As the reign of Khosrow Parviz progressed, the radiant shadow of his justice dimmed into severe oppression and avarice. The King, once the protector of his realm, became obsessed with levying harsh taxes and amassing vast treasures, leaving his subjects destitute. Blessed praises turned to bitter curses, and desperate families fled the borders of Iran to seek refuge in enemy lands.
Observing the King's tyranny and the realm's decay, a villainous border commander named Goraz, stationed along the Roman frontier, turned his back on his sovereign. At court, Zad-Farrokh, the King's chief chamberlain, likewise grew disillusioned as the measure of Khosrow's injustice overflowed. Zad-Farrokh entered into a clandestine conspiracy with the aged Goraz. Goraz dispatched a secret missive to Caesar of Rome, urging him to invade Iran and promising to act as his internal guide to overthrow Khosrow. Enticed by the offer, Caesar mobilized a massive Roman host and crossed into Iranian territory.
When news of the invasion reached Khosrow, the Shah remained unperturbed, discerning immediately that Goraz was the mastermind behind Caesar's advance. Gathering his chief counselors, Khosrow devised a brilliant masterstroke of deception. He penned a secret letter addressed to Goraz, fraudulently praising him for successfully luring Caesar into a trap: 'You have craftily enticed Caesar into our snare; hold your position until I arrive with my host so we may crush his army between us and capture all of Rome's forces!' Khosrow then selected an exceptionally clever and eloquent courier, bound the letter to his right arm, and commanded him to deliberately walk into Roman lines and act like a covert scout.
The courier approached the Roman camp and allowed himself to be captured by a Roman patrician. Covered in dust, with pale cheeks and darkened lips, he was dragged before Caesar. A Persian-speaking scribe unsealed the letter from the courier's arm and read it aloud. Hearing the letter's contents, Caesar turned pale as pitch, believing Goraz had betrayed him into a terrifying trap between Khosrow's vast army of 300,000 and Goraz's own forces. Stricken with horror, Caesar immediately ordered a retreat back to the safety of Rome.
When Goraz learned of Caesar's sudden retreat, he sent an anxious letter asking why Caesar had abandoned their pact. Caesar replied with fury, denouncing Goraz as a treacherous villain who attempted to hand him over to Khosrow. Following the Roman withdrawal, Khosrow dispatched a stern ultimatum to Goraz, demanding the surrender of his rebellious troops. Goraz gathered 12,000 elite cavalrymen and stationed them at Khorreh-ye Ardashir under the command of Zad-Farrokh.
Khosrow sent Zad-Farrokh to question the army's allegiance. However, Zad-Farrokh secretly incited the troops to open rebellion, telling them: 'Do not fear the King; his forces are scattered, his glory is gone, and no great men stand by his side. Openly curse both me and the Shah!' Taking heart, the entire host rose and showered the King with curses. Zad-Farrokh returned to Khosrow, claiming the army had turned wild and uncontrollable. Khosrow clearly realized that Zad-Farrokh was double-dealing and sowing discord; yet, out of fear of Zad-Farrokh's brother Rostam, who commanded ten thousand warlike swordsmen, the Shah concealed his knowledge and held his tongue.
#1
بدان نامور تخت و جای مهی
✦
بزرگی و دیهیم شاهنشهی
“By that famed throne and seat of majesty, the greatness and crown of the King of kings,”
#2
جهاندار هم داستانی نکرد
✦
از ایران و توران برآورد گرد
“The ruler of the world showed no justice; he raised dust and turmoil across Iran and Turan.”
#3
چو آن دادگر شاه بیداد گشت
✦
ز بیدادی کهتران شادگشت
“When that once-just king turned into an oppressor, the wicked among his subjects rejoiced in injustice.”
#4
بیامد فرخ زاد آزرمگان
✦
دژم روی با زیردستان ژکان
“Then came Zad-Farrokh (Farrokh-Zad of Azarmgan), grim-faced and harsh, scolding his subordinates.”
#5
ز هرکس همی خواسته بستدی
✦
همی این بران آن برین بر زدی
“He seized wealth from everyone, pitting one against another in endless strife.”
