A Digital Repository of Medieval Texts
Hakim Irānshāh ebn-e Abi-l-Khayr. "A Monstrous Courtship." Global Medieval Sourcebook.Translation by Sam Lasman .
قطعه‌ای از بهمن‌نامه‌ی ایرانشاه بن ابی الخیر | A Monstrous Courtship
Source Information
قطعه‌ای از بهمن‌نامه‌ی ایرانشاه بن ابی الخیر | A Monstrous Courtship
by Hakim Irānshāh ebn-e Abi-l-Khayr
Text Source:
Trancription based on the lithograph compiled by Rostam Pur Bahrām Sorush Tafti. Bambaʼī: Matbaʻ-i Faiz Rasān, 1325 [1908].
Responsibility Statement:
- Translation by Sam Lasman
- Transcription by Sam Lasman
- Encoded in TEI P5 XML by Danny Smith
Editorial Principles:
Transcriptions and translations are encoded in XML conforming to TEI (P5) guidelines. The original-language text is contained within <lem> tags and translations within <rdg> tags.
Texts are translated into modern American English with maximum fidelity to the original text, except where it would impair comprehension or good style. Archaisms are preserved where they do not conflict with the aesthetic of the original text. Scribal errors and creative translation choices are marked and discussed in the critical notes.
Publication Details:
Published by The Global Medieval Sourcebook.
The Global Medieval Sourcebook is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
قطعه‌ای از بهمن‌نامه‌ی ایرانشاه بن ابی الخیر Excerpt from the Bahmannāmeh of Irānshāh ebn-e Abi-l-Khayr
برفتند ازینسان سه روز و سه شب｜شکم گرسنه ناچریده به لب They went on like this, three days and three nights, bellies hungry, lips famished.
تن از ناچریدن چو شاخ نوان｜شده زیرشان بارگی ناتوان Their famished bodies became like quaking branches, their steeds weak beneath them.
داستان برزین آزر با غلام و شیر The Tale of Borzin-Āzar, the Youth, and the Lion
روز چهارم گه نیمروز｜غلامی همی رفت بس دلفروز The fourth day, at noontime, a youth went by, very pleasing to the heart,
نشسته بر اسب عقیلی نژاد｜به دیدار کوه و به رفتار باد Seated on a horse of exalted pedigree, looking like a mountain, moving like wind,
5
رخی همچو خورشید فرمانروا｜تنی همچو برقی میان هوا Face like the sovereign sun, body like lightning amid the air, یکی پیرهن پرنیان در برش｜کلاهی ز مشک سیه بر سرش A silken shirt over the chest, a musk-black hat over the head—
گشاده گلی چو گل نارون｜ز خون تیره گشته برو پیرهن An opened flower, like an elm flower, shirt stained dark with blood.
گرفته یکی شیر جنگی به بند｜فکنده مر او را به گردون کمند With a warlike lion taken in snares, a lasso thrown around its throat.
به یاران چنین گفت برزین گو｜که با این شگفتست بسیار نو The hero Borzin said this to his companions: “This is a wonder, unprecedented…
10
ببینید کاین کودک شیر خوار｜چگونه گرفتست آن شیر خوار See how this lion-eating child captured that wretched lion.” همانگه رسیدند نزد غلام｜بپرسید برزین و کردش سلام Right away they drew near to the youth. Borzin asked and gave his greeting,
بدو گفت از آن پس که ای شیر زوش｜به گفتار من پهن بگشای گوش Said then, “Mighty lion! Open your ears wide to my speech.
بدان کاندرین مرز بیگانه ایم｜اگر چند هر یک ز یک خانه ایم Know that we’re strangers in these borderlands, though each of us is from the same house.
سه روز و سه شب گشت تا نان و آب｜نخورديم و از ما رمیده ست خواب It’s been three days and three nights since we’ve had food or drink, and sleep has fled from us.
15
اگر میزبانی کنی در خورست｜که آزادمردی هم از گوهر ست It would be fitting if you hosted us, since nobility also comes from quality.” پریچهره پاسخ چنین داد باز｜که گر کار آسان نگیری دراز The fairy-faced youth gave this answer back: “If you don’t want to make an easy task tough,
بیایید کز گوشت این شیر جنگ｜شما را کبابی دهم بی درنگ Come, and from the flesh of this battling lion, I’ll make you kebabs right away.
مرا خوردن اینست بیگاه و گاه｜ندانم جز از بیشه و شیر راه This is my food, both night and day; I know no way but woods and lions.
شکم چون تهی شد بر آید به جوش｜به هر چیز کردن توانی خموش When the belly becomes empty, it begins to churn; then, it might be silenced by anything.
20
بدین خوردنی گر ندارید خوی｜شما را ازین بهتر است آرزوی But if you don’t have the stomach for such food, there’s better hope for you yet: به صحرا بدان بیشه اندر شوید｜چو لختی از آن سر فروتر شوید From these woods, enter the wasteland. When you’ve gone a little further that way,
در و دشت و کوه و بیابان همه｜نه بینید جایی تهی از رمه In all the vale and plain and mountain and desert, you won’t see a spot empty of herds
از اسبان تازی هیونان بار｜ز گاوان گردون هزاران هزار Of Arabian horses, baggage camels, thousands upon thousands of Tauruses,
هم از مادیانها که بر شب یله｜هم از گوسفندان فراوان گله Also of mares that are loosed at night, also of sheep in abundant flocks.
25
یکایک میان رمه بگذرید｜یکی دشت پیش اندرون بسپرید One after the other, pass among the herds, until you arrive in a further plain. بران دشت یابید خیمه هزار｜زده بر کنار یکی جویبار On that plain, you’ll find a thousand tents pitched beside a stream,
همه دیبه‌یی سرخ زرد و بنفش｜زده بر در خیمه ها بر درفش All with crimson, yellow, and violet brocade set as flags by the tent doors.
کجا خیمه‌یی سرخ اندر میان｜ سرش ماه زر دامنش پرنیان Where there’s a crimson tent in the midst, a golden moon on its crest, its skirts of silk,
در آن خیمه آرام و خواب منست｜خداوند آن خانه باب منست In that tent is my rest and relaxation; the lord of that house is my father.
30
ز من پیش او آشنایی دهید｜به جان از خورش روشنایی دهید Give him my regards, brighten your souls with food. بباشید یکچند مهمان ما｜فروزان شود کاخ و ایوان ما You’ll be our guests for a while. Our palace and vaulted hall
c
will become radiant.” Critical note:
Throughout this tale, the poet uses the architectural vocabulary of a settled court to describe the nomadic domain of Burāsb.
بخندید برزین و گفت ای دلیر｜به یزدان که هرگز نخوردیم شیر Borzin laughed, and said, “Brave one! By God, we’ve never eaten lion!”
وز آنجا سوی بیشه بشتافتند｜جهانی پر از چارپا یافتند And from there they dashed towards the wood. They found the earth covered in livestock,
یکی کودک اندر میان گله｜گله بر در و دشت گروه یله A child in the midst of the flocks, flocks on the vales and plains, wandering in groups—
35
زده بر سر چوب تکیه چنان｜کجا باشد آیین و رسم شبان Pitched on top a pole, a sort of refuge, as is the custom and tradition of herdsmen there. بدو گفت پرمایه برزین تویی｜ز خون فرامرز پر کین تو یی The herdboy said, “You’re the wise Borzin! You’re of the vengeful Farāmarz’s blood!
برو کآمد اکنون گه کام تو｜به خورشید تابان رسد نام تو Go on, for now the time of your desires has come; your fame has reached the blazing sun.
به کاری که داری به پیش اندرون｜ترا بخت باشد بران رهنمون For the task that you have up ahead, fortune will be yours, by this prediction!”
سپهبد همی گفت کاین فالگوی｜ز برزین چه آگاهی آمد به روی The commander kept saying, “How did this fortune-teller come to know of Borzin?”
40
از آن چارپا سر به سر در گذشت｜ به بالا بر آمد از آن پهن دشت He passed by all that livestock, and came up from that wide plain. نگه کرد دشتی پر از خیمه دید｜همه سرخ و زرد و بنفش و سفید He looked, saw a plain full of tents, all crimson and yellow and violet and white,
ز دیبای رومی یکایک زده｜ نگارش سراسر به زر آزده Each one fashioned of Byzantine
c
brocade, sewn all over with golden figures; Critical note:
Rumi, “Roman,” a generic term for the West; in Irānshāh’s day, it referred particularly to the Byzantine Empire.
نهادند زی خیمه ای سرخ روی｜زبان از شگفتی پر از گفتگوی They turned towards a nearby crimson tent, the wonder of gossiping tongues,
ز دیبای رومی یکی بارگاه｜نشسته یکی پیر در بارگاه A court of Byzantine brocade, an old man seated in the court,
45
غلامان زرین کمر صف زده｜کلاه و کمرها به زر آزده Golden-belted youths set in ranks, hats and belts stitched with gold. برو آفرین کرد برزین و گفت｜که با جان تو آفرین باد جفت Borzin praised him, and said, “May praise be mated to your soul!”
یکایک بپرسیدشان مرزبان｜سخن کرد گویا به شیرین زبان Marzbān asked them one by one, spoke his speech with a sweet tongue:
چو مهمانت آید سخن خوبگوی｜ترش کم کن از بینوایی تو روی “When your guest comes, speaking eloquent speech, don’t knit your brows over your poverty.”
نکو گفت دستور با شاه فش｜چه نیکوست از میزبان خوی خوش The councilor spoke fairly to the kingly one: “How sweet is a host’s good disposition!”
50
مر آن پیر را بود بوراسب نام｜از آن چارپا روز و شب شادکام That old man’s name was Burāsb; his livestock made him blissful day and night. ز برزین بپرسید کای نامدار｜تو چون اوفتادی بدین ره گذار He asked Borzin, “Fame-bearer, why did you set out on this journey?
کی و کجا رفت خواهی بگوی｜ز ما آرزو هر چه خواهی بجوی When and where do you wish to go? Speak! Seek from us whatever wish you desire.”
بدو پهلوان گفت کای نیک خوی｜مرا نیست جز دیدنت آرزوی The champion said to him, “Fair-natured man, I have no wish but to see you.
همی رفت خواهیم جایی دگر｜بدین کشور افتاد ما را گذر We still seek to go elsewhere—our passage has led through this country.
