جنگیان نام خویش
✦
نوشت و بیاورد و بنهاد پیش
“First among these warriors, he wrote down his own name, brought the scroll, and laid it before the King.”
#65
دگر گرد شاپور با اندیان
✦
چو بند وی و گردوی پشت کیان
“Next the valiant Shapur with Andiyan, along with Bandoy and Gorduy, the bulwarks of the Kayanids.”
#66
چو آذرگشسپ و دگر شیر ذیل
✦
چو زنگوی گستاخ با شیر و پیل
“Like Azargashasp and the lion-hearted Zayl, and fearless Zangoy, brave against lion and elephant.”
#67
تخواره که در جنگ غمخواره بود
✦
یلان سینه را زشت پتیاره بود
“Takhtvareh, who was a true companion in battle, and a dreadful menace to the chest of heroes.”
#68
فرخ زاد و چون خسرو سرفراز
✦
چو اشتاد پیروز دشمن گداز
“Farrukhzad and the high-exalted Khosrow, along with victorious Ashtad, the melter of foes.”
#69
چو فرخنده خورشید با اورمزد
✦
که دشمن بدی پیش ایشان فرزد
“Like auspicious Khorshid alongside Ohrmazd, before whom enemies were humbled like frail grass.”
#70
چومردان گزین کرد ز ایران دو هفت
✦
ز لشکر بیک سو خرامید تفت
“Having chosen twice seven men from Iran, he moved swiftly to one side away from the main host.”
#71
چنین گفت خسرو بدین مهتران
✦
که ای سرفرازان و فرمانبران
“Thus spake Khosrow to these chieftains: 'O ye exalted ones and obedient subjects!'”
#72
همه پشت را سوی یزدان کنید
✦
دل خویش را شاد و خندان کنید
“'Turn your backs in trust toward God, and make your hearts joyful and glad!'”
#73
جز از خواست یزدان نباشد سخن
✦
چنین بود تا بود چرخ کهن
“'Naught cometh to pass save by God's will; so hath it ever been since the ancient sky revolved.'”
#74
برزم اندرون کشته بهتر بود
✦
که در خانه‌ات بنده مهتر بود
“''Tis better to be slain in combat than to see a slave rule supreme in thy home.'”
#75
نگهدار من بود باید به جنگ
✦
بهنگام جنبش نسازم درنگ
“'Ye must protect me in battle, for when the moment to strike arrives, I shall not hesitate.'”
#76
همه هم زبان آفرین خواندند
✦
ورا شهریار زمین خواندند
“All with one voice sang his praises, and proclaimed him the Sovereign of the Earth.”
#77
بکردند پیمان که از شهریار
✦
کسی برنگردد ازین کارزار
“They pledged a solemn covenant that not one would desert the King in this battle.”
#78
سپهدار بشنید و آرام یافت
✦
خوش آمدش وز مهتران کام یافت
“The commander heard this and found solace; he was pleased and attained his heart's desire from his lords.”
#79
سپه رابه بهرام فرخ سپرد
✦
همی‌رفت با چارده مرد گرد
“He entrusted the main army to blessed Bahram, while he advanced with his fourteen valiant men.”
#80
هم آنگه خروش آمد از دیده‌گاه
✦
به بهرام گفتند کامد سپاه
“At that moment a cry echoed from the lookout post, shouting to Bahram: 'Lo, the enemy army approaches!'”
#81
جهان جوی بیدار دل برنشست
✦
کمندی به فتراک و تیغی بدست
“The world-seeking, vigilant-hearted king mounted his steed, a lariat bound to his saddle-bow and a sword in hand.”
#82
ز بالا چو آن مایه مردم بدید
✦
تنی چند زان جنگیان برگزید
“When Bahram beheld that handful of warriors from the height, he selected a few choice fighters from his ranks.”
#83
یلان سینه راگفت کاین بد نژاد
✦
به جنگ اندرون دادمردی بداد
“He said to Yalan-Sineh: 'This ill-bred rival has truly displayed great bravery in battle.”
#84
که من دانم اکنون جزو نیست این
✦
که یارد چمیدن برین دشت کین
“'For I know well that none other than Khosrow himself would dare to stride thus across this field of vengeance.”
