#1
بدان نامور گفت پاسخ شنو
✦
یکایک ببر سوی سالار نو
“He said to that renowned man: 'Hear my answer, and carry it word for word to the new ruler.'”
#2
بگویَش که زشت کسان را مجوی
✦
جز آن را که برتابی از ننگ روی
“'Tell him: Do not seek out the flaws of men, except those disgraceful deeds from which one must turn away in shame.'”
#3
سخن هرچ گفتی نه گفتارتست
✦
مماناد گویا زبانت درست
“'Whatever you have spoken was not truly your own words; may the eloquent tongue that taught you such folly not remain sound!'”
#4
مگو آنچ بدخواه تو بشنود
✦
ز گفتار بیهوده شادان شود
“'Do not speak that which your ill-wisher will hear and rejoice over your idle talk.'”
#5
بدان گاه چندان نداری خرد
✦
که مغزت به دانش خرد پرورد
“'At this age, you lack the wisdom for your mind to nurture true intellect through knowledge.'”
#6
به گفتار بی‌بر چو نیرو کنی
✦
روان و خرد را پر آهو کنی
“'When you rely upon fruitless speech, you fill your soul and intellect with defects.'”
#7
کسی کو گنهکار خواند تو را
✦
از آن پس جهاندار خواند تو را
“'He who brands you a sinner today will tomorrow call you the ruler of the world!'”
#8
نباید که یابد برِ تو نشست
✦
بگیرد کم و بیش چیزی به دست
“'Such a man should not find a seat near you, nor take anything, great or small, into his hands.'”
#9
میندیش زین پس برین سان پیام
✦
که دشمن شود بر تو بر شادکام
“'Devise no more messages of this sort henceforth, lest your enemies gloat over your foolishness.'”
#10
به یزدان مرا کار پیراسته‌ست
✦
نهاده بران گیتی‌ام خواسته‌ست
“'My affairs are ordered by God Almighty, and my desire is set upon the world to come.'”
#11
بدین جستن عیبهای دروغ
✦
به نزد بزرگان نگیری فروغ
“'By seeking out false faults in this manner, you will win no glory among the noble ones.'”
#12
بیارم کنون پاسخ این همه
✦
بدان تا بگویید پیش رمه
“'Now I shall deliver my answer to all these charges, so that you may proclaim it before the multitude.'”
#13
پس از مرگ من یادگاری بود
✦
سخن گفتن راست یاری بود
“'This shall serve as a memorial after my death; for truthful speech is a true ally.'”
#14
چو پیدا کنم بر تو انبوه رنج
✦
بدانی که از رنج ما خاست گنج
“'When I lay bare before you the magnitude of my toil, you shall know that from our labor arose all this wealth.'”
#15
نخستین که گفتی ز هرمز سخن
✦
به بیهوده از آرزوی کهن
“'First, concerning what you spoke of Hormoz—vainly reawakening ancient desires—'”
#16
ز گفتار بدگوی ما را پدر
✦
برآشفت و شد کار زیر و زبر
“'Through the slanderous words of malicious men, my father grew enraged, and everything was turned upside down.'”
#17
از اندیشهٔ او چو آگه شدیم
✦
از ایران شب تیره بی ره شدیم
“'When I became aware of his wrathful intentions, I fled Iran in the dark of night, taking no beaten path.'”
#18
همان راه جستیم و بگریختیم
✦
به دام بلا بر نیاویختیم
“'I sought escape and fled, so that I might not hang caught in the snare of calamity.'”
#19
از اندیشهٔ او گناهم نبود
✦
جز از جستن از شاه راهم نبود
“'I harbored no sin against his intent; I had no choice but to seek escape from the King.'”
#20
شنیدم که بر شاه من بد رسید
✦
ز بردع برفتم چو گوش آن شنید
“'When I heard that evil had befallen my father the King, I departed Barda'a as soon as the news reached my ears.'”
#21
گنهکار بهرام خود با سپاه
✦
بیاراست در پیش من رزمگاه
“'Yet the sinful Bahram stood with his army, arraying the battlefield against me.'”
#22
ازو نیز بگریختم روز جنگ
✦
بدان تا نیایم من او را به چنگ
“'From him too I fled on the day of battle, so that I would not fall into his grasp.'”
#23
ازان پس دگر باره باز آمدم
✦
دلاور به جنگ‌ش فراز آمدم
“'Thereafter I returned once more, advancing courageously to give him battle.'”
#24
نه پرخاش بهرام یکباره بود
✦
جهانی بر آن جنگ نظاره بود
“'The struggle with Bahram was no brief clash; the whole world watched that fierce conflict.'”
#25
به فرمان یزدان نیکی فزای
✦
که اویست بر نیک و بد رهنمای
“'By the decree of God, the Increaser of Good, Who alone guides mankind through good and evil,'”
#26
چو ایران و توران به آرام گشت
✦
همه کار بهرام ناکام گشت
“'When Iran and Turan were restored to peace, all of Bahram's designs came to utter failure.'”
#27
چو از جنگ چوبینه پرداختم
✦
نخستین به کین پدر تاختم
“'When I finished the war with Chubin, I turned first to avenge my father's blood.'”
#28
چو بندوی و گستهم خالان بدند
✦
به هر کشوری بی‌همالان بدند
“'Though Bandoy and Gostahm were my maternal uncles, peerless in every land,'”
#29
فدا کرده جان را همی پیش من
✦
به دل هم زبان و به تن خویش من
“'Having risked their lives for me, being of my own kin, single-hearted and true in speech,'”
#30
چو خون پدر بود و درد جگر
✦
نکردیم سستی به خون پدر
“'Yet because it was my father's blood and a grief in my liver, I showed no weakness in avenging my father.'”
