#1
چو ماهوی دل را برآورد گِرد
✦
بدانست کو نیست جز یزدگرد
“When Mahuy summoned up his resolve, he knew full well that none remained save Yazdegard.”
#2
بدو گفت بشتاب زین انجمن
✦
هم اکنون جدا کن سرش را ز تن
“He said to him, 'Hasten from this assembly! Straightway sever his head from his body!”
#3
وگرنه هم اکنون ببرم سرت
✦
نمانم کسی زنده از گوهرت
“Or else, this very instant, I shall cut off your head, and leave not one of your bloodline alive!'”
#4
شنیدند ازو این سخن مهتران
✦
بزرگان بیدار و کنداوران
“The chieftains, vigilant elders, and valiant heroes heard these words from his lips.”
#5
همه انجمن گشت ازو پر ز خشم
✦
زبان پر ز گفتار و پرآب چشم
“The entire assembly grew fierce with rage against him, their tongues filled with reproach, their eyes with tears.”
#6
یکی موبدی بود رادوی نام
✦
به جان و خرد برنهادی لگام
“There was a high priest named Radoy, who had bound his life and intellect to wisdom.”
#7
به ماهوی گفت ای بداندیش مرد
✦
چرا دیو چشم تو را تیره کرد
“He said to Mahuy, 'O evil-minded man! Why has the Demon darkened your eyes?”
#8
چنان دان که شاهی و پیغمبری
✦
دو گوهر بود در یک انگشتری
“Know for a truth that Kingship and Prophecy are two precious gems set in a single signet ring.”
#9
ازین دو یکی را همی‌بشکنی
✦
روان و خرد را به پا افگنی
“If you break one of these two, you cast both spirit and reason underfoot.”
#10
نگر تا چه گویی بپرهیز ازین
✦
مشو بدگمان با جهان‌آفرین
“Take heed of what you utter and refrain from this! Become not evil-minded toward the Creator of the World!”
#11
نخستین ازو بر تو آید گزند
✦
به فرزند مانی یکی کشتمند
“First, injury will fall upon you from Him; to your children you shall leave a bitter field,”
#12
که بارش کبست آید و برگ خون
✦
به زودی سر خویش بینی نگون
“Whose fruit is colocynth and whose leaf is blood, and soon you shall see your own head laid low.”
#13
همی دین یزدان شود زو تباه
✦
همان برتو نفرین کند تاج و گاه
“God's true faith will be ruined by this deed, and the royal crown and throne shall lay curses upon you.”
#14
برهنه شود در جهان زشت تو
✦
پسر بدرود بی‌گمان کشت تو
“Your ugliness shall be exposed before the world, and your son will surely reap the evil you have sown.'”
#15
یکی دین‌وری بود یزدان‌پرست
✦
که هرگز نبردی به بد کار دست
“There was another devout man who worshipped God, who never set his hand to an evil work,”
#16
که هرمزد خراد بُد نام او
✦
بدین اندرون بود آرام او
“Whose name was Hormozd Khorrad, and whose soul found peace in righteousness.”
#17
به ماهوی گفت ای ستمگاره مرد
✦
چنین از ره پاک‌یزدان مگرد
“He said to Mahuy, 'O tyrannical man! Turn not aside from the holy path of God!”
#18
همی تیره بینم دل و هوش تو
✦
همی خار بینم در آغوش تو
“I see your heart and intellect darkened; I see a thorn nestled in your bosom.”
#19
تنومند و بی‌مغز و جان نزار
✦
همی دود ز آتش کنی خواستار
“Huge in body, bereft of brain, with a feeble soul, you are seeking smoke from the fire!”
#20
تو را زین جهان سرزنش بینم آز
✦
ببرگشتنت گرم و رنج گداز
“I see greed bringing you reproach in this world, and your turning away brings heat and burning agony.”
#21
کنون زندگانیت ناخوش بود
✦
چو رفتی نشستت در آتش بود
“Now your life shall become bitter, and when you depart, your dwelling shall be in the fire!'”
#22
نشست او و شهروی بر پای خاست
✦
به ماهوی گفت این دلیری چراست
“He sat down, and Shahroy stood upon his feet, saying to Mahuy, 'Why this audacity?”
#23
شهنشاه را کارزار آمدی
✦
ز خان و ز فغفور یار آمدی
“When battles befell the King of Kings, allies came to his aid even from the Khagan and the Faghfur of China.”
#24
ازین تخمه بی‌کس بسی یافتند
✦
که هرگز بکشتنش نشتافتند
“Many found this royal lineage helpless, yet none ever hastened to slay them.”
#25
تو گر بنده‌ای خون شاهان مریز
✦
که نفرین بود بر تو تا رستخیز
“If you are a servant, spill not the blood of kings, lest curses rest upon you until the Resurrection!'”
