#1
چو بشنید ماهوی بیدادگر
✦
سخن‌ها کجا گفت او را پسر
“When the unjust Mahuy heard the words that his son had spoken unto him,”
#2
چنین گفت با آسیابان که خیز
✦
سواران ببر خون دشمن بریز
“He said to the miller, 'Arise! Take horsemen with thee and spill the enemy's blood.'”
#3
چو بشنید از او آسیابان سخُن
✦
نه سر دید از آن کار پیدا نه بن
“When the miller heard this speech from him, he saw neither head nor tail in this deed.”
#4
شبانگاه نیران خرداد ماه
✦
سوی آسیا رفت نزدیک شاه
“In the nightfall of the month of Khordad, he went toward the mill near the King.”
#5
ز درگاه ماهوی چون شد برون
✦
دو دیده پر از آب، دل پر ز خون
“As he departed from Mahuy's court, his two eyes were full of tears, his heart filled with blood.”
#6
سواران فرستاد ماهوی زود
✦
پس آسیابان به کردار دود
“Mahuy quickly sent horsemen like smoke behind the miller,”
#7
بفرمود تا تاج و آن گوشوار
✦
همان مهر و آن جامهٔ شاه‌وار
“Commanding them to take the crown, the earrings, the seal ring, and the royal robe,”
#8
نباید که یک‌سر پر از خون کنند
✦
ز تن جامهٔ شاه بیرون کنند
“'Lest they be covered in blood; strip the royal garments from his body.'”
#9
بشد آسیابان دو دیده پرآب
✦
به زردی دو رخساره چون آفتاب
“The miller went with eyes full of tears, his cheeks yellowed like the sun.”
#10
همی گفت کای روشن کردگار
✦
تویی برتر از گردش روزگار
“He kept saying, 'O radiant Creator, Thou art higher than the turning of time!”
#11
تو زین ناپسندیده فرمان او
✦
هم اکنون بپیچان تن و جان او
“For this unseemly command of his, twist his body and soul right now!'”
#12
برِ شاه شد دل پر از شرم و باک
✦
رخانش پرآب و دهانش چو خاک
“He came near the King, his heart full of shame and fear, his cheeks wet with tears, his mouth dry as dust.”
#13
به نزدیک تنگ اندر آمد به هوش
✦
چنان چون کسی راز گوید به گوش
“He approached closely as if to whisper a secret into his ear,”
#14
یکی دشنه زد بر تهیگاه شاه
✦
رها شد به زخم اندر از شاه آه
“And struck a dagger into the King's flank; from that wound a groan escaped the King.”
#15
به خاک اندر آمد سر و افسرش
✦
همان نان کشکین به پیش اندرش
“Into the dust fell his head and crown, while the barley bread remained before him.”
#16
اگر راه یابد کسی زین جهان
✦
بباشد، ندارد خرد در نهان
“If anyone finds a path in this world and abides in it, he harbors no wisdom in secret.”
#17
ز پرورده سیر آید این هفت گرد
✦
شود کشته بر بی‌گنه یزدگرد
“The seven heavens grow sated with the one they reared, and innocent Yazdegerd is slain.”
#18
بر این گونه بر تاجداری بمرد
✦
که از لشکر او سواری نبرد
“In such a manner died the crown-wearer, that not a single knight from his army won the day.”
#19
خرد نیست با گرد گردان سپهر
✦
نه پیدا بود رنج و خشمش ز مهر
“There is no wisdom in the revolving sphere; its toil and wrath are not distinct from its love.”
#20
همان به که گیتی نبینی به چشم
✦
نداری ز کردار او مهر و خشم
“'Tis better that thou look not upon the world with thy eye, nor hold love or wrath for its deeds.”
#21
سواران ماهوی شوریده‌بخت
✦
بدیدند کآن خسروانی درخت
“The ill-fated horsemen of Mahuy saw that royal tree,”
#22
ز تخت و ز آوردگه آرمید
✦
بشد هر کسی روی او را بدید
“Had rested from the throne and battleground; each one came and looked upon his face.”
#23
گشادند بند قبای بنفش
✦
همان افسر و طوق و زرّینه‌کفش
“They unfastened the purple robe, the crown, the collar, and the golden shoes.”
#24
فگنده تن شاه ایران به خاک
✦
پر از خون و پهلو به شمشیر چاک
“The body of Iran's king was cast onto the dirt, covered in blood, his flank split by the blade.”
#25
ز پیش شهنشاه برخاستند
✦
زبان را به نفرین بیاراستند
“They rose from before the King of Kings, and adorned their tongues with curses,”
#26
که ماهوی را باد تن همچنین
✦
پر از خون فگنده به روی زمین
“Saying, 'May Mahuy's body be likewise cast upon the earth, covered in blood!'”
#27
به نزدیک ماهوی رفتند زود
✦
ابا یاره و گوهر نابسود
“They went quickly back to Mahuy with the armlets and unblemished jewels.”