#31
بریدیم بندوی را دست و پای
✦
کجا کرد بر شاه تاریک جای
“'We severed Bandoy's hands and feet, for he had made the world a dark place for the King.'”
#32
چو گستهم شد در جهان ناپدید
✦
ز گیتی یکی گوشه‌ای برگزید
“'When Gostahm vanished from the world and chose a hidden corner of the earth,'”
#33
به فرمان ما ناگهان کشته شد
✦
سر و رای خونخوارگان گشته شد
“'By my command he was suddenly slain, and the head and counsel of the bloodthirsty were overturned.'”
#34
دگر آنک گفتی تو از کار خویش
✦
از آن تنگ زندان و بازار خویش
“'Next, as for what you said regarding your own plight, of your narrow prison and your ordeal—'”
#35
بد آن تا ز فرزند من کار بَد
✦
نیاید کزان بر سرش بد رسد
“'My intent was only that no evil act should originate from my son, bringing calamity down upon his own head.'”
#36
به زندان نبد بر شما تنگ و بند
✦
همان زخم خواری و بیم گزند
“'In your confinement, there were no tight bonds or hardships, nor the humiliation of blows or fear of harm.'”
#37
بدان روزتان خوار نگذاشتم
✦
همه گنج پیش شما داشتم
“'In those days I did not leave you disgraced; I placed all treasures before you.'”
#38
بر آیین شاهان پیشین بدیم
✦
نه بیکار و بر دیگر آیین بدیم
“'We lived according to the custom of ancient kings, neither idle nor straying into foreign ways—'”
#39
ز نخچیر وز گوی و رامشگران
✦
ز کاری که اندر خور مهتران
“'With hunting, polo, and minstrels, engaging in pursuits fit for sovereign rulers.'”
#40
شمارا به چیزی نبودی نیاز
✦
ز دینار وز گوهر و یوز و باز
“'You lacked for nothing: neither gold dinars, nor jewels, nor hunting leopards, nor falcons.'”
#41
یکی کاخ بُد کرده زندانش نام
✦
همی زیستی اندرو شادکام
“'It was a palace merely named a prison, wherein you lived in joy and fulfillment.'”
#42
همان نیز گفتار اخترشناس
✦
که ما را همی از تو دادی هراس
“'As for the predictions of the astrologer, which filled me with dread concerning you—'”
#43
که از تو بَد آید بدین سان که هست
✦
نینداختم اخترت را ز دست
“'That evil would come from you as it now has, I still did not cast aside your star or abandon you.'”
#44
وزان پس نهادیم مهری به روی
✦
به شیرین سپردیم زان گفت و گوی
“'Thereafter I set a seal upon my lips and entrusted that prophecy to Shirin.'”
#45
چو شاهیم شد سال بر سی و شَش
✦
میان چنان روزگاران خَوش
“'When the thirty-sixth year of my reign arrived amidst such pleasant days,'”
#46
تو داری به یاد این سخن بی‌گمان
✦
اگر چند بگذشت بر ما زمان
“You surely remember this matter without doubt, though much time has passed for us since then.”
#47
مرا نامه آمد ز هندوستان
✦
بدم من بدان نیز همداستان
“A letter came to me from Hindustan, and I was in accord with what it contained.”
#48
ز رای برین نزد ما نامه بود
✦
گهر بود و هر گونه‌ای جامه بود
“From the King of Supreme Counsel came a missive to us, along with precious jewels and all manner of fine garments.”
#49
یکی تیغ هندی و پیل سپید
✦
جزین هرچ بودم به گیتی امید
“An Indian sword, a white elephant, and everything else I could ever hope for in this world.”
#50
ابا تیغ دیبای زربفت پنج
✦
ز هر گونه‌ای اندرو برده رنج
“Along with the blade, five pieces of gold-woven silk cloth, crafted with every kind of elaborate art.”
#51
سوی تو یکی نامه بُد بر پرند
✦
نوشته چو من دیدم از خط هند
“There was also a letter addressed to you written upon silk, inscribed in the Indian script when I beheld it.”
#52
بخواندم یکی مرد هندی دبیر
✦
سخن‌گوی و داننده و یادگیر
“I summoned an Indian scribe, an eloquent, learned, and quick-witted man.”
#53
چوآن نامه را او به من بر بخواند
✦
پر از آب دیده همی سر فشاند
“When he read that letter aloud to me, his eyes filled with tears, and he shook his head in grief.”
#54
بدان نامه در بُد که شادان بزی
✦
که با تاج زر خسروی را سزی
“In that letter it was written: 'Live happily, for you are worthy of kingship with a crown of gold;'”
#55
که چون ماه آذر بُد و روز دی
✦
جهان را تو باشی جهاندار کی
“'When the month of Azar and day of Dey arrive, you shall become the Kayanid ruler of the world;'”
#56
شده پادشاهی پدر سی و هشت
✦
ستاره برین گونه خواهد گذشت
“'When your father’s reign reaches thirty-eight years, the stars shall pass in this destiny.'”
#57
درخشان شود روزگار بهی
✦
که تاج بزرگی به سر برنهی
“'The era of goodness shall shine forth when you place the crown of majesty upon your head.'”
#58
مرا آن زمان این سخن بُد درست
✦
ز دل مهربانی نبایست شست
“To me, at that time, those words were clear and true, yet I knew I must not wash love for you from my heart.”
#59
من آگاه بودم که از بخت تو
✦
ز کار درخشیدن تخت تو
“I was well aware that from your fortune and the rising shine of your royal throne,”
#60
نباشد مرا بهره جز درد و رنج
✦
تو را گردد این تخت شاهی و گنج
“My own portion would be naught but pain and grief, while this throne and treasure would become yours.”
