When intelligence reached King Khosrow Parviz that Bahram Chubin had emerged like a ravenous wolf from the shadows, mobilizing a terrifying host that obscured the light of heaven, the Sasanian monarch sensed grave peril. He summoned Kharrad-e Barzin, his most eloquent courtier and a master of statecraft, charging him with a vital mission: to travel to the distant court of the Khaqan of China within four months and turn the Asian monarch against Bahram. The royal treasury was unsealed, and Kharrad was provided with vast riches—jewel-encrusted swords, golden girdles, and precious gems. Astounded by the monarch's bounty, Kharrad secretly invoked the protection of God and set out across the turbulent waters of the Oxus River.
Upon arriving at the Khaqan’s magnificent palace, Kharrad dispatched a herald to announce the Iranian embassy. The Khaqan adorned his grand hall and granted an audience. Kharrad approached the throne with consummate Iranian courtliness. He opened his address not with immediate demands, but with a sublime discourse praising the Almighty Creator Who framed the unpillared heavens and decreed mortality for all kings—from Jamshid and Tahmuras to Kay Qobad, Esfandiyar, and Rostam. He emphasized that all earthly dominion is fleeting and framed the friendship of Khosrow Parviz as an ancient continuation of royal bonds. Enraptured by Kharrad's wisdom and poetic grace, the Khaqan invited him to sit beside the throne and accepted the vast tribute.
Yet when Kharrad seized a private moment to denounce Bahram Chubin as a villainous, oath-breaking monster worse than Ahriman, urging the Khaqan to capture Bahram and dispatch him in chains to Ctesiphon, the Khaqan’s countenance darkened. The Khaqan sternly rejected the proposal, declaring that he would never break faith with a guest or stain his honor with betrayal. Realizing that Bahram had already solidified his position by marrying the Khaqan's daughter and securing deep influence in the eastern realm, Kharrad understood that overt diplomacy had failed.
Undeterred, Kharrad pivoted to undercover cunning. He befriended a destitute old Turk named Qalun, bound him to his service through lavish generosity, and investigated the inner dynamics of the royal household. Learning that the daughter of Empress Khatun was stricken with a mysterious, burning fever that no imperial physician could cure, Kharrad engineered a scheme. Presenting himself secretly as a master physician, he gained access to the princess’s chambers. He prescribed cooling concoctions of pomegranate juice and fresh chicory herbs. By Divine grace, within seven days the fever broke and the princess fully recovered. Overjoyed, Empress Khatun offered Kharrad bags of gold and rich silk robes, but the clever strategist refused immediate payment, holding his favor in reserve to strike at Bahram when the moment was ripe.
#1
چو آگاهی آمد به شاه بزرگ
✦
که از بیشه بیرون خرامید گرگ
“When news reached the Great King that the wolf had prowled forth from the thicket,”
#2
سپاهی بیاورد بهرام گرد
✦
که از آسمان روشنایی ببرد
“Champion Bahram brought forth an army so vast that it robbed the light from the sky.”
#3
به خراد برزین چنین گفت شاه
✦
که بگزین برین کار بر چار ماه
“The King said to Kharrad-e Barzin, 'Devote four months to this critical mission.'”
#4
یکی سوی خاقان بی‌مایه پوی
✦
سخن هرچ دانی که باید بگوی
“'Hasten toward the Khaqan of little worth, and speak to him all the wise words you know.'”
#5
به ایران و نیران تو داناتری
✦
همان بر زبان بر توانا‌تری
“'You are the most learned regarding Iran and foreign realms, and the most eloquent of tongue.'”
#6
در گنج بگشاد و چندان گهر
✦
بیاورد شمشیر و زرین کمر
“He opened the treasury doors and brought forth jewels, along with swords and golden belts.”
#7
که خراد برزین بران خیره ماند
✦
همی در نهان نام یزدان بخواند
“So splendid were the gifts that Kharrad-e Barzin stood amazed, secretly invoking the name of God.”