#85
برین مایه مردم به جنگ آمدست
✦
وگر پیش کام نهنگ آمدست
“'He has joined battle with only this meager force, or rather, he has plunged right into the dragon's jaws!”
#86
فزون نیست با او سرافراز بیست
✦
ازیشان کسی را ندانم که کیست
“'With him are no more than twenty noble warriors, nor do I recognize who any of them might be.”
#87
اگر پیشم آید جهان را بسم
✦
اگر بر نیایم ازو ناکسم
“'If he comes before me, I alone am enough to face him; and if I fail to defeat him, I am unworthy of manhood!'”
#88
به ایزد گشسپ ویلان سینه گفت
✦
که مردان ندارند مردی نهفت
“He said to Izad Gashasp and Yalan-Sineh: 'True warriors do not conceal their valor.”
#89
نباید که ما بیش باشیم چار
✦
به خسرو مرا کس نیاید به کار
“'We four should not be exceeded; in facing Khosrow, I need no other assistance.'”
#90
یکی بد کجا نام او جان فروز
✦
که تیره شبان برگزیدی به روز
“There was one warrior named Jan-Forouz, who preferred the dark night over the bright day.”
#91
سپه را بدو داد و خود پیش رفت
✦
همی تاخت با این سه بیدار تفت
“Bahram entrusted the main army to him and rode forward himself, galloping swiftly with these three vigilant companions.”
#92
چو بهرام را دید خسرو ز راه
✦
به ایرانیان گفت کامد سپاه
“When Khosrow saw Bahram advancing along the path, he said to the Iranians, 'Lo, the enemy host approaches!”
#93
کنون هیچ دل را مدارید تنگ
✦
که آمد مرا روزگار درنگ
“'Now let not your hearts grow heavy or faint, for my time of hesitation is ended.”
#94
من و گرز و چوبینه بدنشان
✦
شما رزم سازید با سرکشان
“'It shall be I, my mace, and ill-fated Chubineh; as for you, fight against his rebellious warriors.”
#95
شما چارده یار و ایشان سه تن
✦
مبادا که بینید هرگز شکن
“'You are fourteen companions and they are but three; may defeat never touch your ranks!'”
#96
نیاطوس با لشکر رومیان
✦
ببستند ناچار یکسر میان
“Niyatus and the host of the Romans perforce girded their loins for battle.”
#97
برفتند زان رزمگه سوی کوه
✦
که دیدار بودی بهر دو گروه
“They moved from the battlefield toward the mountain, where both opposing forces were in plain view.”
#98
همی‌گفت هرکس که پر مایه شاه
✦
چرا جان فروشد ز بهر کلاه
“Everyone murmured: 'Why does the glorious king risk his precious life for the sake of a crown?”
#99
بماند بدین دشت چندین سوار
✦
شود خیره تنها سوی کارزار
“'Leaving so many horsemen behind on this plain, why does he ride rashly and alone into combat?'”
#100
همه دست برآسمان داشتند
✦
که او را همه کشته پنداشتند
“They all raised their hands to the heavens in prayer, for they all presumed he would be slain.”
#101
چو بهرام جنگی برانگیخت اسپ
✦
یلان سینه و گرد ایزد گشسپ
“When warlike Bahram spurred his charger forward, alongside Yalan-Sineh and the warrior Izad Gashasp,”
#102
بدیدند یاران خسروهمه
✦
شد او گرگ و آن نامداران رمه
“All of Khosrow's companions saw that Bahram had become like a fierce wolf and those chieftains like a helpless flock.”
#103
بماند آنگهی شاه ز آویختن
✦
وزان شورش و باره انگیختن
“Thereupon the king desisted from fighting, turning away from that turmoil and from spurring his steed.”
#104
جهاندار ناکام برگاشت اسپ
✦
پس اندر همی‌رفت ایزدگشسپ
“The ruler of the world reluctantly turned his horse around, while Izad Gashasp pursued closely behind him.”
#105
چوگستهم وبندوی وگردوی ماند
✦
گوتاجور نام یزدان بخواند
“When Gustahm, Bandoy, and Gardoy fell behind, the crowned hero invoked the name of God.”
#106
بگستهم گفت آن زمان شهریار
✦
که تنگ اندرآمد بد روزگار
“The king then said to Gustahm: 'Foul fortune has pressed tightly upon us!”