#26
بگفت این و بنشست گریان به درد
✦
پر از خون دل و مژه پر آب زرد
“He spoke thus and sat down weeping in agony, his heart full of blood, his eyelashes filled with yellow tears.”
#27
چو بنشست گریان بشد مهرنوش
✦
پر از درد با ناله و با خروش
“When he sat down weeping, Mehrnush stepped forth, filled with anguish, lamenting and crying out.”
#28
به ماهوی گفت ای بد بدنژاد
✦
که نه رای فرجام دانی نه داد
“He said to Mahuy, 'O man of evil birth, who knows neither the consequence of actions nor justice!”
#29
ز خون کیان شرم دارد نهنگ
✦
اگر کشته بیند ندرّد پلنگ
“Even a crocodile holds shame before the blood of the Kayanids; a leopard tears not a slain king.”
#30
ایا بتّر از دد به مهر و به خوی
✦
همی گاه شاه آیدت آرزوی
“O worse than a wild beast in love and nature! Do you now desire the throne of kingship?”
#31
چو بر دست ضحاک جم کشته شد
✦
چه مایه سپهر از برش گشته شد
“When Jamshid was slain by the hand of Zahhak, how long did the heavens turn above him?”
#32
چو ضحاک بگرفت روی زمین
✦
پدید آمد اندر جهان آبتین
“When Zahhak seized the face of the earth, Abtin appeared in the world.”
#33
بزاد آفریدون فرخ نژاد
✦
جهان را یکی دیگر آمد نهاد
“Fereydun of glorious lineage was born, and a new order came upon the world.”
#34
شنیدی که ضحاک بیدادگر
✦
چه آورد از آن خویشتن را به سر
“Have you heard what the tyrannical Zahhak brought upon his own head at the end?”
#35
برو سال بگذشت مانا هزار
✦
به فرجام کار آمدش خواستار
“A thousand years passed over him, it seems, until at last his avenger came.”
#36
و دیگر که تور آن سرافراز مرد
✦
کجا آز ایران ورا رنجه کرد
“And secondly, Tur, that exalted man, whom greed for Iran tormented,”
#37
همان ایرج پاک‌دین را بکشت
✦
برو گردش آسمان شد درشت
“Slew the pure-hearted Iraj, and upon him the turning of heaven grew harsh.”
#38
منوچهر زان تخمه آمد پدید
✦
شد آن بند بد را سراسر کلید
“Manuchehr emerged from that lineage and became the key to unlock that evil fetter.”
#39
سه دیگر سیاوش ز تخم کیان
✦
کمر بست بی‌آرزو در میان
“Thirdly, Siyavash of Kayanid seed girt his loins without desire or guile,”
#40
به گفتار گرسیوز افراسیاب
✦
ببرد از روان و خرد شرم و آب
“Yet through the words of Garsivaz, Afrasiab stole shame, soul, and wisdom from himself.”
#41
جهاندار کیخسرو از پشت اوی
✦
بیامد جهان کرد پر گفتوگوی
“The ruler Kay Khosrow, born of his loins, came forth and filled the world with renown.”
#42
نیا را به خنجر به دو نیم کرد
✦
سر کینه‌جویان پر از بیم کرد
“He cleaved his grandfather in twain with a dagger and filled the heart of bloodthirsty men with dread.”
#43
چهارم سخن کین ارجاسپ بود
✦
که ریزندهٔ خون لهراسپ بود
“Fourth is the tale of vengeance upon Arjasp, who was the shedder of Lohrasp's blood.”
#44
چو اسفندیار اندر آمد به جنگ
✦
ز کینه ندادش زمانی درنگ
“When Esfandiyar entered the battlefield, out of vengeance he gave him not a moment's respite.”
#45
به پنجم سخن کین هرمزد شاه
✦
چو پرویز را گشن شد دستگاه
“Fifth is the tale of vengeance for King Hormozd, when Parviz attained great power and throne.”
#46
به بندوی و گستهم کرد آنچ کرد
✦
نیاساید این چرخ گردان ز گرد
“Remember how Khosrow dealt with Banduy and Gustahm; this turning sphere never rests from its relentless turmoil.”
#47
چو دستش شد او جان ایشان ببرد
✦
در کینه را خوار نتوان شمرد
“Once his hand gained power, he took their very lives; never hold light the doors of ancient enmity.”
#48
تو را زود یاد آید این روزگار
✦
بپیچی ز اندیشهٔ نابکار
“Full soon shalt thou recall these present days, and recoil in remorse from this evil intent.”
#49
تو زین هرچ کاری پسر بدرود
✦
زمانه زمانی همی‌نغنود
“Whatever thou dost sow today, O son, thou shalt reap; for Time never slumbers, not even for a moment.”