#61
ز بخشایش و دین و پیوند و مهر
✦
نکردم دژم هیچ زان نامه چهر
“Out of compassion, faith, kinship, and love, I did not darken my face at that missive.”
#62
به شیرین سپردم چو برخواندم
✦
ز هر گونه اندیشه‌ها راندم
“When I had read it, I entrusted it to Shirin and cast away all troubling thoughts.”
#63
برِ اوست با اخترِ تو به هم
✦
نداند کسی زان سخن بیش و کم
“It remains with her together with your horoscope; no one knows more or less about that text than what is there.”
#64
گر ایدون که خواهی که بینی بخواه
✦
اگر خود کنی بیش و کم را نگاه
“Now, if you wish to see it, ask for it, so you may examine every detail yourself.”
#65
بر آنم که بینی پشیمان شوی
✦
وزین کرده‌ها سوی درمان شوی
“I believe that when you see it, you will repent and seek a remedy for these deeds of yours.”
#66
دگر آنک گفتی ز زندان و بند
✦
گر آمد ز ما بر کسی بر گزند
“As for what you said regarding prison and bonds, and if anyone suffered harm from us,”
#67
چنین بود تا بود کار جهان
✦
بزرگان و شاهان و رای مهان
“Such has been the way of the world since the beginning—the rule of the great, kings, and the wisdom of nobles.”
#68
اگر تو ندانی به موبد بگوی
✦
کند زین سخن مر تو را تازه روی
“If you know it not, speak to the High Priest, who will enlighten you and gladden your understanding on this matter.”
#69
که هرکس که او دشمن ایزدست
✦
ورا در جهان زندگانی بدست
“'Whosoever is an enemy unto God, his life in this world shall be wretched and evil.'”
#70
به زندان ما ویژه دیوان بدند
✦
که نیکان ازیشان غریوان بدند
“In our prisons were chiefly evil men (demons), because of whom the righteous were crying out in distress.”
#71
چو ما را نبد پیشه خون ریختن
✦
بدان کار تنگ اندر آویختن
“Since our practice was not to shed blood nor hastily resort to violent slaughter,”
#72
بدان را به زندان همی داشتم
✦
گزند کسان خوار نگذاشتم
“I kept the wicked in prison, never taking lightly the harm done to others.”
#73
بسی گفت هرکس که آن دشمنند
✦
ز تخم بدانند و آهرمنند
“Many said, 'These are enemies, born of an evil seed and of Ahriman's nature!'”
#74
چو اندیشه ایزدی داشتیم
✦
سخنها همی خوار بگذاشتیم
“Yet because I held divine and godly thoughts, I disregarded such cruel words.”
#75
کنون من شنیدم که کردی رها
✦
مر آن را که بُد بتر از اژدها
“Now I hear that you have released those who were worse than ferocious dragons.”
#76
ازین بد گنهکار ایزد شدی
✦
به گفتار و کردارها بد شدی
“Through this evil, you became a sinner before God, turning wicked in both speech and deed.”
#77
چو مهتر شدی کار هشیار کن
✦
ندانی تو داننده را یار کن
“Now that you have become ruler, act wisely; if you do not know, make the learned man your advisor.”
#78
مبخشای بر هر که رنجست زوی
✦
اگر چند امید گنجست زوی
“Do not forgive anyone who brings suffering, even if there is hope of gaining treasure through him.”
#79
بر آنکس کزو در جهان جز گزند
✦
نبینی مر او را چه کمتر ز بند
“For he from whom you see nothing but harm in the world—what could be less suitable for him than bonds?”
#80
دگر آنک از خواسته گفته‌ای
✦
خردمندی و رای بنهفته‌ای
“As for what you said concerning wealth, you have hidden your wisdom and sound judgment.”
#81
ز کس ما نجستیم جز باژ و ساو
✦
هر آنکس که او داشت با باژ تاو
“We sought from no man aught save tribute and toll, from any who possessed the power to pay tribute.”
#82
ز یزدان پذیرفتم آن تاج و تخت
✦
فراوان کشیدم ازان رنج سخت
“From God Almighty did I receive this crown and throne, and endure great hardships and toil for their sake.”
#83
جهان آفرین داور داد و راست
✦
همی روزگاری دگرگونه خواست
“The Creator of the world, the just and righteous Judge, ordained a different fate for me in these days.”
#84
نیم دژمنش نیز در خواست او
✦
فزونی نجوییم در کاست او
“Nor am I a foe to His divine will, nor seek I abundance when He ordains diminish.”
#85
بجستیم خشنودی دادگر
✦
ز بخشش ندیدم به کوشش گذر
“I ever sought the pleasure of the Just Ruler; I saw that human endeavor cannot alter His divine dispensation.”
#86
چو پرسد ز من کردگار جهان
✦
بگویم بدو آشکار و نهان
“When the Creator of the world shall question me, I will lay bare before Him all things, both open and hidden.”
#87
بپرسد که او از تو داناترست
✦
به هر نیک و بد بر تواناترست
“He will question me—He who is wiser than thou, and all-powerful over every good and ill.”
#88
همین پر گناهان که پیش تواند
✦
نه تیماردار و نه خویش تواند
“These sinful ones who currently surround thee are neither thy true kin nor sincere caretakers of thy realm.”
#89
ز من هرچ گویند زین پس همان
✦
شوند این گره بر تو بر بد گمان
“Whatever they say of me hereafter, this same faction will soon turn their ill suspicions upon thee.”