#6
به نفرین شد آن آفرینهای پیش
✦
که چون گرگ بیدادگر گشت میش
“The praises of old turned into curses, as the sheep grew as cruel and oppressive as the wolf.”
#7
بیاراست بر خویشتن رنج نو
✦
نکرد آرزو جز همه گنج نو
“The King brought new afflictions upon himself, desiring nothing save fresh treasures.”
#8
چو بی‌آب و بی‌نان و بی تن شدند
✦
ز ایران سوی شهر دشمن شدند
“When the people were left without water, bread, or strength, they fled from Iran to the lands of the enemy.”
#9
هر آنکس کزان بتری یافت بهر
✦
همی دود نفرین برآمد ز شهر
“Whoever suffered from that worsening plight, sent the smoke of curses rising from the city.”
#10
یکی بی‌هنر بود نامش گراز
✦
کزو یافتی خواب و آرام و ناز
“There was a worthless man named Goraz, who cared for naught but sleep, ease, and luxury.”
#11
که بودی همیشه نگهبان روم
✦
یکی دیو سر بود بیداد و شوم
“He was the guardian of the frontier of Rome, a demon-headed, unjust, and ominous man.”
#12
چو شد شاه با داد بیدادگر
✦
از ایران نخست او بپیچید سر
“When the righteous King turned tyrant, Goraz was the first in Iran to turn his face away in rebellion.”
#13
دگر زاد فرخ که نامی بدی
✦
به نزدیک خسرو گرامی بدی
“Another was Zad-Farrokh, a man of renown, who had been held dear in Khosrow's sight.”
#14
نیارست کس رفت نزدیک شاه
✦
همه زاد فرخ بدی بار خواه
“None dared approach the King directly; Zad-Farrokh alone was the grand chamberlain.”
#15
شهنشاه را چون پرآمد قفیز
✦
دل زاد فرخ تبه گشت نیز
“As the measure of the Shahanshah's reign filled to overflowing, Zad-Farrokh's heart also turned corrupt.”
#16
یکی گشت با سالخورده گراز
✦
ز کشور به کشور به پیوست راز
“He allied himself with the aged Goraz, sharing secret plots from realm to realm.”
#17
گراز سپهبد یکی نامه کرد
✦
به قیصر و را نیز بدکامه کرد
“The commander Goraz wrote a letter to Caesar of Rome, stirring up wicked ambitions within him.”
#18
بدو گفت برخیز و ایران بگیر
✦
نخستین من آیم تو را دستگیر
“He said to him: 'Arise and conquer Iran! I will be the first to lend you a helping hand.'”
#19
چو آن نامه برخواند قیصر سپاه
✦
فراز آورید از در رزمگاه
“When Caesar read that letter, he mustered a great army prepared for war.”
#20
بیاورد لشکر هم آنگه ز روم
✦
بیامد سوی مرز آباد بوم
“He marched his forces out from Rome at once, advancing toward the fertile borders of Iran.”
#21
چو آگاه شد زان سخن شهریار
✦
همی‌داشت آن کار دشوار خوار
“When the King received word of this invasion, he treated that formidable peril with light disdain.”
#22
بدانست کان هست کار گراز
✦
که گفته ست با قیصر رزمساز
“For he knew this was the work of Goraz, who had urged the warlike Caesar to march.”
#23
بدان کش همی‌خواند و او چاره‌جست
✦
همی‌داشت آن نامور شاه سست
“Knowing Goraz had invited Caesar while seeking a pretext, the famed Shah feigned weakness and indifference.”
#24
ز پرویز ترسان بد آن بدنشان
✦
ز درگاه او هم ز گردنکشان
“That ill-omened traitor (Goraz) feared Parviz, as did the proud nobles of his court.”
#25
شهنشاه بنشست با مهتران
✦
هر آنکس که بودند ز ایران سران
“The Shahanshah sat in council with his grandees, all the chief leaders of Iran.”
#26
ز اندیشه پاک دل رابشست
✦
فراوان زهر گونه‌ای چاره جست
“He cleansed his heart of anxiety and searched for every manner of strategic stratagem.”