55
بدین بارگه میهمان آمدیم｜خریدار رویت به جان آمدیم We’ve come as guests to this court; we’ve come to purchase your honor with our souls.” بفرمود بوراسب اندر زمان｜به خوالیگرش تا بیاورد نان Burāsb commanded his cook to bring food right away:
ز بریان و ماهی و مرغ و بره｜ز هرگونه ای خوردنیها سره Fried meats and fish and poultry and lamb, every sort of pleasing food.
بخوردند و زان تازه تر شد روان｜در آورد نیرو به تن پهلوان They ate, and it refreshed their spirits; it brought back strength to the champion’s body.
بر آراستندش یکی خوابگاه｜روانش بر آسود از رنج راه A resting place was decked out for him; his spirit settled down from the sufferings of the road.
60
دگر روز بوراسب خوانی نهاد｜که هرگز کس آن را ندارد به یاد The next day, Burāsb set out a banquet, unlike any that anyone could remember. ز هر خیمه ای نامداری بخواند｜بدان ساخته خوانشان بر نشاند He summoned a famous lord from every tent; with such preparations, set out a banquet for them.
بخوردند از آن خوان بپرداختند｜یکی بزمگاه همی ساختند They ate, partook in that banquet with gusto; they were fashioning a feasting place.
زمین بستد از باده ی ناب نور｜هوا پر شد از بوی مشک و بخور The earth was drenched in pure-bright wine, the air filled with the scents of musk and incense,
فلک دود بست از بخار کباب｜به جرعه زمین مست گشت از شراب The heavens smoke-choked with kebab vapors. The earth grew drunk with gouts of wine.
65
ز بوی گل و نرگس و یاسمین｜زمین شد به سان بهشت برین From the scent of rose, daffodils, and jasmine, the earth became like lofty paradise. همه ساز آن بارگه سیم ناب｜همه دل بر آواز چنگ و رباب All that court’s gear was pure silver, all hearts set on the songs of harp and rebab.
چو از باده ی زرد همچون بهی｜سر سرکشان شد ز دانش تهی When yellow wine, just like beauty, emptied the haughty lords’ heads of wisdom,
هوا پرده بر داشت از روی شرم｜بلندی گرفت آن سخنهای نرم The breeze lifted a veil from the face of shame. Those soft words took flight.
سرافراز برزین به بوراسب گفت｜که اکنون سخنها نباید نهفت The proud Borzin said to Burāsb, “Now there’s no need to conceal speech.
70
همی تا بدیدم بدانم ترا｜به نام و نژادت چه خوانم ترا I must know who you are, your name and your lineage; what should I call you? سزد گر بگویی که این جای چیست｜همین چارپای دلارای کیست It’s fitting if you say what this place is, and whose is this lovely livestock?
که را باشد این کشور و جویبار｜چنین لشکری همچو باغ بهار Whose might this land and stream be, this warband like a spring garden?”
چنین پاسخش داد کای سرفراز｜کنم آشکارا به پیش تو راز The other answered him, “Proud man, I will reveal this secret to you:
چنان دان که این مرز جای منست｜همه دشت پر چارپای منست Know that this borderland is my place. All the plain is full of my livestock.
75
مر این جوی را زنده رودست نام｜من از دیدنش سال و مه شاد کام The name of this stream is the Zandeh-rud.c
Seeing it, I am blissful every month and year. Critical note:
Literally, “Life-Giving River,” this flows from the Zagros Mountains through the city of Esfahān, though in recent years its flow has become drastically reduced through drought and mismanagement.
گیا چون بر آید ز روی زمین｜بیایم من از پارس ایدر چنین When greenery comes up from the earth’s face, I come from Pārs to this very place.
بدین مرغزار آورم چارپای｜چو فربه شود باز گردم به جای To this prairie, I bring the livestock; when they become fat, I go back.
شه پارس باشد یکی نامور｜برادر مرا و ز پشت پدر The king of Pārs is a famous man, my brother, descended from my father.
سرافراز یزدان نام ویست｜جهان سر به سر زیر کام ویست Proud Yazdād is his name. From end to end, the world is subject to his desire.
80
به گاه شمردن دو ره سی هزار｜فزون آیدش لشکر نامدار In the mustering place, more than sixty thousand of his famed warband come to him. میان من و اوست این چارپای｜همه گدایی مرا زین به پای These livestock are shared between me and him; all of my dominion is based on this.
غم آنست کز بهمن اسفندیار｜به تنگی گذارد همی روزگار The tragedy is that thanks to Bahman son of Esfandiyār, he passes his days in anxiety.
همی خواهد از کشورش شاه باژ｜ندانم که گردون چه دارد به راز Bahman keeps seeking royal tribute from his land; I don’t know what secrets the heavens keep.
شب و روز در پیش یزدان به پای｜همی گوید ای دادر پاک رای Night and day before God on his feet, Yazdād keeps saying, ‘Oh Just One of pure judgment,
85
بده برزین ازان بدکنش｜مگردان ز کینه مر او را منش Deliver Borzin from that evildoer; do not turn his spirit back from vengeance. تبه کن تو بر دست این جان اوی｜منه بر جهان پیش فرمان اوی By Borzin’s hands, destroy Bahman’s life; do not deliver the world into his control.’
c
Critical note:
Oppressed by Bahman, Yazdād prays for the king’s rival, Borzin.
کنون آگهی آمد این چند روز｜ز برزین کجا بخت او گشت کوز Now news has come these past few days of Borzin, how his luck went crooked.
تبه گشت بر دست آن دیوزاد｜که نام نژادش به گیتی مباد He was destroyed by that demon-spawn’s hand (may that lineage’s name vanish from the earth!)
دل ما بلرزید از آن درد و غم｜وزین آگهی جان ما شد دژم Our hearts trembled from that pain and sorrow, and from that news our souls grew depressed.
90
دگر باره شنیدم از رهنمای｜که آن پهلوان زنده مانده به جای Later, we heard from a courier that the champion remained alive, somewhere.” بدو گفت کز بهمن آمد سپاه｜سپاهی که بر باد بر بست راه Borzin told him, "An army came from Bahman, an army that blocked the passage of the wind.
ز برزین آزر شکسته شدند｜بسی کشته و زار و خسته شدند They were shattered by Borzin-Āzar; many were killed or hurt or wounded.”
چو بشنید بوراسب از آن شاد شد｜وزان غم روان وی آزاد شد When Burāsb heard this, he became glad, and his spirit became freed from that sorrow.
بدو آفرین کرد و گفت ای جوان｜مرا از غم آزاد کردی روان He praised him, and said, “Young man, you’ve freed my spirit from sorrow.
95
ز غمها روان تو آزاد باد｜دل نیک بختان تو شاد باد May your spirit be free from sorrow. May your fair-fortuned heart be glad!” بدو گفت کاین خیمه ها سر به سر｜که را باشد ای مهتر نامور Borzin said to him, “These tents altogether—whose are they, famous nobleman?
ندانیم کس را بدین پایگاه｜ندارد چنین دستگه هیچ شاه We don’t know anyone in this encampment; no king has such a court!”
بخندید بوراسب گفت ای پسر｜که را باشد این ساز و آیین و کر Burāsb laughed and said, “Son, whose is this gear, these customs and might?
مر این سر کشان را که بینی همی｜به دل مهرشان بر گزینی همی They belong to these proud lords you keep seeing; you’d always pick out love in their hearts.
100
نه خویشند ما را و نه لشکری｜همه با دل خویش درد آوری They aren’t mine, they aren’t my warband—all bring the pain of their own hearts! هزارند فرزند شاهان چین｜ز روم و ز چین و ز ایران زمین They’re a thousand kings’ sons from China; from Byzantium, China, and the land of Iran.
همه یک به یک در پی کام دل｜وزین کام دل باز مانده خجل Each of them searching for his heart’s desire, and by this heart’s desire still confounded.
بدین راه گر دیده ای کودکی｜گرفته ز شیران جنگی یکی On the road here, if you saw a child who’d captured one of those warlike lions,
چنان دان که او مر مرا دختر است｜که هنگام کینه یکی لشکر است Know this: she is my daughter, who in times of violence is worth a whole warband.
105
سر سال شاهان روی زمین｜بیایند خواهندش از من چنین At the year’s start, the kings of the earth will come seeking her from me in this way. هرآنکس که خواهد ز من دخترم｜چنان دان که از رای او نگذرم Anyone who wishes for my daughter from me, know this: I will not overrule her judgment.
دو پیمان نهم پیش او اندرون｜که این هر دو نزدیک باشد به خون I will set forth for him two pledges regarding this, and both of these are linked to blood:
یکی آنک با او نبرد آورد｜سر و خود او زیر گرد آورد One is that he must fight against her, and bring her head and helm down into the dirt.
دو دیگر که دارم سیاهی درشت｜زند بر زمینش به هنگام پشت The second is that I have a gigantic Black man; throw him on his back upon the earth.
110
هر آنکس که آرد به جا این دو کار｜دلش شادمان گردد از روزگار Whoever accomplishes these two things, then and there, fate will turn his heart to gladness.” درین بود کان اژدهای دلیر｜ز پشته در آمد گرفته دو شیر Just then that brave dragon came down from the hills, having captured two lions.
دویدند پیش پرستندگان｜ازو بستدند آن ددان بندگان Servants came running forward; they took those bound beasts from her.
بیامد پریچهره پیش پدر｜زمین را ببوسید و آمد به در The fairy-faced girl came before her father, kissed the earth and came through the door.
دلیران یکایک فرو ماندند｜برو نام یزدان همی خواندند All the brave lords humbled themselves; they kept praising her in God’s name,
115
ز بالا و دیدار و رفتار اوی｜وزان زورمندی و کردار اوی Her stature, her appearance, and her conduct, her mightiness and deeds. همی گفت برزین که ما روز و شب｜ز مردی و نیرو گشاییم لب Borzin kept saying, “Day and night, we will open our lips for her manliness and strength.
شکارش به کردار بانو گشسب｜چنین شیر دل کی نشیند بر اسب Her quarry is like Bānu Goshasp’s, that lion-heart, when she rides upon her horse,
c
Critical note:
Bānu Goshasp is a famed warrior woman, daughter of Rostam (and therefore Borzin’s aunt). In addition to appearing in the Bahmannāma and other poems, she stars as the hero of her own brief epic, the Bānugoshāspnāma.