#90
همه بندهٔ سیم و زرند و بس
✦
کسی را نباشند فریادرس
“They are merely slaves to silver and gold, and will never prove a helper to anyone in distress.”
#91
ازیشان تو را دل پر آسایش است
✦
گناه مرا جای پالایش است
“Though thy heart finds present ease in their counsel, it shall but serve to cleanse and purify my own sins.”
#92
نگنجد تو را این سخن در خرد
✦
نه زین بد که گفتی کسی برخورد
“Such counsel fits not within thy current wisdom, nor shall anyone reap fruit from the ill thou hast spoken.”
#93
ولیکن من از بهر خود کامه را
✦
که برخواند آن پهلوی نامه را
“Yet I write this for the self-willed ruler who shall one day read this Pahlavi testament.”
#94
همان در جهان یادگاری بود
✦
خردمند را غمگساری بود
“That it may abide as a memorial in the world, and serve as a source of comfort to the wise.”
#95
پس از ما هر آنکس که گفتار ما
✦
بخوانند دانند بازار ما
“So that after us, whoever reads our words shall know the true nature and worth of our realm.”
#96
ز برطاس وز چین سپه راندیم
✦
سپهبد به هر جای بنشاندیم
“We dispatched armies to Bartaas and China, placing military commanders over every domain.”
#97
ببردیم بر دشمنان تاختن
✦
نیارست کس گردن افراختن
“We launched fierce assaults upon our foes, so that none dared raise their head against us.”
#98
چو دشمن ز گیتی پراگنده شد
✦
همه گنج ما یک سر آگنده شد
“When our enemies were scattered from the earth, our treasuries became filled to the brim.”
#99
همه بوم شد نزد ما کارگر
✦
ز دریا کشیدند چندان گهر
“The whole world worked in our service, bringing forth so many pearls and gems from the seas,”
#100
که ملاح گشت از کشیدن ستوه
✦
مرا بود هامون و دریا و کوه
“That the sea-farers grew weary of retrieving them; plain, sea, and mountain were all under my sway.”
#101
چو گنج درم ها پراگنده شد
✦
ز دینار نو بدره آگنده شد
“When the treasure of silver coins was distributed, bags were filled anew with fresh gold dinars.”
#102
ز یاقوت وز گوهر شاهوار
✦
همان آلت و جامهٔ زرنگار
“Rich with rubies, royal pearls, magnificent trappings, and gold-embroidered garments.”
#103
چو دیهیم ما بیست و شش ساله گشت
✦
ز هر گوهری گنجها ماله گشت
“When twenty-six years had passed over my crown, treasuries overflowed with every kind of gem.”
#104
درم را یکی میخ نو ساختم
✦
سوی شادی و مهتری آختم
“I struck a new die for coining money, and turned my heart toward joy and majesty.”
#105
بدان سال تا باژ جستم شمار
✦
چو شد باژ دینار بر صد هزار
“In that year when I reckoned the tax tribute, the dinars of tribute reached one hundred thousand.”
#106
پراگنده افگند پنداوسی
✦
همه چرم پنداوسی پارسی
“They laid out the Pandoosi leather pouches throughout Persia, crafted of fine Persian hide.”
#107
به هر بدره‌ای در ده و دو هزار
✦
پراگنده دینار بد شاهوار
“In every pouch lay twelve thousand scattered royal dinars of finest quality.”
#108
جز از باژ و دینار هندوستان
✦
جز از کشور روم و جادوستان
“Aside from the tribute and dinars of Hindustan, and aside from the lands of Rome and the realms of sorcery,”
#109
جز از باژ وز ساو هر کشوری
✦
ز هر نامداری و هر مهتری
“Aside from the taxes and tribute of every country, exacted from every renowned chieftain and noble lord.”
#110
جز از رسم و آیین نوروز و مهر
✦
از اسپان وز بندهٔ خوب چهر
“Aside from the traditional gifts of Nowruz and Mehregan—fine horses and fair-faced servants.”
#111
جز از جوشن و خود و گوپال و تیغ
✦
ز ما این نبودی کسی را دریغ
“Aside from coats of mail, helmets, maces, and swords; none of these were withheld from our brave warriors.”
#112
جز از مشک و کافور و خز و سمور
✦
سیاه و سپید و ز کیمال بور
“Aside from musk, camphor, silk, and sable—black, white, and tawny leather of Kimalk.”
#113
هران کس که ما را بدی زیردست
✦
چنین باژها بر هیونان مست
“Whoever was subject to our rule sent such tribute laden upon swift, mighty camels.”
#114
همی‌تاختندی به درگاه ما
✦
نپیچید گردن کس از راه ما
“They galloped toward our court; none dared turn his head away from our command.”
#115
ز هر در فراوان کشیدیم رنج
✦
بدان تا بیاگند زین گونه گنج
“From every quarter we endured immense hardships, so that such magnificent treasures might be gathered.”
#116
دگر گنج خضرا و گنج عروس
✦
کجا داشتیم از پی روز بوس
“Then there were the Khazra and Arus treasures, which we kept reserved for days of joy and celebratory greetings.”
#117
فراوان ز نامش سخن راندیم
✦
سرانجام باد آورش خواندیم
“We spoke much of its renown, and in the end named it Bad-Avar ('Wind-brought').”
#118
چنین بیست و شش سال تا سی و هشت
✦
بجز به‌آرزو چرخ بر ما نگشت
“Thus from the twenty-sixth year unto the thirty-eighth, fate revolved according to our every desire.”
#119
همه مهتران خود تن آسان بدند
✦
بد اندیش یک سر هراسان بدند
“All the nobles lived in ease and comfort, while every ill-wisher was filled with dread.”