#50
بپرهیز زین گنج آراسته
✦
وزین مُردری تاج و این خواسته
“Beware of this adorned treasure, and refrain from longing for this inherited crown and worldly gain.”
#51
همی سر بپیچی به فرمان دیو
✦
ببرّی همی راه گیهان خدیو
“Thou art turning thy head to the demon's command, breaking away from the path of the Lord of the world.”
#52
به چیزی که بر تو نزیبد همی
✦
ندانی که دیوَت فریبد همی
“Thou covetest that which does not befit thee, unaware that the demon tricks thy mind.”
#53
به آتش نهال دلت را مسوز
✦
مکن تیره این تاج گیتی‌فروز
“Burn not the sapling of thy heart in the fire of greed; darken not this crown that illuminates the world.”
#54
سپاه پراگنده را گرد کن
✦
وزین سان که گفتی مگردان سخُن
“Gather the scattered troops together, and go not back upon the word thou hast given.”
#55
ازیدر به پوزش بر شاه رو
✦
چو بینی ورا بندگی ساز نو
“Go hence to offer thy apologies to the Shah; when thou lookest upon him, renew thy allegiance.”
#56
وزان جایگه جنگ لشکر بسیچ
✦
ز رای و ز پوزش میاسای هیچ
“From there prepare the army for war, and never weary of wise counsel and true seeking of pardon.”
#57
کزین بدنشانِ دو گیتی شوی
✦
چو گفتار دانندگان نشنوی
“For thou shalt become ill-fated in both worlds if thou refuse to heed the speech of the wise.”
#58
چو کاری که امروز بایدت کرد
✦
به فردا رسد زو برآرند گرد
“When a task that must be done today is put off until tomorrow, ruin and humiliation will surely follow.”
#59
همی یزدگرد شهنشاه را
✦
بتر خواهی از ترک بدخواه را
“Dost thou harbor worse malice against King Yazdegerd than even the hostile Turk?”
#60
که در جنگ شیرست بر گاه شاه
✦
درخشان به کردار تابنده ماه
“He who is a lion in battle and a splendid monarch upon the throne, shining bright as the radiant moon!”
#61
یکی یادگاری ز ساسانیان
✦
که چون او نبندد کمر بر میان
“He is the remnant of the Sasanians; none like him can gird his loins with such royal dignity.”
#62
پدر بر پدر داد و دانش‌پذیر
✦
ز نوشین‌روان شاه تا اردشیر
“Father to father, noble and receptive to wisdom, from King Noshinravan down to Ardashir.”
#63
بود اردشیرش به هشتم پدر
✦
جهاندار ساسان با داد و فر
“Ardashir is his eighth ancestor, and Sasan the ruler, blessed with justice and divine grace.”
#64
که یزدانش تاج کیان برنهاد
✦
همه شهریارانش فرخ‌نژاد
“Upon whom God placed the Kayanid crown, and all whose rulers were of blessed descent.”
#65
چو تو بود مهتر به کشور بسی
✦
نکرد اینچنین رای هرگز کسی
“There have been many chieftains like thee in the realm, yet none ever entertained such treasonous thoughts.”
#66
چو بهرام چوبین که سیصد هزار
✦
عناندار و برگستوانور سوار
“Consider Bahram Chubin, who led three hundred thousand rein-holders and armored knights,”
#67
به یک تیر او پشت برگاشتند
✦
بدو دشت پیکار بگذاشتند
“Yet at a single arrow of the King they turned their backs and fled from the field of battle.”
#68
چو از رای شاهان سرش سیر گشت
✦
سر دولت روشنش زیر گشت
“When his head grew weary of obedience to kings, his bright fortune was turned upside down.”
#69
فرآیین که تخت بزرگی بجست
✦
نبودش سزا دست بد را بشست
“And Farayin, who sought the throne of greatness, was unworthy of it and washed his hands in crime.”
#70
بران گونه بر کشته شد زار و خوار
✦
گزافه بپرداز زین روزگار
“He was slain in such miserable disgrace; so desist from foolishly meddling with Fate.”
#71
بترس از خدای جهان آفرین
✦
که تخت آفریدست و تاج و نگین
“Fear the Creator of the world, who fashioned the throne, the crown, and the signet ring.”
#72
تن خویش بر خیره رسوا مکن
✦
که بر تو سر آرند زود این سخُن
“Bring not foolish disgrace upon thyself, for men will soon bring this tale of shame to an end against thee.”
#73
هر آنکس که با تو نگوید درست
✦
چنان دان که او دشمن جان تست
“Whoever speaks not the truth to thee, know for certain that he is the enemy of thy soul.”
#74
تو بیماری اکنون و ما چون پزشک
✦
پزشک خروشان به خونین سرشک
“Thou art the patient now, and we are like physicians—physicians weeping tears of blood for thee.”