که بندد به یک ره دو شیر ژیان｜ز گردان ایران و تورانیان Who binds in one course two savage lions from among the heroes of Iran and Turān.”
c
Critical note:
Iran’s traditional rivals, representing the peoples of the Central Asian steppes; from at least the Shāhnāma onward, associated with the Turks and with Chin (China).
چنین گفت بوراسب کای شیر مرد｜که آمد کنون روزگار نبرد Burāsb said this: “Lion man! The time of battle is coming now.”
120
سر سال نو را سه روز است گفت｜شود هر کس امروز جویای جفت He said, “The new year starts in three days; that day, everyone starts searching for a mate.” بدو گفت برزین که ما این سه روز｜بباشم نزد تو ای دلفروز Borzin said to him, “For these three days, I will stay close to you, heart-pleaser.
ببینیم تا آن گل نارون｜هنر چون نماید درین انجمن We will see how that elm blossom demonstrates her skill at this gathering.”
ببودند با رامش و نای ورود｜زبانها پر از پهلوانی سرود They engaged in pleasure and flute-playing, their tongues brimming with heroic songs.
سر سال خوان نو آیین نهاد｜در رامش و شادکامی گشاد For New Year, a new-fashioned banquet was set; the gate of pleasure and delight was opened.
125
چو در دست شادی در غم ببست｜گشادند بر باده ی لعل دست When the hand of joy shut the gate of grief, they opened their hands to ruby wine. دگر روز بوراسب بنهاد تخت｜به دشت اندرون زیر شاخ درخت The next day, Burāsb set out a throne upon the plain, beneath a tree branch.
نهاده برو دستهای مهی｜بگسترده دیبای شاهنشهی Noble thrones were set out before him, imperial brocade was spread out.
نشستند بر تخت پرمایگان｜چو برزین و دیگر گرانمایگان The wise sat upon those thrones, like Borzin, and others of great worth.
منا دیگری در میان بانگ کرد｜که ای نامداران و مردان مرد Another cried out amid the crowd, “Famed ones! Men among men!
130
بدانید که امروز سال نوست｜گه رامش و جشن کیخسروست Know that today is the New Year; it’s the time of pleasure, the festival of Kay Khosrow.c
Critical note:
Kay Khosrow was a just and much-loved king, who reigned before Bahman’s great-grandfather Lohrasp came to the throne.
به میدان شوید و بجویید کام｜میان دلیران بر آرید نام Enter the arena and seek your desire! Exalt your name among the brave.”
سر نامداران بر آمد ز خواب｜گرفته یکایک به میدان شتاب The heads of the famed lords lifted from sleep; each one came rushing to the arena.
چو شد توده میدان از آن سروران｜سپاهی بیامد چو کوه گران When the arena became a mass of those chieftains, the army came like a massive mountain.
داستان زنگی و جنگ کردن او The Tale of the African and His Battling
به روغن بمالیده سر تا به پای｜چو دیوی رمیده ز نام خدای Rubbed with oil from head to foot, like a demon fleeing from the name of God,
135
برهنه سراپای و اندام اوی｜به کشتی به گیتی شده نام اوی His body naked from head to foot, famed throughout the world for wrestling— تو گفتی همی کینه ورزد همی｜زمین زیر پایش بلرزد همی You’d say he always trained himself in violence; the earth trembled beneath his feet.
دو چشمش به کردار دو طاس خون｜بر و یال همچون که بیستون His eyes were like two bowls of blood, his head and shoulders like Mount Bisotun.
c
Critical note:
A peak in the Zagros Mountains, famed for the ancient reliefs carved on it.
به میدان در آمد دمان و دنان｜دل هرکس از هیبت او رمان He entered the arena, hissing and strutting, everyone’s heart fleeing for fear of him.
همانگاه بوراسب آواز داد｜که ای نامداران فرخ نژاد Just then Burāsb shouted out, “Famous lords of glorious lineage!
140
به میدان شوید از پی کام و نام｜که این نام نیکو رساند به کام Enter the arena seeking desire and fame, for sweet fame comes through desire. هر آنکو به کشتی کند دست پیش｜بلای سیه باز دارد ز خویش Whoever sets his hands to wrestling, and keeps from himself a black calamity—
همان دخترم را به گاه نبرد｜ز پشت ستور اندر آرد به گرد Then at the time of battle, casts that daughter of mine from her mount’s back into the dirt.
همانگه بدو بخشمش ناگزیر｜*نه کابین بخواهم نه پیمان شیر Right then, I’ll grant her to him with no evasion; I’ll ask for no dowry, no lion’s pledge.”
ز قهرش بجنبید دلها ز جای｜خرد پیش مهر اندر آورد پای His command made hearts spring from their place; wisdom lagged behind love.
145
یکی جامه بر کند و از جای جست｜بیامد به هم باز زد هر دو دست One stripped off his robe and leaped from his place; he came to grips, struck with both hands. سیه چون چنان دید شد پر ز کین｜میان دو ابرو در آورد چین When the Black man saw this, he became full of violence. A furrow appeared between his brows.
بغرید ماننده‌ی پیل مست｜میان دو پایش برون کرد دست He roared like an elephant in musth. He stuck his arm out between the other’s legs,
در آورد و زد بر زمینش درشت｜سر مهره‌ی وی برون شد ز پشت Threw him and slammed him on the ground; the ends of his vertebrae stuck out from his back.
یکی دیگر آمد بر شرزه زنگ｜به کشتی ندادش زمانی درنگ Another one came against the fierce African; he didn’t give him a moment’s respite in wrestling.
150
بیامد یکی نامدار از میان｜ز تخم بزرگان ایرانیان A famed lord came out from the crowd, from the seed of the Iranian nobility. یکی مشت زد بر میانش سیاه｜به زخمی مر آن نامور شد تباه The Black man smashed a fist against his middle; the famed lord was destroyed by that injury.
چنین تا از آن انجمن مرد بیست｜بیفگند هر کس همی خون گریست So it was until he’d overthrown twenty men from the assembly; each of them kept crying blood.
ز خشمش تخاره بر آمد ز جای｜چو آتش به کشتی وی کرد رای Enraged, Tokhāra sprang from his place. Firelike, he set his mind on wrestling.
بدو گفت بوراسب کای شیر مرد｜به گرد بلا تا توانی مگرد Burāsb said to him, “Lion-man! Don’t orbit around calamity, if you can help it.
155
تو مهمان مایی بدین روزگار｜ترا با نبرد دلیران چه کار These days, you’re our guest; what business do you have, battling with brave men? نباید که زنگی ترا بشکند｜تن نامدارت به خاک افکند It wouldn’t be right for the African to break you, to hurl your famed body in the dust.”
تخاره بدو گفت شاید رواست｜هوا بر دل هر کسی پادشاست Tokhāra said to him, “Maybe that’s right, but passion rules over everyone’s heart.”
چو نزدیک زنگی رسید آن دلیر｜بغرید ماننده‌ی نره شیر When that brave man came near the African, he roared like a male lion;
زبان را به دشنام بگشاد و گفت｜که ای زشت بد گوهر دیو جفت He loosened his tongue with curses, and said, “Ugly man of bad substance, demons’ mate,
160
بدین نامداران گشادی دو دست｜هنر بین هم اکنون تو از پیل مست You’ve unleashed your hands on these famed lords; see now the skills of an elephant in musth!” بر آشفت زنگی ز دشنام اوی｜وزان ناسزا گفتن و کام اوی The African grew enraged from his curses, and from his slanderous speech and will;
به پاسخ نیفزودنی گرم و سرد｜برو همچو دیو دژ آهنگ کرد In answer, without adding to the drama, he acted on him like a demon from the Iron Fortress.
ز کینه بدو اندر آمد درشت｜بر افروخت یال و بر آورد پشت He fell upon him violently, enraged; his great frame bristled, his back stretched.
بزد بر تهیگاه بشکست خرد｜تخاره بیفتاد و گویی بمرد He struck him in the flank, shattered him utterly. Tokhāra fell—you’d say he died!
165
*ز خاکش تنی چند بر داشتند｜به پرده درون خوار بگذاشتند Some lifted the body up from the dust. They brought him, pitiful, into a tent. بخندید برزین ز کردار اوی｜وزان تیزی خام گفتار اوی Borzin laughed at his deeds, and at his sharp, raw speech.
دژم شد ز خندیدنش مرزبان｜بدو گفت کای شیردل پهلوان Marzbān grew enraged at his laugher, and said to him, “Lion-hearted champion,
سزد گر تو نیز آزمایش کنی｜به نیرو هنرها نمایش کنی It would be fitting for you to endeavor also, to forcefully display your skills.
بود کاین سیه را در آری ز پای｜برین ماه پیکر شوی کدخدای Should you throw this Black man off his feet, you’ll become lord of that moon-bodied girl.
170
که تو مایه از تخمه‌ی نیرمی｜نبیره جهان پهلوان رستمی For the seed of Nariman’s your origin; you’re grandson of the World-Champion,c
Rostam. Critical note:
Jahān-pahlavān, an epithet regularly granted to Rostam as the preeminent epic hero.
ترا هست کشتی سرشت و نهاد｜کنون داد باید بدین رزم داد Wrestling’s part of your nature and disposition! Now you must bring a just end to this combat.”
کشتی گرفتن برزین با غلام زنگی Borzin’s Wrestling with the African Youth
بر آشفت برزین کزینسان شنید｜همانگاه جامه ز تن بر کشید Borzin grew enraged when he heard this. Right away he stripped the robe from his body.
چه خواهی همی کرد بوراسب گفت｜که با جان پاکت خرد باد جفت “What are you trying to do?” Burāsb asked. “May wisdom be mated with your pure soul!”
یکی با سیه گفت کشتی کنم｜برو بر یکی پیشدستی کنم “Just once,” Borzin said, “I’ll wrestle with the Black man. Just once, I’ll outmaneuver him.”
175
بدو گفت کای مایهی دین و داد｜نگر تا ازین گفته نیاری تو یاد Burāsb said, “Essence of faith and justice, mind that you don’t have cause to rue this speech. تو بیگانه یی نه بدین آمدی｜نه از بهر پیکار و کین آمدی You’re a stranger here. Don’t come into this! Don’t come for fighting and vengeance!
به ویژه که دیدی هنرهای او｜ندارد کسی بر زمین پای او Especially since you’ve seen his skills—no one on earth has a stance like his!