#8
چو با هدیه‌ها راه چین بر گرفت
✦
به جیحون یکی راه دیگر گرفت
“Taking the lavish gifts, he set out toward China, crossing the waters of the Jayhun.”
#9
چو نزدیک درگاه خاقان رسید
✦
نگه کرد و گوینده‌ای برگزید
“As he neared the Khaqan’s royal court, he looked about and chose an eloquent herald.”
#10
بدان تا بگوید که از نزد شاه
✦
فرستاده آمد بدین بارگاه
“So he might announce: 'An envoy from the King of Kings has arrived at this court.'”
#11
چو بشنید خاقان بیاراست گاه
✦
بفرمود تا برگشادند راه
“When the Khaqan heard this, he adorned his throne and commanded that the gates be opened.”
#12
فرستاده آمد به تنگی فراز
✦
زبان کرد کوتاه و بردش نماز
“The envoy stepped closely forward, curbed his tongue in reverence, and offered homage.”
#13
بدو گفت هرگه که فرمان دهی
✦
به گفتن زبان بر گشاید رهی
“He said: 'Whenever you grant command, your humble servant shall unloose his tongue.'”
#14
بدو گفت خاقان به شیرین زبان
✦
دل مردم پیر گردد جوان
“The Khaqan replied with sweet speech: 'By sweet speech the heart of the old grows young again.'”
#15
بگو آن سخن‌ها که سود اندروست
✦
سخن گفت مغز‌ست و ناگفته پوست
“'Speak those words wherein lies profit; spoken speech is the kernel, while silence is the shell.'”
#16
چو خراد برزین شنید آن سخن
✦
به‌یاد آمدش کینهای کهن
“When Kharrad-e Barzin heard those words, the ancient enmities flared in his memory.”
#17
نخست آفرین کرد بر کردگار
✦
توانا و دانندهٔ روزگار
“First he uttered praise unto the Creator—the All-Powerful, the Knower of All Time,”
#18
که چرخ و مکان و زمان آفرید
✦
توانایی و ناتوان آفرید
“Who created the sky, space, and time, and fashioned both the powerful and the weak,”
#19
همان چرخ گردندهٔ بی ستون
✦
چرا نه به فرمان او در نه چون
“And that revolving pillarless sky—how could it move except by His command, beyond all 'why'?”
#20
بدان آفرین کو جهان آفرید
✦
بلند آسمان و زمین گسترید
“Praise be to Him Who created the universe, raised high the sky, and spread wide the earth,”
#21
توانا و دانا و دارنده اوست
✦
سپهر و زمین را نگارنده اوست
“He alone is Mighty, Wise, and Possessor; the painter of both the heavens and the earth.”
#22
به چرخ اندرون آفتاب آفرید
✦
شب و روز و آرام و خواب آفرید
“Within the sphere He created the sun, and ordained night and day, rest and sleep.”
#23
توانایی اوراست ما بنده‌ایم
✦
همه راستیهاش گوینده‌ایم
“All power belongs to Him and we are His servants; we speak only of His righteousness.”
#24
یکی را دهد تاج و تخت بلند
✦
یکی را کند بنده و مستمند
“To one He grants the high crown and throne, while another He makes a needy servant.”
#25
نه با اینش مهر و نه با آنش کین
✦
نداند کس این جز جهان‌آفرین
“Neither harbors He affection for the one nor malice for the other; none comprehends His mystery save the Creator.”
#26
که یک سر همه خاک را زاده‌ایم
✦
به بیچاره تن مرگ را داده‌ایم
“For we are all born of the dust, and to death our helpless bodies must be surrendered.”
#27
نخست اندر آیم ز جم برین
✦
جهاندار طهمورث بافرین
“'Let me begin with sublime Jamshid, and the world-ruler Tahmuras the praised,'”
#28
چنین هم برو تاسر کی قباد
✦
همان نامداران که داریم یاد
“'And so on unto the reign of Kay Qobad, and all the illustrious rulers of whom we hold memory,'”
#29
برین هم نشان تا به اسفندیار
✦
چو کیخسرو و رستم نامدار
“'And likewise unto Esfandiyar, and heroes like Kay Khosrow and renowned Rostam.'”
