Beneath the towering branches of a verdant meadow, King Khosrow Parviz sat concealed from his pursuers. As the heat of midday passed and hunger gnawed at the monarch, he encountered a humble gardener who did not recognize the royal countenance. Khosrow, radiant as the sun even in distress, detached a jewel-encrusted golden branch from his belt and entrusted it to the gardener, instructing him to go into the city to procure bread and meat.
The gardener brought the golden branch to a baker, who was astounded by its unimaginable worth. Together, they sought a master jeweler to evaluate the treasure. Upon beholding the exquisite craftsmanship, the jeweler declared that such a masterpiece belonged solely to the royal treasury of King Khosrow, accusing the gardener of theft. To resolve the mystery, all three men presented the treasure to Zad Farrokh, one of the realm's influential chieftains.
Zad Farrokh brought the jewel straight before Shiruyeh (Kobad II). Under threat of execution, the gardener confessed that a tall man, straight as a cypress, clad in shimmering mail with a bow in hand and a golden shield suspended from a tree, was hiding in the garden. Shiruyeh dispatched three hundred horsemen to seize him. Yet when the cavalry arrived and beheld the majestic countenance of their true sovereign, tears filled their eyes; none possessed the courage to lay hands upon the King of Kings, and they turned back in reverence.
Zad Farrokh then approached the fallen monarch alone, speaking with grave caution about the hostility of the Iranian nobles. As Khosrow listened, a long-forgotten prophecy of the royal astrologers echoed in his mind: that his end would come between two mountains—one of gold and one of silver—beneath a golden sky and upon an iron earth. Looking upon his own iron coat of mail, his golden shield hanging above, and the twin royal treasuries concealed in the garden, Khosrow realized with a heavy heart that his destiny was sealed and the light of his fortune extinguished.
The captive monarch was mounted upon a royal elephant and escorted away. From atop the elephant, Khosrow gazed bitterly upon his treasures, lamenting that they could not save him in his darkest hour. Shiruyeh commanded that Khosrow be conveyed safely to a dwelling in Ctesiphon under the strict guard of Golinoosh and a thousand horsemen. Kobad II then placed the ancient crown upon his head and distributed wealth to the army. Yet fate proved fickle: his reign endured for a mere seven months, leaving behind a solemn reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly crown and glory.
#1
همی‌بود خسرو بران مرغزار
✦
درخت بلند ازبرش سایه دار
“Khosrow remained in that lush meadow, shaded beneath a lofty tree.”
#2
چو بگذشت نیمی ز روز دراز
✦
بنان آمد آن پادشا رانیاز
“When half of the long day had passed, hunger overcame the monarch.”
#3
به باغ اندرون بد یکی پایکار
✦
که نشناختی چهرهٔ شهریار
“Within the garden was a overseer who did not recognize the face of the king.”
#4
پرستنده راگفت خورشید فش
✦
که شاخی گهر زین کمر بازکش
“The sun-visaged king said to the servant: 'Detach a gem-studded branch from this belt.'”
#5
بران شاخ برمهرهٔ زر پنج
✦
ز هرگونه مهره بسی برده رنج
“Upon that branch were five golden beads, exquisitely wrought with every kind of gem.”
#6
چنین گفت با باغبان شهریار
✦
که این مهره‌ها تا کت آید به کار
“Thus spoke the monarch to the gardener: 'Take these jewels for whatever they may fetch you.'”
#7
به بازار شو بهره‌ای گوشت خر
✦
دگر نان و بی‌راه جایی گذر
“'Go to the market, buy a portion of meat and bread, and pass through discreetly.'”
#8
مرآن گوهران را بها سی هزار
✦
درم بد کسی را که بودی به کار
“The value of those jewels was thirty thousand dirhams to anyone who needed them.”
#9
سوی نانبا شد سبک باغبان
✦
بدان شاخ زرین ازو خواست نان
“Swiftly the gardener went to the baker, offering that golden branch in exchange for bread.”
#10
بدو نانوا گفت کاین رابها
✦
ندانم نیارمت کردن رها
“The baker said to him: 'I know not the price of this, nor can I let you go.'”
#11
ببردند هر دو به گوهر فروش
✦
که این را بها کن بدانش بکوش
“They both went together to a jeweler, asking him to evaluate it with his skill.”
#12
چو داننده آن مهره‌ها رابدید
✦
بدو گفت کاین را که یارد خرید
“When the expert beheld those jewels, he said: 'Who could afford to buy such a treasure?'”
#13
چنین شاخ در گنج خسرو بدی
✦
برین گونه هر سال صد نوبدی
“'Such a branch was in Khosrow's treasury; every year a hundred such marvels were fashioned.'”
#14
تو این گوهران از که دزدیده‌ای
✦
گر از بنده خفته ببریده‌ای
“'From whom have you stolen these gems? Did you cut them from a sleeping servant?'”