#75
تو از بندهٔ بندگان کمتری
✦
به اندیشهٔ دل مکن مهتری
“Thou art lesser than a servant of servants; do not dream of greatness in thy proud heart.”
#76
همی کینه با پاک یزدان نهی
✦
ز راه خرد جوی تخت مهی
“Thou art harboring malice against holy God; seek the throne of supremacy through the path of wisdom.”
#77
شبان‌زاده را دل پر از تخت بود
✦
ورا پند آن موبدان سخت بود
“The shepherd's son had a heart filled with longing for the throne, and the counsel of those Mobads felt harsh upon him.”
#78
چنین بود تا بود و این تازه نیست
✦
که کار زمانه بر اندازه نیست
“Thus it has ever been and this is nothing new: the dealings of Fate follow no fair measure.”
#79
یکی را برآرد به چرخ بلند
✦
یکی را کند خوار و زار و نژند
“One it elevates to the high heavens, and another it lowers to contempt, sorrow, and despair.”
#80
نه پیوند با آن نه با اینش کین
✦
که دانست راز جهان‌آفرین
“It feels no loyalty to that one, nor malice to this; for who can know the secrets of the Creator of the world?”
#81
همه موبدان تا جهان شد سیاه
✦
بر آیین خورشید بنشست ماه
“The mobads counseled on until the world grew dark, and the moon took the place of the sun upon the throne of night.”
#82
بگفتند زین گونه با کینه‌جوی
✦
نبُد سوی یک موی زان گفتوگوی
“Though they spoke thus to that vengeful lord, he was not moved from his purpose by even a single hair's breadth.”
#83
چو شب تیره شد گفت با موبدان
✦
شما را بباید شد ای بخردان
“When the night grew pitch dark, he said to the mobads: 'O wise counselors, it is time for you to depart.'”
#84
من امشب بگردانم این با پسر
✦
ز هر گونه‌ای دانش آرم ببر
“'Tonight I shall debate this matter with my son, and gather wisdom of every kind from our counsel.'”
#85
ز لشگر بخوانیم داننده بیست
✦
بدان تا بدین بر نباید گریست
“'We shall summon twenty wise commanders from the army, so that we may not weep over the outcome hereafter.'”
#86
برفتند دانندگان از برش
✦
بیامد یکی موبد از لشکرش
“The learned counselors departed from his presence, and a mobad from his army stepped forward.”
#87
چو بنشست ماهوی با راستان
✦
چه بینید گفت اندرین داستان
“When Mahuy sat down with his trusted counselors, he asked: 'What do you foresee in this dire affair?'”
#88
اگر زنده ماند تن یزدگرد
✦
ز هر سو برو لشکر آیند گرد
“'If Yazdegerd is left alive, armies will rally around him from every corner of the realm.'”
#89
برهنه شد این راز من در جهان
✦
شنیدند یکسر کهان و مهان
“'My secret design has been exposed to the world; high and low have all heard of my treason.'”
#90
بیاید مرا از بدش جان به سر
✦
نه تن ماند ایدر نه بوم و نه بر
“'His vengeance will bring my life to an end, leaving me neither body, nor land, nor harvest.'”
#91
چنین داد پاسخ خردمند مرد
✦
که این خود نخستین نبایست کرد
“The wise man answered him: 'This whole treason was a path that should never have been entered upon at first!'”
#92
اگر شاه ایران شود دشمنت
✦
ازو بد رسد بی‌گمان بر تنت
“'If the King of Iran becomes your enemy, great harm will surely reach your person from his wrath.'”
#93
و گر خون او را بریزی بدست
✦
که کین‌خواه او در جهان ایزدست
“'And if you shed his blood with your own hands, know that God Himself will be his avenger in the world!'”
#94
چپ و راست رنجست و اندوه و درد
✦
نگه کن کنون تا چه بایدت کرد
“'To the left and right lie pain, grief, and agony; ponder well now what course you ought to take.'”
#95
پسر گفت کای باب فرخنده‌رای
✦
چو دشمن کنی زو بپرداز جای
“Mahuy's son said: 'O auspicious father, once you make an enemy, remove him completely from your path!'”
#96
سپاه آید او را ز ما چین و چین
✦
به ما بر شود تنگ روی زمین
“'Armies will march to his aid from China and Machin, and the face of the earth will grow too narrow for us.'”
#97
تو این را چنین خردکاری مدان
✦
چو چیره شدی کام مردان بران
“'Do not treat this as a small matter; now that you have prevailed, fulfill your manly desire!'”
#98
گر از دامن او درفشی کنند
✦
تو را با سپاه از بنه برکنند
“'If they make a banner out of his shirt's hem, they will root you and your army out entirely!'”