#27
چو اندیشه روشن آمد فراز
✦
یکی نامه بنوشت نزد گراز
“When a brilliant plan came to his mind, he wrote a letter addressed to Goraz:”
#28
که از تو پسندیدم این کارکرد
✦
ستودم تو را نزد مردان مرد
“'I am well pleased with your deed, and I have praised you before the bravest of men.”
#29
ز کردارها برفزودی فریب
✦
سر قیصر آوردی اندر نشیب
“By your craftiness, you surpassed all expectations and brought Caesar's head into a downward snare.”
#30
چواین نامه آرند نزدیک تو
✦
پراندیشه کن رای تاریک تو
“When this letter is brought to you, let your dark counsel be filled with swift strategy.”
#31
همی‌باش تا من بجنبم زجای
✦
تو با لشکر خویش بگذار پای
“Wait where you are until I move my army; then step forth with your own forces.”
#32
چو زین روی و زان روی باشد سپاه
✦
شود در سخن رای قیصر تباه
“When armies surround him from this side and that, Caesar's judgment shall be utterly destroyed.”
#33
به ایران و را دستگیر آوریم
✦
همه رومیان را اسیر آوریم
“We shall bring him captive into Iran, and take all the Romans as prisoners.'”
#34
ز درگه یکی چاره گر برگزید
✦
سخن دان و گویا چناچون سزید
“From his court, the King chose a wily messenger—eloquent and skilled in speech as befitted the task.”
#35
بدو گفت کاین نامه اندر نهان
✦
همی بر بکردار کارآگهان
“He said to him: 'Carry this letter in utmost secrecy, acting as a covert scout.”
#36
چنان کن که رومیت بیند کسی
✦
بره بر سخن پرسد از تو بسی
“Arrange it so that some Roman sees you on the road and questions you lengthily.”
#37
بگیرد تو را نزد قیصر برد
✦
گرت نزد سالار لشکر برد
“Let him arrest you and take you to Caesar, or bring you before the commander of their army.”
#38
بپرسد تو را کز کجایی مگوی
✦
بگویش که من کهتری چاره‌جوی
“When he asks where you come from, do not reveal it directly; say only, 'I am a humble messenger seeking a remedy.'”
#39
به پیمودم این رنج راه دراز
✦
یکی نامه دارم بسوی گراز
“'I have braved the hardship of this long road, bearing a letter meant for Goraz.'”
#40
تواین نامه بربند بردست راست
✦
گر ایدون که بستاند از تو رواست
“Bind this letter securely to your right arm; if he seizes it from you, it will serve our cause well.”
#41
برون آمد از پیش خسرو نوند
✦
به بازو مر آن نامه را کرد بند
“The swift courier stepped out from Khosrow's presence and bound the letter tightly to his arm.”
#42
بیامد چو نزدیک قیصر رسید
✦
یکی مرد بطریق او را بدید
“He traveled until he neared Caesar's camp, where a Roman patrician spotted him.”
#43
سوی قیصرش برد سر پر ز گرد
✦
دو رخ زرد و لبها شده لاژورد
“He dragged him before Caesar, covered in trail dust, his face pale and his lips dark as lapis.”
#44
بدو گفت قیصر که خسرو کجاست
✦
ببایدت گفتن بما راه راست
“Caesar asked him: 'Where is Khosrow? You must tell us the absolute truth!'”
#45
ازو خیره شد کهتر چاره جوی
✦
ز بیمش بپاسخ دژم کرد روی
“The cunning messenger feigned bewilderment; in apparent dread, his face darkened as he replied.”
#46
بجویید گفت این بلاجوی را
✦
بداندیش و بدکام و بدگوی را
“Caesar said: 'Search out this troublemaker, this ill-wisher, malevolent and slanderer!'”
#47
بجستند و آن نامه از دست اوی
✦
گشاد آنک دانا بد و راه جوی
“They searched and retrieved the letter from his hand; a wise and discerning seeker opened it.”
