#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.'”