#107
چه بایست این بیهده رستخیز
✦
بدیدند پشت من اندر گریز
“'What need was there for this futile commotion, only for them to see my back in flight?'”
#108
بدو گفت گستهم کامد سوار
✦
توتنهاشدی چون کنی کارزار
“Gustahm said to him: 'The enemy horseman has arrived; now that you are alone, how can you wage battle?'”
#109
نگه کرد خسرو پس پشت خویش
✦
ازان چار بهرام را دید پیش
“Khosrow glanced behind him and, of those four warriors, saw Bahram riding at the head.”
#110
همی‌داشت تن رازدشمن نگاه
✦
ببرید برگستوان سیاه
“He guarded his body from the enemy's thrusts, while his black horse-armor was severed.”
#111
ازوبازماندند هردوسوار
✦
پس پشت اودشمن کینه دار
“Both his horsemen fell behind him, leaving the vengeful enemy pressed hard against his back.”
#112
به پیش اندر آمد یکی غار تنگ
✦
سه جنگی پس اندر بسان پلنگ
“Before him appeared a narrow cave, while three warriors pursued closely behind like leopards.”
#113
بن غارهم بسته آمد زکوه
✦
بماند آن جهاندار دور ازگروه
“The end of the cave was blocked by the mountain walls; thus the ruler was trapped, far separated from his host.”
#114
فرود آمد از اسپ فرخ جوان
✦
پیاده بران کوه برشد دوان
“The glorious youth dismounted from his horse and scrambled swiftly up the steep rock on foot.”
#115
پیاده شد وراه اوبسته شد
✦
دل نامداران ازو خسته شد
“He was forced onto foot, his path entirely blocked; and the hearts of the noble warriors bled for his plight.”
#116
نه جای درنگ ونه جای گریز
✦
پس اندر همی‌رفت بهرام تیز
“No space remained to pause or flee; behind him, Bahram pressed in swift pursuit.”
#117
بخسرو چنین گفت کای پرفریب
✦
به پیش فراز توآمد نشیب
“He called to Khosrow: 'O trickster deceitful! Thy rising fortune now meets its descent.'”
#118
برمن چراتاختی هوش خویش
✦
نهاده برین گونه بردوش خویش
“'Why hast thou offered thy own life up to doom, carrying thy destruction upon thy own shoulders?'”
#119
چوشد زان نشان کار برشاه تنگ
✦
پس پشت شمشیر و در پیش سنگ
“When thus the King was trapped in dire distress—a sword behind him, and before, a wall of rock.”
#120
به یزدان چنین گفت کای کردگار
✦
توی برتر از گردش روزگار
“He cried unto God: 'O Creator Divine! Thou art far exalted above the turns of Fate.'”
#121
بدین جای بیچارگی دست گیر
✦
تو باشی ننالم به کیوان و تیر
“'Take Thou my hand in this helpless place; if Thou art my refuge, I complain not to Saturn or Mercury.'”
#122
هم آنگه چو از کوه برشد خروش
✦
پدید آمد از راه فرخ سروش
“Just then, a roar echoed from the mountain height, and blessed Soroush appeared upon the path.”
#123
همه جامه‌اش سبز و خنگی به زیر
✦
ز دیدار او گشت خسرو دلیر
“Clad all in green and astride a white steed, Khosrow took courage at the sight of him.”
#124
چو نزدیک شد دست خسرو گرفت
✦
ز یزدان پاک این نباشد شگفت
“As he drew near, he grasped Khosrow's hand; from Pure God, such a miracle is no surprise.”
#125
چواز پیش بدخواه برداشتش
✦
به آسانی آورد و بگذاشتش
“Lifting him up from before the enemy's eyes, he carried him easily and set him down in safety.”
#126
بدو گفت خسرو که نام تو چیست
✦
همی‌گفت چندی و چندی گریست
“Khosrow asked him: 'What is thy name?' weeping bitterly as he spoke.”
#127
فرشته بدو گفت نامم سروش
✦
چو ایمن شدی دور باش از خروش
“The angel replied: 'My name is Soroush; now that thou art safe, cease thy lamenting.'”