ازان نامداران سه تن را بکشت｜تن بیست را بر زمین نهد درشت He’s killed three of those famed lords, slammed the bodies of twenty violently against the earth.
چرا کرد باید به دریا شناه｜به ویژه کسی کاو نداند شناه Why should anyone dare to swim the sea, especially someone who doesn’t know how to swim?
180
خرد بر گمار ارتوانی به دل｜که پیشین بود کاروان گاه گل Appoint wisdom to your heart, if you can; for ahead lies the caravansarai of clay.” بدو گفت کای مایهی مردمی｜دلم شد ز پیکار زنگی غمی Borzin said to him, “Essence of manliness, my heart has grown sad from the African’s fighting.
یکی آزمایش کنم با سیاه｜مگر بخت بگشایدم بسته راه I’ll try myself once against the Black man. If fortune’s mine, I might force the blocked path.”
سپهبد چو جامه ز سر بر کشید｜ز پرده درون دختر او را بدید When the commander pulled his robe over his head, the girl saw him from inside her tent:
بدان ناز پرورده اندام اوی｜چنان کش خرامیدن و گام اوی His well-nourished body, that fair striding and step of his.
185
ز مهرش به جان تاب آتش رسید｜دلش پرده ی شرم را بر درید Love for him brought a blazing fire to her heart. Her heart tore the shroud of shame. دلش گشت چون دیده‌ی دردمند｜تن زورمندش تباه و نژند Her heart became like a stricken eye; her mighty body became ruined and undone.
همی گفت با خویشتن کدخدای｜سیه را یکی سست شد دست و پای She kept saying to herself, “Lord, the Black man’s hands and feet have become a bit weak.
مگر گردد او شوی و سالار من｜به گیتی نشاید جز او یار من Perhaps the other will be my husband and master. In this world, only he will be my companion.”
در اندیشه بود آن پریچهره ماه｜که برزین در آمد به تنگ سیاه That fairy-faced moon was in a state of anxiety when Borzin went up against the Black man.
190
بغرید و چون رعد زد هر دو دست｜به گردش بگردید چون پیل مست He roared, and like thunder struck with his two hands; he circled him like an elephant in musth. بترسید زنگی ازان شاخ و یال｜ز سستی شدش پای همچون دوال The African feared his limbs and frame. Weakness made his legs like leather strips.
بزد بر دهانش یکی پشت دست｜دو دندان پیشین او را شکست Borzin backhanded him across the mouth; he broke his two front teeth.
برون کرد دستش میان دو پای｜هنر کرد و بر کند او را ز جای He stuck his hand between the other’s legs, showed his skill, and uprooted him from his place.
به گردن بر آورد و زد بر زمین｜نشست از برش همچو شیر عرین He hoisted him by the neck and hurled him onto the earth, sat on his chest like a lion in its lair.
195
برو هر کسی آفرین خواند نو｜وزان انجمن بانگ بر خواست غو Upon him, everyone called out praises anew. Shouting whoops rose up from that assembly. چو بر داشتند آن سیه را ز خاک｜برو پشت و پهلو همه چاک چاک When they lifted that Black man up from the dust, his back and sides were completely shattered.
بدو گفت بوراسب کای نامدار｜نبردیست مانده ز پیش تو کار Burāsb said to Borzin, “Famous man, there remains ahead of you one battle to wage.
چو هر دو به دستت بر آید همی｜بهانه به گیتی سر آید همی When you have both of them in hand, the conditions will be fulfilled in this world.”
پراکنده گشت آن بزرگ انجمن｜وزانجا به سوی خیمه شد پیلتن That great assembly scattered. The mammoth hero went from there towards his tent.
200
به شادی و رامش گشادند دست｜همه شب شدند از می لعل مست They opened their hands to joy and pleasure. All night, they became drunk on ruby wine. کشتی گرفتن دختر با برزین و انداختن برزین او را The Girl’s Struggle with Borzin and Borzin’s Overthrowing Her
چو طاوس زنگی ز گه بر فروخت｜بر و یال زاغ سیه را بسوخت When the African peacock blazed up from its place, it burned the crows’ wings and feathers.
به میدان شد آن دختر خوبچهر｜سری پر ز کینه دلی پر ز مهر That fair-faced girl entered the arena, head full of violence and heart full of love.
به اسب عقیلی به سان عقاب｜*تن از باد و پای از درنگ و شتاب On a pedigreed horse, like an eagle, body made of wind, feet quick to halt and rush.
سپهبد برابر شدش در زمان｜به سان یکی اژدهای دمان Right then, the commander came against her like a hissing dragon.
205
بر آویختند آن سواران جنگ｜نظاره بران دشت شیر و پلنگ Those battle-knights came to grips, lions and leopards their audience on that plain. چو شد حمله اندر میانشان بسی｜نشد چیره بر هم نبردش کسی When the first attack was done between them, neither one was victorious in battle over the other.
سپهبد بر آشفت بر روزگار｜چو باد اندر آمد ز فرجام کار The commander became enraged against fate; he charged in like the wind to conclude the affair.
یکی نیزه زد بر میانش ز کین｜ز زینش بر آورد و زد بر زمین He struck a lance violently against her belly, threw her from her saddle, and she struck the earth.
ز برزین دل سرکشان شد دژم｜*شد امید هر کس ازان کام کم Borzin frustrated the hearts of the haughty; everyone else’s hopes for that desire grew scant.
210
چو از خاک بر خاست آن دل گسل｜ز پرده برون شد ز میدان خجل When that heart-tearer rose up from the dust, she went in shame from the arena to her tent. به برزین چنین گفت بوراسب راد｜که از رزم کشتی بدادی تو داد The noble Burāsb said this to Borzin: “You put a just end to this battle and wrestling.
کنون دختر من ترا است و بس｜نخواهد رسیدن بدو دست کس Now my daughter is yours, that’s it. No one else’s hand will touch her.
ولیکن زمان ده مرا چند روز｜که گردد به کام تو گیتی فروز But give me some time, a few days, that the world may become bright by your will.
چو فربه شود چارپای و گله｜کنم در در و دشت یکسر یله When the livestock and flocks become fat, I will herd them all together in the vale and plain.
215
از ایدر کشم آنگهی سوی پارس｜بدین از تو دارم فراوان سپاس From here, I will drive then towards Pārs. For this, I’ll be abundantly thankful to you.” بدو گفت برزین که فرمانبرم｜ز رای و ز گفتار تو نگذرم Borzin said to him, “I’m at your service. I won’t transgress your judgment or words.”
ببودند یکچند شادان به دشت｜به رامش شب و روزشان در گذشت They were happy for some time in the plain. Their days and nights passed in pleasure.
بسازید سوری بدان مرز و بوم｜که هرگز نبود اندر آیین روم Burāsb set a feast in that border region, such as there never was in Byzantine custom.
یکی روز بوراسب هنگام بار｜دژم بود دلی خسته روزگار One day at court, Burāsb seemed depressed, his heart wounded by fate.
220
سپهبد به دیدار او شد به گاه｜دژم دید هر چند کردش نگاه The commander, went to the throne to see him; saw him depressed whenever he glanced at him. بر اندوه گواهی دهد روی زرد｜چو زردی نماید همی رنگ مرد A sallow face gives evidence of sorrow, when a man’s color always appears sallow.
بجوشد ز غم زهره‌ی آدمی｜ازیرا بود زرد روی غمی A person’s bile churns from sadness; from this comes a sallow face and sadness.
چو شادی که افزون کند خون چو مل｜ازیرا شود روی همرنگ گل Similarly, happiness increases the wine-like blood; this makes the face the color of roses.
سپهبد بدو گفت کای سرفراز｜چه بودت که اندیشه کردی دراز The commander said to him, “Proud man, what’s going on, that you lengthen your cares?
225
دلت را نگویی که کردست تنگ｜که از من بپوشی همی بی درنگ You won’t speak of what constricts your heart; you conceal it from me ceaselessly.” بدو گفت کای مایهی روزگار｜مپرس این که بر من درازست کار Burāsb said to him, “Essence of fate, don’t ask me this, for my woes have become interminable.
یکی کار پیش آمدستم شگفت｜که با هر کسی باز نتوانش گفت Something has happened to me, a wonder that cannot be repeated to anyone.
دو سالست تا این گیاخوار من｜تباهی فزوده است در کار من For two years, thanks to these grazers of mine, my affairs have turned to measureless ruin.
چو آید بهاران و اردیبهشت｜همه دشت گردد چو خرم بهشت When the springs come, and Ordibehesht,
c
all the plain appears like a blossoming paradise. Critical note:
The second month of the Iranian calendar, corresponding to late April and early May.
230
جهانی به رامش گشایند دست｜مرا با غم و درد باید نشست All people open their hands to pleasure, while I must sit in grief and anguish. بباید مرا دختر آراستن｜به کردار سروی به پیراستن My daughter must be adorned, ornamented like a cypress tree
ز پیرایه‌ای بر تنش زیوری｜به سر بر نهادن ز زر افسری With finery: gems on her body, and a golden tiara set on her head.
برو سوختن مشک چندین به دشت｜که پیرامن وی نشاید گذشت Some musk is burned over her, upon the plain, so that no one might get near her.
فرستاد باید به جای بلند｜نشاندن بر آنجا یکی مستمند She must be sent to a high place and set in that spot for a while, miserable.
235
یکی پاره ابر اندر آید ز کوه｜که از دیدنش دیو گردد ستوه A scrap of cloud descends from the mountain—seeing it, a demon would be terrified— خروشان و آتش ز پیشش جهان｜گهی تیره زد گاه روشن جهان Roaring, with fire darting before it. Then darkness strikes the world’s bright places.
بگیردش و گرد اندر آید چو دود｜شود دختر من سیاه و کبود It takes her and comes swirling like smoke; my daughter becomes black and ashen.
*زمانی بباشد شود ناپدید｜*به گیتی کسی این شگفتی ندید [For a while, she remains invisible; no one in the world has seen such a wonder.]
c
Critical note:
This and subsequent bracketed lines do not appear in the lithograph.
ز آن پس گه گردد ز دختر جدا｜ره کوه گیرد هم اندر هوا Then, when it separates from the girl, it takes its way back to the mountain through the air.
بماند مر آن دخترم مستمند｜دو هفته به خانه تباه و نژند That daughter of mine remains miserable for two weeks at home, ruined and distraught.
زیانش ندیدند از آن سرکشان｜ز مهر خداییش بر وی نشان [Her injury: after that, the proud princes did not see any sign of her maidenhead upon her.]”