#48
ازان مرز دانا سری را بجست
✦
که آن پهلوانی بخواند درست
“From that region he sought a scholar who could read Pahlavi correctly.”
#49
چو آن نامه برخواند مرد دبیر
✦
رخ نامور شد به کردار قیر
“When the scribe read out that letter, the famous sovereign's face turned black as pitch.”
#50
به دل گفت کاین بد کمین گراز
✦
دلیر آمدستم به دامش فراز
“He said to himself: 'What a foul ambush this Guraz laid; I have boldly walked into his trap!'”
#51
شهنشاه و لشکر چو سیصد هزار
✦
کس از پیل جنگش نداند شمار
“'The Shahanshah has an army of three hundred thousand, and no one can count his war elephants.'”
#52
مرا خواست افگند در دام اوی
✦
که تاریک بادا سرانجام اوی
“'Guraz wished to cast me into Khosrow's trap; may his ultimate fate be pitch dark!'”
#53
و زان جایگه لشکر اندر کشید
✦
شد آن آرزو بر دلش ناپدید
“And from that place he pulled back his army, and his desire to conquer vanished from his heart.”
#54
چو آگاهی آمد به سوی گراز
✦
که آن نامور شد سوی روم باز
“When news reached Guraz that the renowned Caesar had returned to Rum,”
#55
دلش گشت پر درد و رخساره زرد
✦
سواری گزید ازدلیران مرد
“His heart grew full of anguish and his cheeks turned pale; he chose a warrior from among his brave men.”
#56
یکی نامه بنوشت با باد و دم
✦
که بر من چرا گشت قیصر دژم
“He wrote a letter filled with pride and grief: 'Why has Caesar become enraged at me?'”
#57
از ایران چرا بازگشتی بگوی
✦
مرا کردی اندر جهان چاره‌جوی
“'Tell me, why did you retreat from Iran, leaving me helpless searching for a way out?'”
#58
شهنشاه داند که من کردم این
✦
دلش گردد از من پر از درد وکین
“'The Shahanshah will know that I did this, and his heart will become full of pain and malice toward me!'”
#59
چو قیصر نگه کرد و آن نامه دید
✦
ز لشکر گرانمایه‌ای برگزید
“When Caesar looked upon that letter, he selected a noble envoy from his army.”
#60
فرستاد تازان به نزد گراز
✦
کزان ایزدت کرده‌بد بی نیاز
“He sent him galloping to Guraz, saying: 'God had made you independent of such deceit!'”
#61
که ویران کنی تاج و گاه مرا
✦
به آتش بسوزی سپاه مرا
“'That you would destroy my crown and throne, and burn my army in fire?'”
#62
کز آن نامه جز گنج دادن بباد
✦
نیامد مرا از تو ای بد نژاد
“'From that letter, O ill-bred traitor, nothing came to me except blowing my treasures to the wind!'”
#63
مرا خواستی تا به خسرو دهی
✦
که هرگز مبادت بهی و مهی
“'You wanted to hand me over to Khosrow; may you never attain goodness or greatness!'”
#64
به ایران نخواهند بیگانه‌ای
✦
نه قیصر نژادی نه فرزانه‌ای
“'In Iran, they accept no foreigner—neither of Caesar's lineage nor any wise outsider.'”
#65
به قیصر بسی کرد پوزش گراز
✦
به کوشش نیامد بدامش فراز
“Guraz offered many apologies to Caesar, but despite his efforts, Caesar did not fall into his lure again.”
#66
گزین کرد خسرو پس آزاده‌ای
✦
سخن گوی و دانا فرستاده‌ای
“Then Khosrow chose a noble messenger, an eloquent and wise emissary.”
#67
یکی نامه بنوشت سوی گراز
✦
که‌ای بی بها ریمن دیو ساز
“He wrote a letter to Guraz: 'O worthless, deceitful sorcerer of demon nature!'”
#68
تو را چند خوانم برین بارگاه
✦
همی دورمانی ز فرمان و راه
“'How long must I summon you to this court, while you remain far from obedience and the right path?'”