#120
همان چون شنیدم ز فرمان تو
✦
جهان را بد آمد ز پیمان تو
“Likewise, when I heard of your decree, I realized the world would suffer from your covenant.”
#121
نماند کس اندر جهان رامشی
✦
نباید گزیدن بجز خامشی
“No one in the world shall remain in peace; nought is left to choose but silence.”
#122
همی‌کرد خواهی جهان پر گزند
✦
پر از درد کاری و ناسودمند
“You are about to fill the world with harm, committing a painful and fruitless endeavor.”
#123
همان پر گزندان که نزد تواند
✦
که تیره شبان اورمزد تواند
“Those harmful counselors surrounding you are like dark nights to your Ohrmazd (bright day).”
#124
همی داد خواهند تختت به باد
✦
بدان تا نباشی به گیتی تو شاد
“They will cast your throne to the wind, ensuring you never find joy in this world.”
#125
چو بودی خردمند نزدیک تو
✦
که روشن شدی جان تاریک تو
“Had a wise counselor been at your side, your darkened soul would have been enlightened.”
#126
به دادن نبودی کسی را زیان
✦
که گنجی رسیدی به ارزانیان
“Giving brings no harm to anyone, provided the treasure reaches those who truly deserve it.”
#127
ایا پور کم روز و اندک خرد
✦
روانت ز اندیشه رامش برد
“O short-lived son of little wisdom! Sorrowful thoughts have driven peace from your soul.”
#128
چنان دان که این گنج من پشت تست
✦
زمانه کنون پاک در مشت تست
“Know that this treasury of mine is your backing, now that time itself is completely in your grasp.”
#129
هم آرایش پادشاهی بود
✦
جهان بی‌درم در تباهی بود
“Wealth is the true adornment of kingship; a world bereft of money falls into ruin.”
#130
شود بی‌درم شاه بیدادگر
✦
تهی دست را نیست هوش و هنر
“A king deprived of wealth turns unjust, for the empty-handed possess neither wisdom nor skill.”
#131
به بخشش نباشد ورا دستگاه
✦
بزرگان فسوسیش خوانند شاه
“He lacks the means to bestow gifts, and the nobles will mockingly call him king.”
#132
ار ایدون که از تو به دشمن رسد
✦
همی بت به دست برهمن رسد
“If your wealth should fall into enemy hands, it is like an idol falling into the hands of a Brahmin.”
#133
ز یزدان پرستنده بیزار گشت
✦
ورا نام و آواز تو خوار گشت
“The worshiper of God turns away in disdain, and your name and renown become humbled.”
#134
چو بی‌گنج باشی نپاید سپاه
✦
تو را زیردستان نخوانند شاه
“When you lack treasury, the army will not abide; your subjects will no longer address you as king.”
#135
سگ آن به که خواهندهٔ نان بود
✦
چو سیرش کنی دشمن جان بود
“A dog is best kept begging for bread; once you sate it, it becomes an enemy to your life.”
#136
دگر آنک گفتی ز کار سپاه
✦
که در بوم‌هاشان نشاندم به راه
“As for what you said regarding the army, that I dispatched them back to their homelands—”
#137
ز بی‌دانشی این نیاید پسند
✦
ندانی همی راه سود از گزند
“This criticism stems from ignorance and is unacceptable; you know not the path of gain from harm.”
#138
چنین است پاسخ که از رنج من
✦
فراز آمد این نامور گنج من
“My answer is that through my arduous toil this famous treasure was accumulated.”
#139
ز بیگانگان شهرها بستدم
✦
همه دشمنان را به هم برزدم
“I seized cities from foreigners and routed all enemies against one another.”
#140
بدان تا به آرام بر تخت ناز
✦
نشینیم بی‌رنج و گرم و گداز
“So that we might sit in tranquility upon the throne of power, free from suffering, heat, and toil.”
#141
سواران پراگنده کردم به مرز
✦
پدید آمد اکنون ز ناارز ارز
“I stationed horsemen across all borders, and thus value emerged out of worthless land.”
#142
چو از هر سوی بازخوانی سپاه
✦
گشاده ببیند بد اندیش راه
“If you recall the army from every border, the malicious enemy will find an open path.”
#143
که ایران چوباغیست خرم بهار
✦
شکفته همیشه گل کامگار
“For Iran is like a garden in lush spring, where victorious roses bloom forever.”
#144
پر از نرگس و نار و سیب و بهی
✦
چو پالیز گردد ز مردم تهی
“Filled with narcissus, pomegranates, apples, and quinces; yet if this garden becomes empty of guards—”
#145
سپرغم یکایک ز بن برکنند
✦
همه شاخ نار و بهی بشکنند
“They will uproot every sweet herb one by one, and snap all branches of pomegranate and quince.”
#146
سپاه و سلیحست دیوار اوی
✦
به پرچینش بر نیزه‌ها خار اوی
“The army and weapons are its protective wall; spears upon its hedge serve as its thorns.”
#147
اگر بفگنی خیره دیوار باغ
✦
چه باغ و چه دشت و چه دریا چه راغ
“If you recklessly tear down the garden's wall, what difference remains between garden, plain, sea, or meadow?”
#148
نگر تا تو دیوار او نفگنی
✦
دل و پشت ایرانیان نشکنی
“Take heed that you destroy not its wall, nor break the heart and backbone of the Iranians!”
#149
کزان پس بود غارت و تاختن
✦
خروش سواران و کین آختن
“For after that will come pillage and raid, the clamor of horsemen and the drawing of vengeance.”
#150
زن و کودک و بوم ایرانیان
✦
به اندیشهٔ بد منه در میان
“Place not the women, children, and homeland of Iranians into the peril of evil designs.”