240
بدو گفت کای کار دیده هژبر｜گر او را نبخشی بر آن تیره ابر Borzin said to him, “Experienced lion, what if you didn’t give her to that dark cloud? بگو تا زیانی چه آرد ترا｜چه پتیاره پیش آورد مر ترا Speak of the injury that is yours—what does the monster bring upon you?”
چنین داد پاسخ که یکسال پیش｜زحمیت ندادم بدو دخت خویش He answered, “One year ago, in my pride I did not give it my daughter.
ز کوه بلند اندر آتش فروخت｜همه چارپایم سراسر بسوخت From within the high mountain, fire flared, and burned all my livestock completely.
من از هول آن روز ترسیده‌ام｜کزان روز پتیاره را دیده‌ام I am afraid of the terror of that day, for that day I saw the monster.
245
ببینی تو فردا چو آگه شوی｜گر از خویشتن بر سر ره شوی You’ll see tomorrow, for you’ll witness it, if you take yourself along that path.” سپهبد ز گفتار او شد دژم｜فرو ماند و دیگر نزد هیچ دم His words made the commander furious. He felt downcast, and didn’t breathe another breath.
همه شب همی بود اندیشناک｜جهان را چو بزدود خورشید پاک All night, he was beset continually by worry. When the pure sun scrubbed clean the world,
همانگه بپوشید خفتان جنگ｜دلیران او بر کشیدند تنگ Right then he put on his battle-coat. His brave followers drew close around him.
بیامد به دشت اندرون ایستاد｜همی کرد بوراسب گفتار یاد He went to the plain and stood within it, and kept remembering Burāsb’s words.
250
همی گفت با مرزبان و تخار｜که این بس شگفت آمد از روزگار He kept saying to Marzbān and Tokhār, “This is truly a wonder come from fate.” همانگاه دختر بیامد به دشت｜چو سرو خرامان برو بر گذشت Right then the girl came to the plain. Like a striding cypress, she passed by him,
سر افکنده در پیش و گشته دژم｜چو نازنده سروی که گردد به خم Head bowed forward; she’d become depressed, like a proud cypress that’s become bent.
پر از زیورش گردن و دست پای｜پر از گوهرش حلقه مشک سای Her neck and arms and legs covered in gems, her musk-spreading earrings covered in jewels,
فکنده بسی تاب در مشک ناب｜ز چادر دمان بوی مشک و گلاب Abundant curls drenched in pure musk, scents of musk and rosewater exhaling from her veil.
255
بسی خادمان سیه پیش و پس｜پرستنده با وی ز هر گونه کس Many Black servants before and behind her, all sorts of people attending upon her. بماند آن پریچهره بر پهن دشت｜پرستنده یک بارگی باز گشت That fairy-faced girl remained in the broad plain. The attendants all at once drew back from her.
یکی تیره ابری هم اندر زمان｜به زیر آمد از کوه و از آسمان In that very instant, a dark cloud came down from the mountain and from the heavens.
جهان قیرگون شد از آن تیره ابر｜خروشان جوشان و چو جنگی هژبر The world became pitch-black from that dark cloud, which roared and frothed like a warlike lion.
گرفته جهان آتش و دود ازو｜همی هر زمان آتش افزود ازو The world took on its fire and smoke. Always the flames kept spreading from it.
260
کشان دامنش بر زمین پر ز چین｜چو دودی که خیزد ز روی زمین Trailing its twisted robes along the ground, like smoke rising from the face of the earth, خروشان ز کوه اندر آمد به دشت｜زمانی به پیرامن وی گذشت Roaring, it descended from the mountain to the plain. For a moment it passed around her.
*به گرد اندر آمدش مانند دود｜*کزو سیمتن هیچ پیدا نبود [It swept all around her like smoke, so that nothing could be seen of her silver body.]
فقان کرد و بیداد بسیار کرد｜زمانی همی بود با رنج و درد It bellowed, and committed great wrongs; for a time everything was suffering and pain
دگر باره شد بر میان هوا｜بپوشید خورشید فرمانروا Then again it lifted up into the midst of the air, and covered up the sovereign sun.
265
سپهبد همی تاخت زیر اندرش｜تخاره بدو مرزبان همبرش The commander galloped on, directly beneath it, Tokhāra with him, Marzbān right by him. ببرید ازان دشت فرسنگ پنج｜بران کوه رفتند با درد و رنج They cut across five parasangs of that plain; they went to that mountain of pain and suffering.
ز کوه اندر آمد به شیب دره｜همی راند برزین گو یکسره From the mountain, they came into a steep canyon. The hero Borzin kept driving directly on.
ز پس چون نگه کرد کس را ندید｜گران شد عنان و فرو آرمید Then when he looked around, he didn’t see anyone. His reins grew heavy, and he grew still.
چنین گفت برزین بدان هر دو کس｜که از ره چرا باز ماندید پس Borzin called to the two of them, “Why do you stay back along the path?”
270
تخاره بدو گفت ای نیک یار｜گذشتن مجالست ازین کوهسار Tokhāra said to him, “Fair companion, it’s possible to pass into this highland, نکرده ست بازی به جان هوشمند｜نه کس بر تن خویش جوید گزند But a wise man doesn’t gamble away his soul! No one seeks injuries upon his own body!
تو بیهوده در کوه تازی｜همی چه خواهی ازین اسب تازی همی You, galloping foolishly into the mountain, what do you want from your Arabian horse?
من این ابر تیره ندانم که چیست｜در اندیشه زو در گمانم که کیست I don’t know what this dark cloud is. It worries me! I have no idea who it is.
تو فرمان کن و باز گرد و مپای｜بدین باز گشتن بهش بر فزای Give the order! Turn back, and don’t delay. By returning, show greater wisdom.”
275
بدو گفت برزین که تو جای دار｜که من رفت خواهم بدین کوهسار Borzin said to him, “You hold this ground, for I will go into this highland. ببینم که این دیو پتیاره کیست｜چو کار آمد از پیش من چاره چیست I will see who this monstrous demon is. When a mission comes to me, what else can I do?
شما هر دو ایدر بدارید پای｜که گر زنده مانم خود آیم به جای Both of you, hold firm here, for if I remain alive, I myself will return to this place,
وگر مرگ پیش آیدم ناگاهان｜مرا زندگانی سر آرد جهان And if death comes suddenly upon me, this world will have brought my lifetime to an end.
درین کوه فردا بجویید اسب｜فرستید نزدیک بانو گشسب Tomorrow, search for my horse in this mountain; send it on to Bānu Goshasp.”
280
بگفت این و آن هر دو بگریستند｜دو روز اندر آن غم همی زیستند He said this, and those two both cried; they lived for two days in such grief. رفتن برزین آزر به جنگ اژدها Borzin-Āzar Goes to Battle the Dragon
چو برزین فرو رفت از آن برز کوه｜تکاور شد ز کوه خارا ستوه When Borzin went down from that mountaintop, that flint-pillared mountain made him bold.
همی رفت تا شب در آن غارها｜فکنده سپر دید خروارها He kept riding until night through those caverns; he saw heaps of shields scattered about.
سراسر دره دید سرخ و سیاه｜همی کرد برزین بدان بر نگاه He saw the vale completely red and black. Borzin kept gazing at it.
همی گفت کاندر چنین جای تنگ｜دو لشکر همانا که کرده ست جنگ He kept saying, “In this narrow place, it seems two armies have done battle.”
285
در آن ریگها چون نگه کرد ژرف｜همانا چنان اژدها بود جرف When he looked deep into that rubble, it seemed to be that dragon’s castings. به گاه بهاران تنش ریخته｜ز هر سو به خاک اندر آمیخته In the springtime, its body sloughed off, mixed with the dust in all directions.
بترسید برزین از آن هول جای｜همی بود تنها و در پیش پای Borzin grew scared of that terror-place. He was still alone, his foot set forward.
درین بود کز کوه ژرف اژدها｜بغرید کرد آتش از دم رها At that moment from the mountain depths, the dragon roared and shot fire from its breath.
هوا تیره گون گشت از کام او｜زمین رفت در زیر اندام او Its maw darkened the air. The earth vanished beneath its bulk,
290
دهانش به مانند غاری فراخ｜چو الماس بر سر مر او را دو شاخ Its mouth like a gaping cavern, two horns like diamonds on its head, دو چشمش به کردار دو طاس خون｜سرش همچنان چون که بیستون Its two eyes like two bowls of blood, its head exactly like Mount Bisotun.
ز سر تا به دم بود صد گز فزون｜دل شیر ار دیدن او زبون From head to tail, it was more than a hundred yards. The lion’s heart would weaken, seeing it.
چون برزین چنان دید یک نعره کرد｜چنان چون دلیران به گاه نبرد When Borzin saw it, he let out a cry, just as brave warriors do on the day of battle.
چو آواز برزینش آمد به گوش｜به مغز اندرش تیزتر گشت هوش When Borzin’s voice reached its ears, its mind grew harsher within its brain.
295
در آمد روان از سر کوهسار｜کمان را بمالید مرد سوار It came rushing down from the highland heights. The cavalier grasped his bow. بپیوست بر شصت تیر خدنگ｜چو دید اژدها اندر آمد به تنگ He hooked the poplar arrow above his thumb-ring, when he saw that dragon draw near.
چو با چرخ سوفار شدست بار｜بجست اژدها را دو دیده سوار When the nock was set firm on the arc, the cavalier sought the dragon’s two eyes.
چو بگشاد شصت آن یل نامدار｜به چشمش زد آن تیر الماس دار When that famous hero slipped his thumb-ring, that diamond-bearing arrow struck its eye.
چو انداخت بر دیده آمدش راست｜ز درد اژدها خویش را کرد راست When he shot, it landed right in its eye; from pain, the dragon straightened itself out.
300
خدنگ دگر باره پیوند کرد｜چنان جانور را چنین بند کرد He nocked another poplar-shaft, in order to subdue that creature. زدش بر دگر دیده و کرد کور｜همی زان روز خمش ز تن رفت زور He struck it in the other eye and made it blind. From the pain in its eyes, strength left its body.
یکی اژدها بر کشید از نیام｜که تازی همی خواند او را حسام He drew another dragon from his sheathe, what the Arabs usually call a “scimitar”—
بغرید ماننده پیل مست｜به یک زخم از تن سرش کرد پست [...]
c
Critical note:
This line (“He roared like an elephant in musth; with one blow, he made its head droop from its body”) seems extraneous; it appears to narrate the same action as the subsequent line while breaking the syntactic connection to the “scimitar.”