#28
به ماهوی گفتند کآن شهریار
✦
بر آمد ز آرام و از کارزار
“They said to Mahuy, 'That monarch hath rested from war and throne.'”
#29
بفرمود کو را به هنگام خواب
✦
از آن آسیا افگنند اندر آب
“He commanded that at sleep's hour they should throw him from that mill into the water.”
#30
بشد تیز بدمهر دو پیشکار
✦
کشیدند پرخون تن شهریار
“The two cruel servants went swiftly and dragged the bloody body of the ruler,”
#31
کجا ارج آن کشته نشناختند
✦
به گرداب زرق اندر انداختند
“Knowing not the worth of that slain king, they cast him into the deceitful whirlpool.”
#32
چو شب روز شد مردم آمد پدید
✦
دو مرد گرانمایه آنجا رسید
“When night became day and people appeared, two noble men arrived there.”
#33
از آن سوگواران پرهیزگار
✦
بیامد یکی بر لب جویبار
“From among those pious mourners, one came to the edge of the stream.”
#34
تن او برهنه بدید اندر آب
✦
بشورید و آمد هم اندر شتاب
“He saw his naked body in the water; he was dismayed and came in haste.”
#35
چنین تا در خانه راهب رسید
✦
بدان سوگواران بگفت آن چه دید
“Thus he ran until he reached the monk's house, and told those mourners what he had seen:”
#36
که شاه زمانه به غرق اندرست
✦
برهنه به گرداب زرق اندرست
“'The king of the era is drowned, naked in the deceitful whirlpool!'”
#37
برفتند زان سوگواران بسی
✦
سُکوبا و رهبان ز هر در کسی
“Many of those mourners went forth, bishops (sokuba) and monks from every place.”
#38
خروشی بر آمد ز راهب به درد
✦
که ای تاجور شاه آزادمرد
“A wail arose from the monk in grief: 'O crowned king, noble man!”
#39
چنین گفت راهب که این کس ندید
✦
نه پیش از مسیح این سخن کس شنید
“Thus spoke the monk, 'None hath seen such a thing, nor heard it before Christ,”
#40
که بر شهریاری زند بنده‌ای
✦
یکی بدنژادی و افگنده‌ای
“That a servant should strike down a king—an ill-bred wretch casting him low!”
#41
بپرورد تا بر تنش بد رسد
✦
از این بهر ماهوی نفرین سزد
“He nurtured him only for evil to reach his body; for this share, Mahuy deserves curse!”
#42
دریغ آن سر و تاج و بالای تو
✦
دریغ آن دل و دانش و رای تو
“Alas for that head and crown and tall stature! Alas for that heart and wisdom and judgment!”
#43
دریغ آن سر تخمهٔ اردشیر
✦
دریغ این جوان و سوار هژیر
“Alas for the head of Ardashir's seed! Alas for this youth and valiant knight!”
#44
تنومند بودی خرد با روان
✦
ببردی خبر زین به نوشین‌روان
“Thou wert robust in body, wise in soul; who shall bear this news to Noshinravan?”
#45
که در آسیا ماه‌روی تو را
✦
جهاندار و دیهیم‌جوی تو را
“That in a mill, thy moon-like face, O ruler of the world and seeker of the crown,”
#46
به دشنه جگرگاه بشکافتند
✦
برهنه به آب اندر انداختند
“With a dagger they tore open his vitals, and cast his naked body into the stream.”
#47
سکوبا از آن سوگواران چهار
✦
برهنه شدند اندران جویبار
“The bishop and four of those mourners stripped themselves and entered the stream.”
#48
گشاده تن شهریار جوان
✦
نبیره‌ی جهاندار نوشین‌روان
“They retrieved the uncovered body of the young sovereign, the grandson of the world-conquering Anushirvan.”
#49
به خشکی کشیدند زان آبگیر
✦
بسی مویه کردند برنا و پیر
“They drew his body from the pool onto dry land; young and old wept bitterly over him.”
#50
به باغ اندرون دخمه‌ای ساختند
✦
سرش را به ابر اندر افراختند
“Within a garden they constructed a tomb, raising its crest high into the clouds.”
#51
سر زخم آن دشنه کردند خشک
✦
به دبق و به قیر و به کافور و مشک
“They dried the lip of his dagger wound, treating it with resin, pitch, camphor, and musk.”
#52
بیاراستندش به دیبای زرد
✦
قصب زیر و دستی زبر لاژورد
“They adorned him in golden silk, fine linen beneath, and lapis-hued fabric over all.”
#53
می و مشک و کافور و چندی گلاب
✦
سکوبا بیندود بر جای خواب
“Wine, musk, camphor, and abundant rosewater the bishop smeared upon his resting place.”
#54
چه گفت آن گرانمایه دهقان مرو
✦
که بنهفت بالای آن زادسرو
“What said that noble chanter of Merv, as he entombed that cypress-tall monarch?”