#15
سوی زاد فرخ شدند آن سه مرد
✦
ابا گوهر و زر و با کارکرد
“Those three men went together unto Zad Farrokh, bearing the jewels, gold, and workmanship.”
#16
چو آن گوهران زاد فرخ بدید
✦
سوی شهریار نو اندر کشید
“When Zad Farrokh saw those jewels, he hurried off to the new monarch.”
#17
به شیروی بنمود زان سان گهر
✦
بریده یکی شاخ زرین کمر
“He showed the gem to Shiruyeh—a golden branch severed from a royal belt.”
#18
چنین گفت شیروی با باغبان
✦
که گر زین خداوند گوهر نشان
“Shiruyeh said to the gardener: 'If you do not reveal the owner of this gem this instant,'”
#19
نگویی هم اکنون ببرم سرت
✦
همان را که او باشد از گوهرت
“'I will sever your head immediately, along with anyone connected to your gem!'”
#20
بدو گفت شاها به باغ اندرست
✦
زره پوش مردی کمانی بدست
“He replied: 'O King, inside the garden is an armored man holding a bow in hand.'”
#21
ببالا چو سرو و به رخ چون بهار
✦
بهر چیز مانندهٔ شهریار
“'Tall as a cypress, with a face like spring, in every way resembling the King of Kings.'”
#22
سراسر همه باغ زو روشنست
✦
چو خورشید تابنده در جوشنست
“'The entire garden is illuminated by him; he gleams in mail like the shining sun.'”
#23
فروهشته از شاخ زرین سپر
✦
یکی بنده در پیش او با کمر
“'A golden shield hangs from a branch, and a servant stands before him with a belt.'”
#24
برید این چنین شاخ گوهر ازوی
✦
مراداد و گفتا کز ایدر بپوی
“'He cut this gem-laden branch and gave it to me, saying: Go hence swiftly,'”
#25
ز بازار نان آور و نان خورش
✦
هم اکنون برفتم چو باد از برش
“'Bring bread and food from the market. I departed from his presence like the wind.'”
#26
بدانست شیروی کو خسروست
✦
که دیدار او در زمانه نوست
“Shiruyeh knew then that it was Khosrow, for his appearance was unique in the world.”
#27
ز درگاه رفتند سیصد سوار
✦
چو باد دمان تا لب جویبار
“Three hundred horsemen rode out from the court, swift as a howling wind to the stream's bank.”
#28
چو خسرو ز دور آن سپه را بدید
✦
به پژمرد و شمشیر کین برکشید
“When Khosrow saw that host from afar, he withered in spirit and drew his vengeance sword.”
#29
چو روی شهنشاه دید آن سپاه
✦
همه باز گشتند گریان ز راه
“When the army saw the King of Kings' face, they all turned back weeping from the road.”
#30
یکایک بر زاد فرخ شدند
✦
بسی هر کسی داستانی زدند
“One by one they came to Zad Farrokh, each recounting his story:”
#31
که ما بندگانیم و او خسروست
✦
بدان شاه روز بد اکنون نوست
“'We are subjects and he is the King; a hard day has now come upon that sovereign.'”
#32
نیارد برو زد کسی باد سرد
✦
چه در باغ باشد چه اندر نبرد
“'None dares to breathe a cold wind against him, whether in a garden or in battle.'”
#33
بشد زاد فرخ به نزدیک شاه
✦
ز درگاه او برد چندی سپاه
“Zad Farrokh went to the king, leading a handful of troops from the court.”
#34
چو نزدیک او رفت تنها ببود
✦
فراوان سخن گفت و خسرو شنود
“When he drew near, he approached alone; he spoke many words while Khosrow listened.”
#35
بدو گفت اگر شاه بارم دهد
✦
برین کرده‌ها زینهارم دهد
“He said: 'If the King grants me audience and safety for these deeds,'”
#36
بیایم بگویم سخن هرچ هست
✦
وگرنه بپویم به سوی نشست
“'I will recount everything as it is; otherwise I shall return to my post.'”
#37
بدو گفت خسرو چه گفتی بگوی
✦
نه انده گساری نه پیکارجوی
“Khosrow said: 'Speak what you must; you are neither a comforter nor a combatant.'”
#38
چنین گفت پس مرد گویا به شاه
✦
که در کار هشیارتر کن نگاه
“Then the eloquent spokesman said to the king: 'Look more prudently upon affairs.'”
#39
بر آن نه که کشتی تو جنگی هزار
✦
سرانجام سیرآیی از کارزار
“'Do not think that having slain thousands of warriors, you can ever satisfy warfare.'”
#40
همه شهر ایران تو را دشمنند
✦
به پیکار تو یک دل و یک تنند
“'All the land of Iran is your enemy, united in heart and mind against you.'”
#41
بپا تا چه خواهد نمودن سپهر
✦
مگر کینها بازگردد به مهر
“'Wait to see what the heavens reveal; perhaps vengefulness will turn to love.'”