#151
چو سالی چنین بر تو بر بگذرد
✦
خردمند خواند تو را بی‌خرد
“Should a year pass over thee in such a manner, wise men will surely deem thee foolish.”
#152
من ایدون شنیدم کجا تو مهی
✦
همه مردم ناسزا را دهی
“I have heard that since becoming sovereign, thou hast granted positions of power to unworthy men.”
#153
چنان دان که نوشین روان قباد
✦
به اندرز این کرد در نامه یاد
“Know that Nushin-Ravan, son of Qobad, recorded this very warning in his book of counsel:”
#154
که هرکو سلیحش به دشمن دهد
✦
همی خویشتن را به کشتن دهد
“'Whosoever yieldeth his weapons to an enemy doth willingly hand himself over to slaughter.'”
#155
که چون بازخواهد کش آید به کار
✦
بداندیش با او کند کارزار
“For when he seeketh to reclaim them in time of need, the adversary will turn those very arms against him in battle.”
#156
دگر آنک دادی ز قیصر پیام
✦
مرا خواندی دو دل و خویش کام
“Furthermore, as for the message thou didst convey from Caesar, calling me double-minded and self-seeking—”
#157
سخنها نه از یادگار تو بود
✦
که گفتار آموزگار تو بود
“These words came not from thine own recollection, but were taught to thee by thy tutor.”
#158
وفا کردن او و از ما جفا
✦
تو خود کی شناسی جفا از وفا
“Thou speakest of his loyalty and of our cruelty—yet how shouldst thou know the difference between loyalty and cruelty?”
#159
بدان پاسخش ای بد کم خرد
✦
نگویم جزین نیز که اندر خورد
“In reply to that, O foolish and wicked one, I shall say only what is fitting and worthy.”
#160
تو دعوی کنی هم تو باشی گوا
✦
چنین مرد بخرد ندارد روا
“Thou makest the claim and also standest as thy own witness; no wise man deemeth such a thing permissible.”
#161
چو قیصر ز گرد بلا رخ بشست
✦
به مردی چو پرویز داماد جست
“When Caesar washed the dust of calamity from his face, he sought a heroic son-in-law such as Parviz.”
#162
هر آنکس که گیتی به بد نسپرد
✦
به مغز اندرون باشد او را خرد
“Whosoever handeth not the world over to evil possesseth wisdom within his mind.”
#163
بدانم که بهرام بسته میان
✦
ابا او یکی گشته ایرانیان
“I know full well how Bahram girded his loins, and how the Iranians united as one alongside him.”
#164
به رومی سپاهی نشاید شکست
✦
نساید روان ریگ با کوه دست
“Yet an army of Romans could not break them; shifting sands cannot grapple with a solid mountain.”
#165
بدان رزم یزدان مرا یار بود
✦
سپاه جهان نزد من خوار بود
“In that battle, God was my champion and ally, and the hosts of the world were of little account in my sight.”
#166
شنیدند ایرانیان آنچ بود
✦
تو را نیز زیشان بباید شنود
“The Iranians heard all that came to pass, and thou too shouldst hear the truth from them.”
#167
مرا نیز چیزی که بایست کرد
✦
به جای نیاطوس روز نبرد
“Moreover, whatever was required of me toward Niyatus on the day of battle, I fulfilled.”
#168
ز خوبی و از مردمی کرده‌ام
✦
به پاداش او روز بشمرده‌ام
“I acted with goodness and humanity, and counted the days to reward his deeds.”
#169
بگوید تو را زاد فرخ همین
✦
جهان را به چشم جوانی مبین
“Zad-Farrokh himself will tell thee this: look not upon the world through the inexperienced eyes of youth!”
#170
گشسپ آنک بد نیز گنجور ما
✦
همان موبد پاک دستور ما
“Gashasp too, who was our treasurer, along with our pure-hearted Mobad and advisor,”
#171
که از گنج ما بدره بُد صد هزار
✦
که دادم بدان رومیان یادگار
“Can testify that from our treasury I bestowed a hundred thousand purses of coin upon those Romans as tokens of remembrance.”
#172
نیاطوس را مهره دادم هزار
✦
ز یاقوت سرخ از در گوشوار
“Unto Niyatus I granted a thousand gems of red ruby, fit to be earrings,”
#173
کجا سنگ هر مهره‌ای بُد هزار
✦
ز مثقال گنجی چو کردم شمار
“Wherein each ruby weighed a thousand mithqals, when I calculated the wealth of my treasury.”
#174
همان دُر خوشاب بگزیده صد
✦
درو مرد دانا ندید ایچ بد
“Likewise, a hundred select luminous pearls, in which no wise eye could find any flaw.”
#175
که هر حقه‌ای را چو پنجه هزار
✦
بدادی درم مرد گوهر شمار
“Such that a jewel-appraiser would pay fifty thousand silver dirhams for each single casket containing them.”
#176
صد اسپ گرانمایه پنجه به زین
✦
همه کرده از آخر ما گزین
“A hundred precious steeds—fifty of them fully saddled—all chosen from our finest royal stables.”
#177
دگر ویژه با جُلّ دیبه بدند
✦
که در دشت با باد همره بدند
“Moreover, they were covered with fine brocade caparisons, steeds that raced across the plain like the swift wind.”
#178
به نزدیک قیصر فرستادم این
✦
پس از خواسته خواندمش آفرین
“All these I dispatched unto Caesar, and following these riches, I sent him my blessings and praise.”
#179
ز دار مسیحا که گفتی سخن
✦
به گنج اندر افگنده چوبی کهن
“As for the True Cross of the Messiah whereof thou didst speak, which was laid in the treasury as an ancient piece of wood:”
#180
نبد زان مرا هیچ سود و زیان
✦
ز ترسا شنیدی تو آواز آن
“It brought me neither profit nor loss; thou hast merely heard rumors of it from the Christians.”