#128
کزین پس شوی بر جهان پادشا
✦
نباید که باشی جز از پارسا
“'For henceforth thou shalt rule over the world; it behoves thee to be naught but righteous.'”
#129
بدین زودی اندر بشاهی رسی
✦
بدین سالیان بگذرد هشت و سی
“'So swiftly shalt thou attain the throne, and thy reign shall endure for thirty and eight years.'”
#130
بگفت این سخن نیز و شد ناپدید
✦
کس اندر جهان این شگفتی ندید
“Having uttered these words, he vanished; none in the world had ever seen such a marvel.”
#131
چو آن دید بهرام خیره بماند
✦
جهان آفرین را فراوان بخواند
“When Bahram witnessed this, he stood astonished, and called upon the Creator of the World repeatedly.”
#132
همی‌گفت تا جنگ مردم بود
✦
مبادا که مردی ز من گم بود
“He said: 'So long as the fight is against mortals, let no courage fail within me.'”
#133
برآنم که جنگم کنون با پریست
✦
برین تخت تیره بباید گریست
“'Now I see that my battle is against spirits; over this dark throne one must weep.'”
#134
نیاطوس زان روی بر کوهسار
✦
همی‌خواست از دادگر زینهار
“Niatos, on his side upon the mountain heights, was praying for protection from the Just God.”
#135
خراشید مریم دو رخسار خویش
✦
ز تیمار جفت جهاندار خویش
“Maryam scratched her two cheeks in grief, tormented by fear for her royal husband.”
#136
سپه بود برکوه و هامون وراغ
✦
دل رومیان زو پر از درد و داغ
“The army covered mountain, plain, and meadow, the hearts of the Romans filled with pain and grief.”
#137
نیاطوس چون روی خسرو ندید
✦
عماری زرین به یکسو کشید
“When Niatos saw no sign of Khosrow, he drew his golden litter to one side.”
#138
بمریم چنین گفت کاندر نشین
✦
که ترسم که شد شاه ایران زمین
“He said to Maryam: 'Step inside, for I fear the King of Iran has perished.'”
#139
هم آنگاه خسرو بران روی کوه
✦
پدید آمد از راه دور از گروه
“At that very moment, Khosrow appeared upon the mountainside, coming from afar, away from the enemy line.”
#140
همه لشکر نامور شاد شد
✦
دل مریم از درد آزاد شد
“All the renowned army rejoiced, and Maryam's heart was delivered from grief.”
#141
چوآمد به مریم بگفت آنچ دید
✦
وزان کوه خارا سر اندر کشید
“When he came to Maryam, he told her all he had seen, and how he had emerged from the flinty mountain.”
#142
چنین گفت کای ماه قیصر نژاد
✦
مرا داور دادگر داد داد
“He said: 'O moon of Caesar's lineage! The Just Judge hath granted me justice!'”
#143
نه از کاهلی بدنه از بد دلی
✦
که در جنگ بد دل کند کاهلی
“'It was neither from weakness nor cowardice, for only a faint heart shows cowardice in battle.'”
#144
بدان غار بی‌راه در ماندم
✦
به دل آفریننده را خواندم
“'I was trapped in that pathless cave, and prayed in my heart to the Creator.'”
#145
نهان داشت دارنده کارجهان
✦
برین بنده گشت آشکارا نهان
“The Ruler of the World held secrets concealed, yet unto this servant the hidden was revealed.”
#146
فریدون فرخ ندید این به خواب
✦
نه تورو نه سلم و نه افراسیاب
“Blessed Fereydoun saw not this in dream, nor Tur, nor Salm, nor Afrasiab.”
#147
که امروز من دیدم ای سرکشان
✦
ز پیروزی و شهریاری نشان
“'What I have witnessed today, O brave leaders, is a sign of victory and sovereignty.'”
#148
بدیشان بگفت آن کجا دید شاه
✦
از آن پس به فرمود تا آن سپاه
“The King recounted unto them all he had seen; then he commanded the army...”
#149
همه جنگ را تاختن نوکنند
✦
برزم اندرون یاد خسرو کنند
“To renew their battle assault once more, and remember Khosrow's name in the fight.”
#150
وزان روی بهرام شد پر ز درد
✦
پشیمان شده زان همه کارکرد
“And on his side, Bahram was filled with pain, filled with regret for all that he had done.”