خورش دادش از خون و خونخوار رفت｜همانگه سرش را ز تن بر گرفت He fed it with blood and it became bloodthirsty. With one blow, he struck its head from its body.
فرود آمد و چشمه‌ی آب جست｜به آب اندر آمد سر و تن بشست He dismounted and sought a spring of water. He came into the water, washed his head and body,
305
وز آنجا بیامد به جای نماز｜همی گفت کای پاک دانای راز And from there came to a praying place. He kept saying, “Pure Knower of Secrets, تو دادی مر این بنده را دسترس｜تو باشی به هر جای فریاد رس To this slave you gave assistance. In every place, you rush to the cries of the distressed.”
وز آنجا سر اژدها بر گرفت｜به نزدیک یاران ره اندر گرفت And from there he took up the dragon’s head, and took the path towards his companions.
بینداخت سر پیش آن سرکشان｜که سر باشد از تن به هر جا نشان He threw the head down before those haughty lords, for everywhere the head signifies the body.
تخاره چو آن دید و دندان اوی｜بسی آفرین کرد بر جان اوی When Tokhāra saw that, and its teeth, he heaped plenty of praise upon his soul.
310
همی گفت مردی همین است و بس｜ندیدیم از اینسان دلیری ز کس He kept saying, “This is manliness, that’s it! We’ve never seen bravery like this from anyone!” چو نزدیک بوراسب رفتند باز｜بینداخت سر پیش آن سر فراز When they went back to Burāsb, he threw the head down before that proud lord.
بترسید سخت آن یل از اژدها｜*بشد از دلش هوش گفتی رها That hero feared the dragon terribly; you’d say consciousness fled from his heart.
بمالید بر خاک پیشش جبین｜بسی خواند بر جان او آفرین He rubbed his forehead in the dust before him, and heaped plenty of praise upon his soul.
همی گفت از این سان هنر کس نکرد｜که کردی تو امروز ای شیر مرد He kept saying, “No one has shown such skill as you’ve done today, lion-man!
315
همانگه از تخمه‌ی نیرمی｜که با زور سام و دل رستمی Surely you’re of Nariman’s seed, since you have Sām’s strength and Rostam’s heart.” به مژده سواری سوی شاه پارس｜بیامد نزدیک نیکی شناس A horseman came bearing the good news to the King of Pārs, to that one versed in goodness:
که از دشمن ما بر آمد هلاک｜به دست سواری هنرمند پاک “Destruction has come upon our enemy, at the hands of a skillful, pure cavalier,
که رویش ز خورشید تابانتر است｜خردش از هنرها فراوانتر است Whose face is more radiant than the sun, whose wisdom is even more abundant than his skills.
پس از مژده اینک بیاییم زود｜بگوییم یکایک ترا هر چه بود Following this good news. We’ll come quickly; we’ll tell you of everything, as it happened.”
320
سه روز اندر آن دشت کرد او درنگ｜گله نزد خویش اندر آورد تنگ Three days he tarried in that plain, brought the herds close in around him. چهارم روزگاه بر خاست نای｜به اسب اندر آورد بوراسب پای On the fourth day, flutes sounded. Burāsb mounted up on his horse.
سوی پارس رفتند یکسر به هم｜ز دل دور کرده همه رنج و غم Towards Pārs they went all together, casting suffering and grief far from their hearts.
برادر پذیره شدش با سپاه｜سپاهی که گردش رسیدی به ماه His brother greeted him with his army, an army whose mustering had taken a month.
به شهر اندر آورد و بردش به کاخ｜به باغ دلارای و جای فراخ He escorted them through the city to the palace, to a heart-pleasing garden and an open place.
325
شب آمد بگفت آن همه سر گذشت｜ز برزین و کشتی زنگی و دشت Night came. Burāsb told all that had happened, Borzin and the African’s wrestling and the plain, وز آن ابر کان اژدها گشته بود｜که برزین یل کشت او را چو دود And that cloud that turned into that dragon, which the hero Borzin killed like mere vapor.
از آن شادمان شد دل شاه پارس｜همی داشت زیشان فراوان سپاس The King of Pārs’s heart grew glad from that; he gave abundant thanks to them.
سرافراز بوراسب و یزداد باز｜یکی هفته کردند در شهر ساز The proud Burāsb and the falcon Yazdād made a week-long feast in that city.
فراوان بکشتند اسب و گله｜بسی گاو و آن گوسفندان یله They killed many horses and herds, many cows and those sheep from the flocks.
330
یکی سور کردند آن سرکشان｜که هرگز ندارد کس آزانشان Those proud lords made a banquet, for never has anyone had wealth like them. هوا یکسر از مشک بد پر ز بوی｜نشایست مردم گذشتن به کوی The air was completely full of the scent of musk; people couldn’t pass through the alleyways.
جوانان و پیران همه شاد و مست｜گرفته همه دسته‌ی گل به دست Young and old, all glad and drunk, all taking bouquets of flowers in hand.
چنان بود بازار و کوی از نثار｜که زر و درم گشت چون خاک خوار Such wealth was scattered in markets and alleys, that gold and dirhams became despised as dust.
تو گفتی که چرخ بلند از برش｜ستاره فشاند همی بر سرش You’d say that high heaven rained stars from its breast down upon his head.
قطعه‌ای از بهمن‌نامه‌ی ایرانشاه بن ابی الخیر Excerpt from the Bahmannāmeh of Irānshāh ebn-e Abi-l-Khayr
برفتند ازینسان سه روز و سه شب｜شکم گرسنه ناچریده به لب They went on like this, three days and three nights, bellies hungry, lips famished.
تن از ناچریدن چو شاخ نوان｜شده زیرشان بارگی ناتوان Their famished bodies became like quaking branches, their steeds weak beneath them.
داستان برزین آزر با غلام و شیر The Tale of Borzin-Āzar, the Youth, and the Lion
روز چهارم گه نیمروز｜غلامی همی رفت بس دلفروز The fourth day, at noontime, a youth went by, very pleasing to the heart,
نشسته بر اسب عقیلی نژاد｜به دیدار کوه و به رفتار باد Seated on a horse of exalted pedigree, looking like a mountain, moving like wind,
5
رخی همچو خورشید فرمانروا｜تنی همچو برقی میان هوا Face like the sovereign sun, body like lightning amid the air, یکی پیرهن پرنیان در برش｜کلاهی ز مشک سیه بر سرش A silken shirt over the chest, a musk-black hat over the head—
گشاده گلی چو گل نارون｜ز خون تیره گشته برو پیرهن An opened flower, like an elm flower, shirt stained dark with blood.
گرفته یکی شیر جنگی به بند｜فکنده مر او را به گردون کمند With a warlike lion taken in snares, a lasso thrown around its throat.
به یاران چنین گفت برزین گو｜که با این شگفتست بسیار نو The hero Borzin said this to his companions: “This is a wonder, unprecedented…
10
ببینید کاین کودک شیر خوار｜چگونه گرفتست آن شیر خوار See how this lion-eating child captured that wretched lion.” همانگه رسیدند نزد غلام｜بپرسید برزین و کردش سلام Right away they drew near to the youth. Borzin asked and gave his greeting,
بدو گفت از آن پس که ای شیر زوش｜به گفتار من پهن بگشای گوش Said then, “Mighty lion! Open your ears wide to my speech.
بدان کاندرین مرز بیگانه ایم｜اگر چند هر یک ز یک خانه ایم Know that we’re strangers in these borderlands, though each of us is from the same house.
سه روز و سه شب گشت تا نان و آب｜نخورديم و از ما رمیده ست خواب It’s been three days and three nights since we’ve had food or drink, and sleep has fled from us.
15
اگر میزبانی کنی در خورست｜که آزادمردی هم از گوهر ست It would be fitting if you hosted us, since nobility also comes from quality.” پریچهره پاسخ چنین داد باز｜که گر کار آسان نگیری دراز The fairy-faced youth gave this answer back: “If you don’t want to make an easy task tough,
بیایید کز گوشت این شیر جنگ｜شما را کبابی دهم بی درنگ Come, and from the flesh of this battling lion, I’ll make you kebabs right away.
مرا خوردن اینست بیگاه و گاه｜ندانم جز از بیشه و شیر راه This is my food, both night and day; I know no way but woods and lions.
شکم چون تهی شد بر آید به جوش｜به هر چیز کردن توانی خموش When the belly becomes empty, it begins to churn; then, it might be silenced by anything.
20
بدین خوردنی گر ندارید خوی｜شما را ازین بهتر است آرزوی But if you don’t have the stomach for such food, there’s better hope for you yet: به صحرا بدان بیشه اندر شوید｜چو لختی از آن سر فروتر شوید From these woods, enter the wasteland. When you’ve gone a little further that way,
در و دشت و کوه و بیابان همه｜نه بینید جایی تهی از رمه In all the vale and plain and mountain and desert, you won’t see a spot empty of herds
از اسبان تازی هیونان بار｜ز گاوان گردون هزاران هزار Of Arabian horses, baggage camels, thousands upon thousands of Tauruses,
هم از مادیانها که بر شب یله｜هم از گوسفندان فراوان گله Also of mares that are loosed at night, also of sheep in abundant flocks.
25
یکایک میان رمه بگذرید｜یکی دشت پیش اندرون بسپرید One after the other, pass among the herds, until you arrive in a further plain. بران دشت یابید خیمه هزار｜زده بر کنار یکی جویبار On that plain, you’ll find a thousand tents pitched beside a stream,
همه دیبه‌یی سرخ زرد و بنفش｜زده بر در خیمه ها بر درفش All with crimson, yellow, and violet brocade set as flags by the tent doors.
کجا خیمه‌یی سرخ اندر میان｜ سرش ماه زر دامنش پرنیان Where there’s a crimson tent in the midst, a golden moon on its crest, its skirts of silk,
در آن خیمه آرام و خواب منست｜خداوند آن خانه باب منست In that tent is my rest and relaxation; the lord of that house is my father.
30
ز من پیش او آشنایی دهید｜به جان از خورش روشنایی دهید Give him my regards, brighten your souls with food. بباشید یکچند مهمان ما｜فروزان شود کاخ و ایوان ما You’ll be our guests for a while. Our palace and vaulted hall
c
will become radiant.” Critical note:
Throughout this tale, the poet uses the architectural vocabulary of a settled court to describe the nomadic domain of Burāsb.