#181
شگفت آمدم زانک چون قیصری
✦
سر افراز مردی و نام آوری
“I was amazed how a ruler like Caesar—an exalted, illustrious, and famed man—”
#182
همه گرد بر گرد او بخردان
✦
همش فیلسوفان و هم موبدان
“Surrounded on all sides by wise men, philosophers, and holy priests,”
#183
که یزدان چرا خواند آن کشته را
✦
گرین خشک چوب وتبه گشته را
“Could wonder why God resurrected that slain one, or why He preserved this dry, decayed wood?”
#184
گر آن دار بیکار یزدان بدی
✦
سر مایهٔ اورمزد آن بدی
“If that futile cross were truly of God, it would be the primary treasure of Ahura Mazda.”
#185
برفتی خود از گنج ما ناگهان
✦
مسیحا شد او نیستی در جهان
“Yet it suddenly vanished from our treasury, as if it were the Messiah himself, no longer remaining in the world!”
#186
دگر آنک گفتی که پوزش بگوی
✦
کنون توبه کن راه یزدان بجوی
“And as for your saying that I should seek pardon, repent now, and turn toward the path of God,”
#187
ورا پاسخ آن بد که ریزنده باد
✦
زبان و دل و دست و پای قباد
“His answer was: 'May the tongue, the heart, the hands, and the feet of Qobad wither and decay!”
#188
مرا تاج یزدان به سر برنهاد
✦
پذیرفتم و بودم از تاج شاد
“It was God who placed the crown upon my head; I accepted it and rejoiced in that crown.”
#189
به یزدان سپردیم چون باز خواست
✦
ندانم زبان در دهانت چراست
“I surrendered it to God when He reclaimed it; I know not why a tongue still wags in your mouth!”
#190
به یزدان بگویم نه با کودکی
✦
که نشناسد او بد ز نیک اندکی
“I speak my heart to God, not to an ignorant child who cannot discern the slightest good from evil.”
#191
همه کار یزدان پسندیده‌ام
✦
همان شور و تلخی بسی دیده‌ام
“I accept all that God ordains, for full well have I tasted life's bitter and salty turns.”
#192
مرا بود شاهی سی و هشت سال
✦
کس از شهریاران نبودم همال
“For thirty-eight years I held supreme dominion; among all monarchs, none was my peer.”
#193
کسی کاین جهان داد دیگر دهد
✦
نه بر من سپاسی همی برنهد
“He who bestowed this world will grant the next as well, leaving no debt of gratitude upon me.”
#194
برین پادشاهی کنم آفرین
✦
که آباد بادا به دانا زمین
“I offer my blessings to this royal realm, praying that the earth may ever flourish through the wise.”
#195
چو یزدان بود یار و فریادرس
✦
نیازد به نفرین ما هیچ‌کس
“When God is the ultimate succor and defender, no one stands in need of our curses.”
#196
بدان کودک زشت و نادان بگوی
✦
که ما را کنون تیره گشت آبروی
“Go say to that ugly, foolish child that our honor has indeed been darkened now.”
#197
که پدرود بادی تو تا جاودان
✦
سر و کار ما باد با بخردان
“'Farewell to you forevermore! May all our dealings henceforth be with the wise alone.'”
#198
شما ای گرامی فرستادگان
✦
سخن گوی و پر مایه آزادگان
“You, O noble and cherished emissaries, articulate and high-born free spirits,”
#199
ز من هر دو پدرود باشید نیز
✦
سخن جز شنیده مگویید چیز
“Receive my farewell as well, and speak no words beyond what you have truly heard.”
#200
کنم آفرین بر جهان سر به سر
✦
که او را ندیدم مگر بر گذر
“I offer praise to the whole world, for I have viewed it only as a passing transit.”
#201
بمیرد کسی کو ز مادر بزاد
✦
ز کیخسرو آغاز تا کیقباد
“Whoever is born of a mother must perish, from Kai Khosrow at the start down to Kai Qobad.”
#202
چو هوشنگ و طهمورث و جمشید
✦
کزیشان بدی جای بیم وامید
“Like Houshang, Tahmuras, and Jamshid, from whom arose both awe and hope;”
#203
که دیو و دد و دام فرمانش برد
✦
چو روشن سرآمد برفت و بمرد
“Whom demon, beast, and cattle obeyed—yet when his bright days ended, he departed and died.”
#204
فریدون فرخ که او از جهان
✦
بدی دور کرد آشکار و نهان
“Fereydoun the blessed, who purged all evil from the world, both seen and unseen;”
#205
ز بد دست ضحاک تازی ببست
✦
به مردی ز چنگ زمانه نجست
“He bound the wicked hands of Zahhak the Arab, yet even by valor could not escape fate's grasp.”
#206
چو آرش که بردی به فرسنگ تیر
✦
چو پیروزگر قارن شیرگیر
“Like Arash, whose arrow flew for leagues, or victorious Qaran, the lion-captor;”
#207
قباد آنک آمد ز البرز کوه
✦
به مردی جهاندار شد با گروه
“Qobad, who came down from Mount Alborz and through manhood became world-ruler over hosts;”
#208
که از آبگینه همی خانه کرد
✦
وزان خانه گیتی پر افسانه کرد
“Who fashioned a palace out of crystal glass, and filled the earth with tales of that wondrous dome;”
#209
همه در خوشاب بد پیکرش
✦
ز یاقوت رخشنده بودی درش
“Adorned throughout with fine luster pearls, its glowing portals wrought of gleaming ruby;”
#210
سیاوش همان نامدار هژیر
✦
که کشتش به روز جوانی دبیر
“And Siavash, that brave and noble hero, slain in the blossom of his youth by fate's decree;”
#211
کجا گنگ دژ کرد جایی به رنج
✦
وزان رنج برده ندید ایچ گنج
“Who built Gang-Dezh with immense toil, yet derived no treasure from his laboured grief;”
#212
کجا رستم زال و اسفندیار
✦
کزیشان سخن ماندمان یادگار
“Where now is Rostam, son of Zal, and Esfandiyar, leaving us naught but tales as legacy?”