#30
ز گیتی یکی دخمه شان بود بهر
✦
چشیدند بر جای تریاک زهر
“'Their only final portion from the earth was a tomb; in place of antidote they tasted poison.'”
#31
کنون شاه ایران به‌تن خویش تست
✦
همه شاد و غمگین به کم بیش تست
“'Now the King of Iran is like a brother to you; his joy and sorrow rest upon your actions.'”
#32
به هنگام شاهان با آفرین
✦
پدر مادرش بود خاقان چین
“'In the times of the praised monarchs of old, the Khaqan of China was as father and mother to them.'”
#33
بدین روز پیوند ما تازه گشت
✦
همه کار بر دیگر اندازه گشت
“'On this day our bond has been renewed, and all affairs have taken a new measure.'”
#34
ز پیروزگر آفرین بر تو باد
✦
سر نامداران زمین تو باد
“'May blessings from the Victorious God be upon you, and may you remain the head of earth's renowned rulers!'”
#35
همی‌گفت و خاقان بدو داده گوش
✦
چنین گفت کای مرد دانش فروش
“As Kharrad spoke, the Khaqan listened attentively, then said, 'O man who dispenses wisdom,'”
#36
به ایران اگر نیز چون تو کسست
✦
ستاینده آسمان او بسست
“'If there be another like you in Iran, the sky itself is enough to sing his praise!'”
#37
بران گاه جایی بپرداختش
✦
به نزدیکی خویش بنشاختش
“He cleared a place upon his throne and seated Kharrad close by his side.”
#38
به فرمان او هدیه‌ها پیش برد
✦
یکایک به گنجور او برشمرد
“By Kharrad's command the gifts were brought forward, and counted one by one before the treasurer.”
#39
بدو گفت خاقان که بی‌خواسته
✦
مبادی تو اندر جهان کاسته
“The Khaqan said to him, 'May you never be deprived of wealth or honor in this world.'”
#40
گر از من پذیرفت خواهی تو چیز
✦
بگو تا پذیرم من آن چیز نیز
“'If you desire to accept gifts from me, speak, so that I may grant them to you.'”
#41
وگر نه ز هدیه تو روشن‌تری
✦
به دانندگان جهان افسری
“'Yet truly you are brighter than any gift, a crown upon the heads of all wise men.'”
#42
یکی جای خرم بپرداختند
✦
ز هر گونه‌ای جامه‌ها ساختند
“They prepared a delightful residence for him, adorned with all manner of rich robes and furnishings.”
#43
به خوان و شکار و به بزم و به می
✦
به نزدیک خاقان بدی نیک پی
“At royal feasts, hunts, banquets, and wine gatherings, he stood in high favor near the Khaqan.”
#44
همی‌جست و روزیش جایی بیافت
✦
به مردی به گفتارش اندر شتافت
“He searched for an opportunity, and when he found a fitting moment, he boldly hastened into speech.”
#45
همی‌گفت بهرام بدگوهر است
✦
از آهرمن بد‌کنش بدتر است
“He said: 'Bahram is vile of nature, worse even than the evil-doing Ahriman!'”
#46
فروشد جهاندیدگان را به چیز
✦
که آن چیز گفتن نیرزد پشیز
“He bought off the experienced elders for a mere pittance—a sum so paltry it is not worth a single penny to mention.”
#47
ورا هرمز تاجور برکشید
✦
به ارجش ز خورشید برتر کشید
“Crowned Hormoz exalted his rank, raising his dignity far beyond the sun itself.”
#48
ندانست کس در جهان نام اوی
✦
ز گیتی بر آمد همه کام اوی
“No one in the world had known his name before, yet through royal favor all his desires were fulfilled.”
#49
اگر با تو بسیار خوبی کند
✦
به فرجام پیمان تو بشکند
“Though he may treat you with great kindness now, in the end he will break his oath to you as well.”