بخندید برزین و گفت ای دلیر｜به یزدان که هرگز نخوردیم شیر Borzin laughed, and said, “Brave one! By God, we’ve never eaten lion!”
وز آنجا سوی بیشه بشتافتند｜جهانی پر از چارپا یافتند And from there they dashed towards the wood. They found the earth covered in livestock,
یکی کودک اندر میان گله｜گله بر در و دشت گروه یله A child in the midst of the flocks, flocks on the vales and plains, wandering in groups—
35
زده بر سر چوب تکیه چنان｜کجا باشد آیین و رسم شبان Pitched on top a pole, a sort of refuge, as is the custom and tradition of herdsmen there. بدو گفت پرمایه برزین تویی｜ز خون فرامرز پر کین تو یی The herdboy said, “You’re the wise Borzin! You’re of the vengeful Farāmarz’s blood!
برو کآمد اکنون گه کام تو｜به خورشید تابان رسد نام تو Go on, for now the time of your desires has come; your fame has reached the blazing sun.
به کاری که داری به پیش اندرون｜ترا بخت باشد بران رهنمون For the task that you have up ahead, fortune will be yours, by this prediction!”
سپهبد همی گفت کاین فالگوی｜ز برزین چه آگاهی آمد به روی The commander kept saying, “How did this fortune-teller come to know of Borzin?”
40
از آن چارپا سر به سر در گذشت｜ به بالا بر آمد از آن پهن دشت He passed by all that livestock, and came up from that wide plain. نگه کرد دشتی پر از خیمه دید｜همه سرخ و زرد و بنفش و سفید He looked, saw a plain full of tents, all crimson and yellow and violet and white,
ز دیبای رومی یکایک زده｜ نگارش سراسر به زر آزده Each one fashioned of Byzantine
c
brocade, sewn all over with golden figures; Critical note:
Rumi, “Roman,” a generic term for the West; in Irānshāh’s day, it referred particularly to the Byzantine Empire.
نهادند زی خیمه ای سرخ روی｜زبان از شگفتی پر از گفتگوی They turned towards a nearby crimson tent, the wonder of gossiping tongues,
ز دیبای رومی یکی بارگاه｜نشسته یکی پیر در بارگاه A court of Byzantine brocade, an old man seated in the court,
45
غلامان زرین کمر صف زده｜کلاه و کمرها به زر آزده Golden-belted youths set in ranks, hats and belts stitched with gold. برو آفرین کرد برزین و گفت｜که با جان تو آفرین باد جفت Borzin praised him, and said, “May praise be mated to your soul!”
یکایک بپرسیدشان مرزبان｜سخن کرد گویا به شیرین زبان Marzbān asked them one by one, spoke his speech with a sweet tongue:
چو مهمانت آید سخن خوبگوی｜ترش کم کن از بینوایی تو روی “When your guest comes, speaking eloquent speech, don’t knit your brows over your poverty.”
نکو گفت دستور با شاه فش｜چه نیکوست از میزبان خوی خوش The councilor spoke fairly to the kingly one: “How sweet is a host’s good disposition!”
50
مر آن پیر را بود بوراسب نام｜از آن چارپا روز و شب شادکام That old man’s name was Burāsb; his livestock made him blissful day and night. ز برزین بپرسید کای نامدار｜تو چون اوفتادی بدین ره گذار He asked Borzin, “Fame-bearer, why did you set out on this journey?
کی و کجا رفت خواهی بگوی｜ز ما آرزو هر چه خواهی بجوی When and where do you wish to go? Speak! Seek from us whatever wish you desire.”
بدو پهلوان گفت کای نیک خوی｜مرا نیست جز دیدنت آرزوی The champion said to him, “Fair-natured man, I have no wish but to see you.
همی رفت خواهیم جایی دگر｜بدین کشور افتاد ما را گذر We still seek to go elsewhere—our passage has led through this country.
55
بدین بارگه میهمان آمدیم｜خریدار رویت به جان آمدیم We’ve come as guests to this court; we’ve come to purchase your honor with our souls.” بفرمود بوراسب اندر زمان｜به خوالیگرش تا بیاورد نان Burāsb commanded his cook to bring food right away:
ز بریان و ماهی و مرغ و بره｜ز هرگونه ای خوردنیها سره Fried meats and fish and poultry and lamb, every sort of pleasing food.
بخوردند و زان تازه تر شد روان｜در آورد نیرو به تن پهلوان They ate, and it refreshed their spirits; it brought back strength to the champion’s body.
بر آراستندش یکی خوابگاه｜روانش بر آسود از رنج راه A resting place was decked out for him; his spirit settled down from the sufferings of the road.
60
دگر روز بوراسب خوانی نهاد｜که هرگز کس آن را ندارد به یاد The next day, Burāsb set out a banquet, unlike any that anyone could remember. ز هر خیمه ای نامداری بخواند｜بدان ساخته خوانشان بر نشاند He summoned a famous lord from every tent; with such preparations, set out a banquet for them.
بخوردند از آن خوان بپرداختند｜یکی بزمگاه همی ساختند They ate, partook in that banquet with gusto; they were fashioning a feasting place.
زمین بستد از باده ی ناب نور｜هوا پر شد از بوی مشک و بخور The earth was drenched in pure-bright wine, the air filled with the scents of musk and incense,
فلک دود بست از بخار کباب｜به جرعه زمین مست گشت از شراب The heavens smoke-choked with kebab vapors. The earth grew drunk with gouts of wine.
65
ز بوی گل و نرگس و یاسمین｜زمین شد به سان بهشت برین From the scent of rose, daffodils, and jasmine, the earth became like lofty paradise. همه ساز آن بارگه سیم ناب｜همه دل بر آواز چنگ و رباب All that court’s gear was pure silver, all hearts set on the songs of harp and rebab.
چو از باده ی زرد همچون بهی｜سر سرکشان شد ز دانش تهی When yellow wine, just like beauty, emptied the haughty lords’ heads of wisdom,
هوا پرده بر داشت از روی شرم｜بلندی گرفت آن سخنهای نرم The breeze lifted a veil from the face of shame. Those soft words took flight.
سرافراز برزین به بوراسب گفت｜که اکنون سخنها نباید نهفت The proud Borzin said to Burāsb, “Now there’s no need to conceal speech.
70
همی تا بدیدم بدانم ترا｜به نام و نژادت چه خوانم ترا I must know who you are, your name and your lineage; what should I call you? سزد گر بگویی که این جای چیست｜همین چارپای دلارای کیست It’s fitting if you say what this place is, and whose is this lovely livestock?
که را باشد این کشور و جویبار｜چنین لشکری همچو باغ بهار Whose might this land and stream be, this warband like a spring garden?”
چنین پاسخش داد کای سرفراز｜کنم آشکارا به پیش تو راز The other answered him, “Proud man, I will reveal this secret to you:
چنان دان که این مرز جای منست｜همه دشت پر چارپای منست Know that this borderland is my place. All the plain is full of my livestock.
75
مر این جوی را زنده رودست نام｜من از دیدنش سال و مه شاد کام The name of this stream is the Zandeh-rud.c
Seeing it, I am blissful every month and year. Critical note:
Literally, “Life-Giving River,” this flows from the Zagros Mountains through the city of Esfahān, though in recent years its flow has become drastically reduced through drought and mismanagement.
گیا چون بر آید ز روی زمین｜بیایم من از پارس ایدر چنین When greenery comes up from the earth’s face, I come from Pārs to this very place.
بدین مرغزار آورم چارپای｜چو فربه شود باز گردم به جای To this prairie, I bring the livestock; when they become fat, I go back.
شه پارس باشد یکی نامور｜برادر مرا و ز پشت پدر The king of Pārs is a famous man, my brother, descended from my father.
سرافراز یزدان نام ویست｜جهان سر به سر زیر کام ویست Proud Yazdād is his name. From end to end, the world is subject to his desire.
80
به گاه شمردن دو ره سی هزار｜فزون آیدش لشکر نامدار In the mustering place, more than sixty thousand of his famed warband come to him. میان من و اوست این چارپای｜همه گدایی مرا زین به پای These livestock are shared between me and him; all of my dominion is based on this.
غم آنست کز بهمن اسفندیار｜به تنگی گذارد همی روزگار The tragedy is that thanks to Bahman son of Esfandiyār, he passes his days in anxiety.
همی خواهد از کشورش شاه باژ｜ندانم که گردون چه دارد به راز Bahman keeps seeking royal tribute from his land; I don’t know what secrets the heavens keep.
شب و روز در پیش یزدان به پای｜همی گوید ای دادر پاک رای Night and day before God on his feet, Yazdād keeps saying, ‘Oh Just One of pure judgment,
85
بده برزین ازان بدکنش｜مگردان ز کینه مر او را منش Deliver Borzin from that evildoer; do not turn his spirit back from vengeance. تبه کن تو بر دست این جان اوی｜منه بر جهان پیش فرمان اوی By Borzin’s hands, destroy Bahman’s life; do not deliver the world into his control.’
c
Critical note:
Oppressed by Bahman, Yazdād prays for the king’s rival, Borzin.
کنون آگهی آمد این چند روز｜ز برزین کجا بخت او گشت کوز Now news has come these past few days of Borzin, how his luck went crooked.
تبه گشت بر دست آن دیوزاد｜که نام نژادش به گیتی مباد He was destroyed by that demon-spawn’s hand (may that lineage’s name vanish from the earth!)
دل ما بلرزید از آن درد و غم｜وزین آگهی جان ما شد دژم Our hearts trembled from that pain and sorrow, and from that news our souls grew depressed.
90
دگر باره شنیدم از رهنمای｜که آن پهلوان زنده مانده به جای Later, we heard from a courier that the champion remained alive, somewhere.” بدو گفت کز بهمن آمد سپاه｜سپاهی که بر باد بر بست راه Borzin told him, "An army came from Bahman, an army that blocked the passage of the wind.
ز برزین آزر شکسته شدند｜بسی کشته و زار و خسته شدند They were shattered by Borzin-Āzar; many were killed or hurt or wounded.”
چو بشنید بوراسب از آن شاد شد｜وزان غم روان وی آزاد شد When Burāsb heard this, he became glad, and his spirit became freed from that sorrow.