#213
چو گودرز و هفتاد پور گزین
✦
سواران میدان و شیران کین
“Like Goudarz and his seventy chosen sons—riders of the field, lions of vengeance;”
#214
چو گشتاسپ شاهی که دین بهی
✦
پذیرفت و زو تازه شد فرهی
“Like King Goshtasp, who embraced the Good Faith, renewing thereby the royal divine glory;”
#215
چو جاماسپ کاندر شمار سپهر
✦
فروزنده‌تر بد ز گردنده مهر
“Like Jamasp, who in reckoning the heavens shone brighter than the revolving sun;”
#216
شدند آن بزرگان و دانندگان
✦
سواران جنگی و مردانگان
“All those greats, those sages, battle-tested knights, and heroic men have passed away;”
#217
که اندر هنر این ازان به بدی
✦
به سال آن یکی از دگر مه بدی
“Each excelling the other in virtue and skill, one senior to the next in years;”
#218
بپرداختند این جهان فراخ
✦
بماندند میدان و ایوان و کاخ
“They vacated this vast world, leaving behind the battlegrounds, halls, and palaces.”
#219
ز شاهان مرا نیز همتا نبود
✦
اگر سال را چند بالا نبود
“Among kings I too had no equal, even though my years did not reach a great age.”
#220
جهان را سپردم به نیک و به بد
✦
نه آن را که روزی به من بد رسد
“I yield the world with all its good and ill, holding no resentment for whatever bad befell me.”
#221
بسی راه دشوار بگذاشتیم
✦
بسی دشمن از پیش برداشتیم
“We traversed many an arduous path, and removed many a foe from our way.”
#222
همه بومها پر ز گنج منست
✦
کجا آب و خاکست رنج منست
“All lands are filled with my treasure; wherever water and earth exist, it bears the mark of my toil.”
#223
چو زین گونه بر من سرآید جهان
✦
همی تیره گردد امید مهان
“If the world comes to an end for me in this wise, the hopes of all the great shall turn to dark despair.”
#224
نماند به فرزند من نیز تخت
✦
بگردد ز تخت و سرآیدش بخت
“Neither shall the throne endure for my son; he shall fall from power, and his fortune shall reach its end.”
#225
فرشته بیاید یکی جان ستان
✦
بگویم بدو جانم آسان ستان
“When the soul-taking angel arrives, I shall ask him to take my spirit gently and with ease.”
#226
گذشتن چو بر چینوَد پل بود
✦
به زیر پی اندر همه گل بود
“When the time comes to cross the Chinvat Bridge, may all beneath my feet be as soft as blossoms.”
#227
به توبه دل راست روشن کنیم
✦
بی‌آزاری خویش جوشن کنیم
“We shall illuminate our righteous heart with repentance, and fashion our coat of mail from doing no harm.”
#228
درستست گفتار فرزانگان
✦
جهاندیده و پاک دانندگان
“True indeed is the saying of the wise sages, the world-experienced and pure of knowledge:”
#229
که چون بخت بیدار گیرد نشیب
✦
ز هر گونه‌ای دید باید نهیب
“When vigilant fortune begins its descent, one must anticipate dread from every side.”
#230
چو روز بهی بر کسی بگذرد
✦
اگر باز خواند ندارد خرد
“When the day of prosperity passes someone by, to call it back is a foolish endeavor.”
#231
پیام من اینست سوی جهان
✦
به نزد کهان و به نزد مهان
“This is my message unto the whole world, to the humble and to the high-born alike:”
#232
شما نیز پدرود باشید و شاد
✦
ز من نیز بر بد مگیرید یاد
“Farewell to you all, and stay joyful; do not hold me in memory with ill will.”
#233
چو اشتاد و خراد برزین گو
✦
شنیدند پیغام آن پیش رو
“When Eshtad and the brave Khammad-e Barzin heard the message of that noble leader,”
#234
به پیکان دل هر دو دانا بخست
✦
به سر بر زدند آن زمان هر دو دست
“An arrow of anguish pierced the hearts of both wise envoys, and they struck both hands upon their heads.”
#235
ز گفتار هر دو پشیمان شدند
✦
به رخسارگان بر تپنچه زدند
“They repented deeply of the words they had delivered, and slapped their faces in regret.”
#236
به بر بر همه جامشان چاک بود
✦
سر هر دو دانا پر از خاک بود
“Their garments were rent asunder over their chests, and the heads of both sages were covered with dust.”
#237
برفتند گریان ز پیشش به در
✦
پر از درد جان و پراندوه سر
“Weeping, they departed from his presence, their souls weighed down with anguish, their heads bowed with grief.”
#238
به نزدیک شیرویه رفت این دو مرد
✦
پر آژنگ رخسار و دل پر ز درد
“These two men returned to Shiruye, their countenances creased with sorrow, their hearts heavy with grief.”
#239
یکایک بدادند پیغام شاه
✦
به شیروی بی‌مغز و بی‌دستگاه
“One by one, they delivered the King's message to the foolish and powerless Shiruye.”