#69
کنون آن سپاهی که نزد تواند
✦
بسال و به ماه اورمزد تواند
“'Now, those troops who are with you are subject to your rule month after month and year after year.'”
#70
به رای و به دل ویژه با قیصرند
✦
نهانی به اندیشه دیگرند
“'Yet in heart and judgment they favor Caesar, and secretly harbor other designs.'”
#71
برما فرست آنک پیچیده‌اند
✦
همه سرکشی رابسیچیده‌اند
“'Send unto us those who have turned away and prepared for rebellion!'”
#72
چواین نامه آمد بنزد گراز
✦
پر اندیشه شد کهتر دیوساز
“When this letter came to Guraz, that deceitful vassal became filled with anxious thought.”
#73
گزین کرد زان نامداران سوار
✦
از ایران و نیران ده و دو هزار
“He selected twelve thousand renowned warriors from Iran and beyond.”
#74
بدان مهتران گفت یک دل شوید
✦
سخن گفتن هرکسی مشنوید
“He said to those leaders: 'Unite as one, and do not listen to the words of every passerby.'”
#75
بباشید یک چند زین روی آب
✦
مگیرید یک سر به رفتن شتاب
“'Remain for a while on this side of the river; do not hasten at all to depart.'”
#76
چو هم پشت باشید با همرهان
✦
یکی کوه کندن ز بن بر توان
“'When you stand shoulder to shoulder with your companions, you can tear down a mountain from its roots.'”
#77
سپه رفت تا خرهٔ اردشیر
✦
هر آنکس که بودند برنا و پیر
“The army marched as far as Kharreh-ye Ardashir, all of them—young and old alike.”
#78
کشیدند لشکر بران رودبار
✦
بدان تا چه فرمان دهد شهریار
“They drew up their army along that riverbank, waiting to see what command the King would issue.”
#79
چو آگاه شد خسرو از کارشان
✦
نبود آرزومند دیدارشان
“When Khosrow became aware of their doings, he had no desire to meet them.”
#80
بفرمود تا زاد فرخ برفت
✦
به نزدیک آن لشکر شاه تفت
“He commanded Zad-Farrokh to depart and hasten towards that royal army.”
#81
چنین بود پیغام نزد سپاه
✦
که از پیش بودی مرا نیک خواه
“Such was the message sent unto the host: 'In times gone by, ye wished me only well;”
#82
چرا راه دادی که قیصر ز روم
✦
بیاورد لشکر بدین مرز و بوم
“Why have ye permitted the Caesar of Rome to lead his armies into this land?'”
#83
که بود آنک از راه یزدان بگشت
✦
ز راه و ز پیمان ما برگذشت
“'Who was he that strayed from the path of God, and broke his covenant and allegiance to us?'”
#84
چو پیغام خسرو شنید آن سپاه
✦
شد از بیم رخسار ایشان سیاه
“When the army heard the message of Khosrow, their faces turned dark with fear.”
#85
کس آن راز پیدا نیارست کرد
✦
بماندند با درد و رخساره زرد
“None dared to reveal that secret; they remained in anguish, with pale and sallow faces.”
#86
پیمبر یکی بد به دل با گراز
✦
همی‌داشت از آب وز باد راز
“There was a messenger united in heart with Goraz, who kept the secret hidden even from water and wind.”
#87
بیامد نهانی به نزدیکشان
✦
برافروخت جانهای تاریکشان
“He came in secret unto them, and rekindled their dark and troubled spirits.”
#88
مترسید گفت ای بزرگان که شاه
✦
ندید از شما آشکارا گناه
“He said, 'Fear not, O noble chiefs, for the King hath seen no overt guilt in you.”
#89
مباشید جز یک دل و یک زبان
✦
مگویید کز ما که شد بدگمان
“Be ye but of one heart and one tongue, and speak not of who among us hath fallen under suspicion.”
#90
وگر شد همه زیر یک چادریم
✦
به مردی همه یاد هم دیگریم
“And if trouble come, we are all beneath one tent, supporting each other in manhood and chivalry.'”