#50
چنان هم که با شاه ایران شکست
✦
نه خسرو پرست و نه یزدان پرست
“Just as he broke his covenant with the King of Iran; he worships neither Khosrow nor the Almighty Lord.”
#51
گر او را فرستی به نزدیک شاه
✦
سر شاه ایران بر آری به ماه
“If you send him captive to the King of Iran, you will exalt the Shah's head unto the moon with joy.”
#52
ازان پس همه چین و ایران تو راست
✦
نشستنگه آنجا کنی کت هواست
“Thereafter, both China and Iran shall be yours, and you may establish your seat wherever you desire.”
#53
چو خاقان شنید این سخن خیره شد
✦
دو چشمش ز گفتار او تیره شد
“When the Khaqan heard these words, he was astounded; his eyes grew dark with indignation at his speech.”
#54
بدو گفت زین سان سخن‌ها مگوی
✦
که تیره کنی نزد ما آب روی
“He said to him: "Speak no more such treacherous words, lest you tarnish your dignity in our sight."”
#55
نیم من بداندیش و پیمان‌شکن
✦
که پیمان شکن خاک یابد کفن
“"I am no malevolent oath-breaker, for he who breaks a covenant shall find only dust for his shroud."”
#56
چو بشنید خراد برزین سخن
✦
بدانست کان کار او شد کهن
“When Kharrad Barzin heard this response, he realized that his scheme had lost its efficacy.”
#57
که بهرام دادش به ایران امید
✦
سخن گفتن من شود باد و بید
“For Bahram had raised the Khaqan's hopes regarding Iran, rendering all of Kharrad's rhetoric mere wind and willow.”
#58
چو امید خاقان بدو تیره گشت
✦
به بیچارگی سوی خاتون گذشت
“As his hope of influencing the Khaqan faded, in desperation he turned his attention toward the Khatun.”
#59
همی‌جست تا کیست نزدیک اوی
✦
که روشن کند جان تاریک اوی
“He sought to discover who held influence near her, who might bring light to his darkened spirit.”
#60
یکی کدخدایی به‌دست آمدش
✦
همان نیز با او نشست آمدش
“He found a certain steward of the household and established a close companionship with him.”
#61
سخن‌های خسرو بدو یاد کرد
✦
دل مرد بی‌تن بدان شاد کرد
“He recounted the noble deeds of Khosrow to him, gladdening the weak man's heart with rich promises.”
#62
بدو گفت خاتون مرا دستگیر
✦
بود تا شوم بر درش بر دبیر
“He said to him: "Would the Khatun aid me, so that I might become a scribe at her royal court?"”
#63
چنین گفت با چاره‌گر کدخدای
✦
کزو آرزوها نیاید بجای
“The steward said to the resourceful envoy: "From her, no such desires will ever be fulfilled,"”
#64
که بهرام چوبینه داماد اوست
✦
و زویست بهرام را مغز و پوست
“"For Bahram Chubineh is her son-in-law, and from her comes all of Bahram's strength and power."”
#65
تو مردی دبیری، یکی چاره ساز
✦
وزین نیز بر باد مگشای راز
“"You are a scribe and a clever strategist; reveal this secret no further to the winds."”
#66
چو خراد برزین شنید این سخن
✦
نه سر دید پیمان او را نه بن
“When Kharrad Barzin heard these words, he saw neither head nor tail to his hopes of an alliance.”
#67
یکی ترک بد پیر نامش قلون
✦
که ترکان ورا داشتندی زبون
“There was an old Turk named Qalun, whom the other Turks held in low regard and contempt.”
#68
همه پوستین بود پوشیدنش
✦
ز کشک و ز ارزن بدی خوردنش
“His attire consisted entirely of rough sheepskins, and his sustenance was coarse whey and millet.”
#69
کسی را فرستاد و او را بخواند
✦
بران نامور جایگاهش نشاند
“Kharrad Barzin sent someone to fetch him, and seated him in an honorable place.”
