#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.”