#42
بدو گفت خسرو که آری رواست
✦
همه بیمم از مردم ناسزاست
“Khosrow answered: 'Indeed, it is so; all my fear is of unworthy men,'”
#43
که پیش من آیند و خواری کنند
✦
برم بر مگر کامگاری کنند
“'Lest they come before me and bring insult, seeking triumph over my downfall.'”
#44
چو بشنید از زاد فرخ سخن
✦
دلش بد شد از روزگار کهن
“When he heard the words of Zad Farrokh, his heart turned heavy with omen from days of old.”
#45
که او را ستاره شمر گفته بود
✦
ز گفتار ایشان برآشفته بود
“For astrologers had once told him, and their prophecy now troubled his soul:”
#46
که مرگ توباشد میان دو کوه
✦
بدست یکی بنده دور از گروه
“That your death shall occur between two mountains, at the hand of a lone slave, far removed from the crowd.”
#47
یکی کوه زرین یکی کوه سیم
✦
نشسته تو اندر میان دل به بیم
“One mountain of gold and another of silver, while you sit between them with a heart full of dread.”
#48
ز بر آسمان تو زرین بود
✦
زمین آهنین بخت پرکین بود
“Above you, the sky shines golden, while below, the iron earth bears a fate laden with malice.”
#49
کنون این زره چون زمین منست
✦
سپر آسمان زرین منست
“Now this iron coat of mail is as my earth, and this golden shield serves as my sky.”
#50
دو کوه این دو گنج نهاده به باغ
✦
کزین گنجها بد دلم چون چراغ
“These two mountains are the twin treasures placed in this garden, by which my heart once burned bright as a lamp.”
#51
همانا سرآمد کنون روز من
✦
کجا اختر گیتی افروز من
“Truly my days have now come to an end; where has my world-illuminating star gone?”
#52
کجا آن همه کام و آرام من
✦
که بر تاجها بر بدی نام من
“Where is all that joy and tranquility of mine, when my royal name was carved upon crowns?”
#53
ببردند پیلی به نزدیک اوی
✦
پر از درد شد جان تاریک اوی
“They brought an elephant near to him, and his darkened soul was filled with intense sorrow.”
#54
بر آن کوههٔ پیل بنشست شاه
✦
ز باغش بیاورد لشکر به راه
“The King mounted the hump of the elephant, and the army led him away from his garden.”
#55
چنین گفت زان پیل بر پهلوی
✦
که ای گنج اگر دشمن خسروی
“From atop the elephant, he spoke in the Pahlavi tongue: 'O Treasure! If you are the enemy of Khosrow,'”
#56
مکن دوستی نیز با دشمنم
✦
که امروز در دست آهرمنم
“'Show no friendship either to my foe, for today I am trapped in the clutches of Ahriman.'”
#57
به سختی نبودیم فریادرس
✦
نهان باش و منمای رویت به کس
“'You were no savior to me in my time of distress; remain hidden then, and reveal your face to none!'”
#58
به دستور فرمود زان پس قباد
✦
کزو هیچ بر بد مکن نیز یاد
“Thereafter, Qobad commanded his vizier: 'Speak no evil of him ever again,'”
#59
بگو تا سوی طیسفونش برند
✦
بدان خانهٔ رهنمونش برند
“'Order them to carry him unto Ctesiphon, and guide him to that appointed house.'”
#60
بباشد به آرام ما روز چند
✦
نباید که‌دارد کس او را گزند
“'Let him reside in peace for a few days; no man should dare bring harm upon him.'”
#61
برو بر موکل کنند استوار
✦
گلینوش را با سواری هزار
“They placed Golinosh as a firm guard over him, accompanied by a thousand horsemen.”
#62
چو گردنده گردون به سر بر بگشت
✦
شد آن شاه را سال بر سی و هشت
“As the revolving sky turned above him, thirty-eight years of reign came to a close for the King.”
#63
کجا ماه آذر بُدی روز دی
✦
گه آتش و مرغ بریان و می
“It was the month of Azar on the day of Dey—the season of fires, roast fowl, and wine.”
#64
قباد آمد و تاج بر سر نهاد
✦
به آرام بر تخت بنشست شاد
“Qobad arrived and placed the crown upon his head; he sat joyfully in tranquility upon the throne.”
#65
ز ایران بر و کرد بیعت سپاه
✦
درم داد یک ساله از گنج شاه
“The army of Iran pledged their allegiance to him, and he distributed a year's coin from the royal treasury.”
#66
نَبُد پادشاهیش جز هفت ماه
✦
تو خواهیش ناچیز خوان خواه شاه
“His reign lasted for no more than seven months; call him a worthless fleeting shadow or a king as you will.”
#67
چنین است رسم سرای جفا
✦
نباید کزو چشم داری وفا
“Such is the way of this deceitful world; one ought never to expect fidelity from it.”