#70
مر او را درم داد و دینار داد
✦
همان پوشش و خورد بسیار داد
“He bestowed silver coins and gold upon him, giving him abundant clothing and food.”
#71
چو بر خوان نشستی ورا خواندی
✦
بر نامدارانش بنشاندی
“Whenever he sat at the banquet table, he invited him and placed him alongside noblemen.”
#72
پر‌اندیشه بد مرد بسیاردان
✦
شکیبا دل و زیرک و کاردان
“The learned man was full of subtle contemplation, patient of heart, shrewd, and resourceful.”
#73
وزان روی با کدخدای سرای
✦
ز خاتون چینی همی‌گفت رای
“Meanwhile, he continued to consult with the household steward regarding the Chinese Khatun.”
#74
همان پیش خاقان به روز و به شب
✦
چو رفتی همی‌داشتی بسته لب
“Yet whenever he appeared before the Khaqan by day or night, he kept his lips tightly sealed.”
#75
چنین گفت با مهتر آن مرد پیر
✦
که چون تو سرافراز مردی دبیر
“The old steward said to the noble envoy: "An exalted and sagacious scribe like you—”
#76
اگر در پزشکیت بهره بدی
✦
وگر نامت از دور شهره بدی
“"If only you had skill in the art of healing, or if your name were famous from afar as a physician,”
#77
یکی تاج نو بودیی بر سرش
✦
به ویژه که بیمار شد دخترش
“"You would be like a new crown upon his head, especially now that his daughter has fallen ill!"”
#78
بدو گفت کاین دانشم نیز هست
✦
چو گویی بسایم برین کار دست
“Kharrad replied: "I possess this science as well; if you say so, I shall try my hand at this task."”
#79
بشد پیش خاتون دوان کدخدای
✦
که دانا پزشکی نوآمد به جای
“The steward ran swiftly to the Khatun, saying: "A learned physician has newly arrived in our land."”
#80
بدو گفت شادان زی و نوش خور
✦
بیارش، مخار اندرین کار سر
“She said to him: "Live in joy and prosperity! Bring him at once, and do not delay or hesitate in this matter."”
#81
بیامد به خراد برزین بگفت
✦
که این راز باید که داری نهفت
“He came to Khorrad-i Borzin and whispered low: 'This secret must remain entirely hidden in your heart.'”
#82
برو پیش او نام خود را مگوی
✦
پزشکی کن از خویشتن تازه‌روی
“'Go before her, but disclose not your true name; tend to her illness with a cheerful, pleasant demeanor.'”
#83
به نزدیک خاتون شد آن چاره‌گر
✦
تبه دید بیمار او را جگر
“The resourceful healer approached the Khatun, and found the noble maiden's liver consumed by raging fever.”
#84
بفرمود تا آب نار آورند
✦
همان ترهٔ جویبار آورند
“He bade them fetch cooling pomegranate juice, along with fresh herbs plucked from the stream's bank.”
#85
کجا تره گر کاسنی خواندش
✦
تبش خواست کز مغز بنشاندش
“The herb which scholars name chicory; therewith he sought to quell the burning fever from her brain.”
#86
به فرمان یزدان چو شد هفت روز
✦
شد آن دخت چون ماه گیتی‌فروز
“By God's decree, when seven days had passed, the maiden shone restored, luminous as the radiant moon.”
#87
بیاورد دینار خاتون ز گنج
✦
یکی بدره و تای زربفت پنج
“Khatun brought forth precious dinars from the treasury: a heavy sack of gold and five rolls of brocade.”
#88
بدو گفت کاین ناسزاوار چیز
✦
بگیر و بخواه آنچ بایدت نیز
“She said to him: 'Accept this humble offering, and ask whatever more your heart desires.'”
#89
چنین داد پاسخ که این را بدار
✦
بخواهم هر آنگه که آید به کار
“He replied: 'Keep these treasures with you for now; I shall request my reward whenever the time is right.'”