#55
که بخشش ز کوشش بود در نهان
✦
که خشنود بیرون شود زین جهان
“"Divine destiny lies hidden beyond human effort, so that one may depart content from this world."”
#56
دگر گفت اگر چند خندان بود
✦
چنان دان که از دردمندان بود
“Another said: "Though a man may appear smiling, know that he is among those plagued by sorrow."”
#57
که از چرخ گردان پذیرد فریب
✦
که او را نماید فراز و نشیب
“"For he is beguiled by the revolving sphere, which exposes him to every rise and fall."”
#58
دگر گفت کآن را تو دانا مخوان
✦
که تن را پرستد نه راه روان
“Another said: "Call him not wise who worships the body rather than the path of the soul."”
#59
همی خواسته جوید و نام بد
✦
بترسد روانش ز فرجام بد
“"Who continuously seeks wealth and incurs ill fame, while his soul dreads an evil end."”
#60
دگر گفت اگر شاه لب را ببست
✦
نبیند همی تاج و تخت نشست
“Another said: "Though the King has sealed his lips and no longer sees his crown, throne, and seat,"”
#61
نه مهر و پرستندهٔ بارگاه
✦
نه افسر نه کشور نه تاج و کلاه
“"Nor courtly servants, nor affection, nor crown, nor realm, nor royal helm,"”
#62
دگر گفت کز خوب گفتار اوی
✦
ستایش ندارم سزاوار اوی
“Another said: "From the splendor of his noble speeches, I have no praise worthy of his stature."”
#63
همی سرو کشت او به باغ بهشت
✦
ببیند روانش درختی که کشت
“"He planted a cypress in the garden of Paradise, and his soul shall behold the tree he sowed."”
#64
دگر گفت یزدان روانت ببرد
✦
تنت را بدین سوگواران سپرد
“Another said: "God has claimed thy spirit, and entrusted thy mortal frame to these mourners."”
#65
روان تو را سودمند این بود
✦
تن بدکنش را گزند این بود
“"For thy soul, this was a blessed gain; for the evil-doer’s body, a ruinous blight."”
#66
کنون در بهشت است بازار شاه
✦
به دوزخ کند جان بدخواه راه
“"Now the King’s abode prospers in Paradise, while the enemy’s soul wends its way to Hell."”
#67
دگر گفت کای شاه دانش‌پذیر
✦
که با شهریاری و با اردشیر
“Another said: "O wise and receptive King, who art now joined with Kingship and with Ardashir!"”
#68
درودی همان بر که کشتی به باغ
✦
درفشان شد آن خسروانی چراغ
“"Receive the blessings of the fruit thou didst cultivate; that royal lamp shines brightly once more."”
#69
دگر گفت کای شهریار جوان
✦
بخفتی و بیدار بودت روان
“Another said: "O young sovereign! Thou hast fallen asleep, yet thy spirit remains ever awake."”
#70
لبت خامش و جان به چندین گله
✦
برفت و تنت ماند ایدر یله
“"Thy lips are silent, thy soul departed with many grievances, leaving thy body abandoned here."”
#71
تو بیکاری و جان به کار اندر است
✦
تن بدسگالت به بار اندر است
“"Thou art at rest, yet thy soul is active; while thy enemy's body is weighed down with sins."”
#72
بگوید روان گر زبان بسته شد
✦
بیاسود جان گر تنت خسته شد
“"Thy soul shall speak though thy tongue be muted; thy spirit found peace though thy body grew weary."”
#73
اگر دست بیکار گشت از عنان
✦
روانت به چنگ اندر آرد سنان
“"Though thy hand no longer holds the reins, thy spirit shall grasp the spear in victory."”
#74
دگر گفت کای نامبردار نو
✦
تو رفتی و کردار شد پیش رو
“Another said: "O newly departed renowned monarch, thou art gone, and thy deeds lead the way."”
#75
تو را در بهشت است تخت این بس است
✦
زمین بلا بهر دیگر کس است
“"Thy throne awaits in Paradise—and this suffices; the earth of afflictions is left to others."”
#76
دگر گفت کآن کس که او چون تو کُشت
✦
ببیند کنون روزگار درشت
“Another said: "He who struck thee down shall now behold the harsh hand of fate."”
#77
سُقُف گفت ما بندگان تویم
✦
نیایش‌کن پاک‌جان تویم
“The bishop said: "We are thy servants, praying for thy pure and noble spirit."”
#78
که این دخمه پر لاله باغ تو باد
✦
کفن دشت شادی و راغ تو باد
“"May this tulip-filled tomb be thy garden, and thy shroud a meadow of joy and solace."”
#79
بگفتند و تابوت برداشتند
✦
ز هامون سوی دخمه بگذاشتند
“Having spoken, they raised the bier and bore it from the plain into the tomb.”
#80
بر آن خوابگه رفت ناکام شاه
✦
سر آمد بر او رنج و تخت و کلاه
“Unto that final rest went the ill-fated King; his suffering, throne, and crown all reached their end.”