#91
همان چون شنیدند آواز اوی
✦
بدانست هر مهتری راز اوی
“As soon as they heard his voice, every chieftain understood his hidden design.”
#92
مهان یکسر از جای برخاستند
✦
بران هم نشان پاسخ آراستند
“All the nobles arose together and prepared their answer in like manner.”
#93
بر شاه شد زاد فرخ چو گرد
✦
سخنهای ایشان همه یاد کرد
“Zad-Farrokh hastened like the wind unto the King and recounted all their words.”
#94
بدو گفت رو پیش ایشان بگوی
✦
که اندر شما کیست آزار جوی
“Khosrow said to him, 'Go back to them and ask: Who among you is the seeker of strife,”
#95
که بفریفتش قیصر شوم بخت
✦
به گنج و سلیح و به تاج و به تخت
“Whom the ill-fated Caesar deceived with treasure, armor, crown, and throne?'”
#96
که نزدیک ما او گنهکار شد
✦
هم از تاج و اورنگ بیزار شد
“'For in our eyes he hath become an offender, weary of both crown and royal seat.'”
#97
فرستید یک سر بدین بارگاه
✦
کسی راکه بودست زین سرگناه
“'Send ye all at once to this court the man who was the author of this sin.'”
#98
بشد زاد فرخ بگفت این سخن
✦
رخ لشکر نو ز غم شد کهن
“Zad-Farrokh departed and delivered the message; the faces of the young army grew withered with grief.”
#99
نیارست لب را گشود ایچ کس
✦
پر از درد و خامش بماندند و بس
“None dared open their lips to speak; full of pain, they remained silent and speechless.”
#100
سبک زاد فرخ زبان برگشاد
✦
همی‌کرد گفتار ناخوب یاد
“Quickly Zad-Farrokh broke the silence, speaking harsh and unseemly words,”
#101
کزین سان سپاهی دلیر و جوان
✦
نبینم کس اندر میان ناتوان
“Saying, 'In such a brave and youthful army, I see no weakling among you.”
#102
شما را چرا بیم باشد ز شاه
✦
به گیتی پراگنده دارد سپاه
“Why should ye fear the King? His army is scattered throughout the world!”
#103
بزرگی نبینم به درگاه اوی
✦
که روشن کند اختر و ماه اوی
“I see no nobleman at his court who could brighten his star and moon.”
#104
شما خوار دارید گفتار من
✦
مترسید یک سر ز آزار من
“Do not hold my words in light esteem, and fear not any harm from me!”
#105
به دشنام لب را گشایید باز
✦
چه بر من چه بر شاه گردن فراز
“Open your lips again in reviling, whether against me or against the proud King!'”
#106
هر آنکس که بشنید زو این سخن
✦
بدانست کان تخت نوشد کهن
“Whoever heard these words from him knew that the ancient order of the throne was passing away.”
#107
همه یکسر از جای برخاستند
✦
به دشنام لبها بیاراستند
“They all arose as one man and loosened their tongues in bitter curses.”
#108
بشد زاد فرخ به خسرو بگفت
✦
که لشکر همه یار گشتند و جفت
“Zad-Farrokh went unto Khosrow and said, 'The army have all united and bonded together in rebellion.”
#109
مرا بیم جانست اگر نیز شاه
✦
فرستد به پیغام نزد سپاه
“I fear for my life if the King should send me once more with a message unto the army.'”
#110
بدانست خسرو که آن کژگوی
✦
همی آب و خون اندر آرد به جوی
“Khosrow realized that this deceitful speaker was bringing water and blood into the channel.”
#111
ز بیم برادرش چیزی نگفت
✦
همی‌داشت آن راستی در نهفت
“For fear of his brother, he said nothing, keeping the truth concealed in secrecy.”
#112
که پیچیده بد رستم از شهریار
✦
بجایی خود و تیغ زن ده هزار
“For Rostam had turned away from the sovereign, standing apart in his place with ten thousand swordsmen.”
#113
دل زاده فرخ نگه داشت نیز
✦
سپه را همه روی برگاشت نیز
“The King spared Zad-Farrokh's feelings, while the entire army turned their faces away from him.”