بدو آفرین کرد و گفت ای جوان｜مرا از غم آزاد کردی روان He praised him, and said, “Young man, you’ve freed my spirit from sorrow.
95
ز غمها روان تو آزاد باد｜دل نیک بختان تو شاد باد May your spirit be free from sorrow. May your fair-fortuned heart be glad!” بدو گفت کاین خیمه ها سر به سر｜که را باشد ای مهتر نامور Borzin said to him, “These tents altogether—whose are they, famous nobleman?
ندانیم کس را بدین پایگاه｜ندارد چنین دستگه هیچ شاه We don’t know anyone in this encampment; no king has such a court!”
بخندید بوراسب گفت ای پسر｜که را باشد این ساز و آیین و کر Burāsb laughed and said, “Son, whose is this gear, these customs and might?
مر این سر کشان را که بینی همی｜به دل مهرشان بر گزینی همی They belong to these proud lords you keep seeing; you’d always pick out love in their hearts.
100
نه خویشند ما را و نه لشکری｜همه با دل خویش درد آوری They aren’t mine, they aren’t my warband—all bring the pain of their own hearts! هزارند فرزند شاهان چین｜ز روم و ز چین و ز ایران زمین They’re a thousand kings’ sons from China; from Byzantium, China, and the land of Iran.
همه یک به یک در پی کام دل｜وزین کام دل باز مانده خجل Each of them searching for his heart’s desire, and by this heart’s desire still confounded.
بدین راه گر دیده ای کودکی｜گرفته ز شیران جنگی یکی On the road here, if you saw a child who’d captured one of those warlike lions,
چنان دان که او مر مرا دختر است｜که هنگام کینه یکی لشکر است Know this: she is my daughter, who in times of violence is worth a whole warband.
105
سر سال شاهان روی زمین｜بیایند خواهندش از من چنین At the year’s start, the kings of the earth will come seeking her from me in this way. هرآنکس که خواهد ز من دخترم｜چنان دان که از رای او نگذرم Anyone who wishes for my daughter from me, know this: I will not overrule her judgment.
دو پیمان نهم پیش او اندرون｜که این هر دو نزدیک باشد به خون I will set forth for him two pledges regarding this, and both of these are linked to blood:
یکی آنک با او نبرد آورد｜سر و خود او زیر گرد آورد One is that he must fight against her, and bring her head and helm down into the dirt.
دو دیگر که دارم سیاهی درشت｜زند بر زمینش به هنگام پشت The second is that I have a gigantic Black man; throw him on his back upon the earth.
110
هر آنکس که آرد به جا این دو کار｜دلش شادمان گردد از روزگار Whoever accomplishes these two things, then and there, fate will turn his heart to gladness.” درین بود کان اژدهای دلیر｜ز پشته در آمد گرفته دو شیر Just then that brave dragon came down from the hills, having captured two lions.
دویدند پیش پرستندگان｜ازو بستدند آن ددان بندگان Servants came running forward; they took those bound beasts from her.
بیامد پریچهره پیش پدر｜زمین را ببوسید و آمد به در The fairy-faced girl came before her father, kissed the earth and came through the door.
دلیران یکایک فرو ماندند｜برو نام یزدان همی خواندند All the brave lords humbled themselves; they kept praising her in God’s name,
115
ز بالا و دیدار و رفتار اوی｜وزان زورمندی و کردار اوی Her stature, her appearance, and her conduct, her mightiness and deeds. همی گفت برزین که ما روز و شب｜ز مردی و نیرو گشاییم لب Borzin kept saying, “Day and night, we will open our lips for her manliness and strength.
شکارش به کردار بانو گشسب｜چنین شیر دل کی نشیند بر اسب Her quarry is like Bānu Goshasp’s, that lion-heart, when she rides upon her horse,
c
Critical note:
Bānu Goshasp is a famed warrior woman, daughter of Rostam (and therefore Borzin’s aunt). In addition to appearing in the Bahmannāma and other poems, she stars as the hero of her own brief epic, the Bānugoshāspnāma.
که بندد به یک ره دو شیر ژیان｜ز گردان ایران و تورانیان Who binds in one course two savage lions from among the heroes of Iran and Turān.”
c
Critical note:
Iran’s traditional rivals, representing the peoples of the Central Asian steppes; from at least the Shāhnāma onward, associated with the Turks and with Chin (China).
چنین گفت بوراسب کای شیر مرد｜که آمد کنون روزگار نبرد Burāsb said this: “Lion man! The time of battle is coming now.”
120
سر سال نو را سه روز است گفت｜شود هر کس امروز جویای جفت He said, “The new year starts in three days; that day, everyone starts searching for a mate.” بدو گفت برزین که ما این سه روز｜بباشم نزد تو ای دلفروز Borzin said to him, “For these three days, I will stay close to you, heart-pleaser.
ببینیم تا آن گل نارون｜هنر چون نماید درین انجمن We will see how that elm blossom demonstrates her skill at this gathering.”
ببودند با رامش و نای ورود｜زبانها پر از پهلوانی سرود They engaged in pleasure and flute-playing, their tongues brimming with heroic songs.
سر سال خوان نو آیین نهاد｜در رامش و شادکامی گشاد For New Year, a new-fashioned banquet was set; the gate of pleasure and delight was opened.
125
چو در دست شادی در غم ببست｜گشادند بر باده ی لعل دست When the hand of joy shut the gate of grief, they opened their hands to ruby wine. دگر روز بوراسب بنهاد تخت｜به دشت اندرون زیر شاخ درخت The next day, Burāsb set out a throne upon the plain, beneath a tree branch.
نهاده برو دستهای مهی｜بگسترده دیبای شاهنشهی Noble thrones were set out before him, imperial brocade was spread out.
نشستند بر تخت پرمایگان｜چو برزین و دیگر گرانمایگان The wise sat upon those thrones, like Borzin, and others of great worth.
منا دیگری در میان بانگ کرد｜که ای نامداران و مردان مرد Another cried out amid the crowd, “Famed ones! Men among men!
130
بدانید که امروز سال نوست｜گه رامش و جشن کیخسروست Know that today is the New Year; it’s the time of pleasure, the festival of Kay Khosrow.c
Critical note:
Kay Khosrow was a just and much-loved king, who reigned before Bahman’s great-grandfather Lohrasp came to the throne.
به میدان شوید و بجویید کام｜میان دلیران بر آرید نام Enter the arena and seek your desire! Exalt your name among the brave.”
سر نامداران بر آمد ز خواب｜گرفته یکایک به میدان شتاب The heads of the famed lords lifted from sleep; each one came rushing to the arena.
چو شد توده میدان از آن سروران｜سپاهی بیامد چو کوه گران When the arena became a mass of those chieftains, the army came like a massive mountain.
داستان زنگی و جنگ کردن او The Tale of the African and His Battling
به روغن بمالیده سر تا به پای｜چو دیوی رمیده ز نام خدای Rubbed with oil from head to foot, like a demon fleeing from the name of God,
135
برهنه سراپای و اندام اوی｜به کشتی به گیتی شده نام اوی His body naked from head to foot, famed throughout the world for wrestling— تو گفتی همی کینه ورزد همی｜زمین زیر پایش بلرزد همی You’d say he always trained himself in violence; the earth trembled beneath his feet.
دو چشمش به کردار دو طاس خون｜بر و یال همچون که بیستون His eyes were like two bowls of blood, his head and shoulders like Mount Bisotun.
c
Critical note:
A peak in the Zagros Mountains, famed for the ancient reliefs carved on it.
به میدان در آمد دمان و دنان｜دل هرکس از هیبت او رمان He entered the arena, hissing and strutting, everyone’s heart fleeing for fear of him.
همانگاه بوراسب آواز داد｜که ای نامداران فرخ نژاد Just then Burāsb shouted out, “Famous lords of glorious lineage!
140
به میدان شوید از پی کام و نام｜که این نام نیکو رساند به کام Enter the arena seeking desire and fame, for sweet fame comes through desire. هر آنکو به کشتی کند دست پیش｜بلای سیه باز دارد ز خویش Whoever sets his hands to wrestling, and keeps from himself a black calamity—
همان دخترم را به گاه نبرد｜ز پشت ستور اندر آرد به گرد Then at the time of battle, casts that daughter of mine from her mount’s back into the dirt.
همانگه بدو بخشمش ناگزیر｜*نه کابین بخواهم نه پیمان شیر Right then, I’ll grant her to him with no evasion; I’ll ask for no dowry, no lion’s pledge.”
ز قهرش بجنبید دلها ز جای｜خرد پیش مهر اندر آورد پای His command made hearts spring from their place; wisdom lagged behind love.
145
یکی جامه بر کند و از جای جست｜بیامد به هم باز زد هر دو دست One stripped off his robe and leaped from his place; he came to grips, struck with both hands. سیه چون چنان دید شد پر ز کین｜میان دو ابرو در آورد چین When the Black man saw this, he became full of violence. A furrow appeared between his brows.
بغرید ماننده‌ی پیل مست｜میان دو پایش برون کرد دست He roared like an elephant in musth. He stuck his arm out between the other’s legs,
در آورد و زد بر زمینش درشت｜سر مهره‌ی وی برون شد ز پشت Threw him and slammed him on the ground; the ends of his vertebrae stuck out from his back.
یکی دیگر آمد بر شرزه زنگ｜به کشتی ندادش زمانی درنگ Another one came against the fierce African; he didn’t give him a moment’s respite in wrestling.
150
بیامد یکی نامدار از میان｜ز تخم بزرگان ایرانیان A famed lord came out from the crowd, from the seed of the Iranian nobility. یکی مشت زد بر میانش سیاه｜به زخمی مر آن نامور شد تباه The Black man smashed a fist against his middle; the famed lord was destroyed by that injury.
چنین تا از آن انجمن مرد بیست｜بیفگند هر کس همی خون گریست So it was until he’d overthrown twenty men from the assembly; each of them kept crying blood.
ز خشمش تخاره بر آمد ز جای｜چو آتش به کشتی وی کرد رای Enraged, Tokhāra sprang from his place. Firelike, he set his mind on wrestling.
بدو گفت بوراسب کای شیر مرد｜به گرد بلا تا توانی مگرد Burāsb said to him, “Lion-man! Don’t orbit around calamity, if you can help it.
155
تو مهمان مایی بدین روزگار｜ترا با نبرد دلیران چه کار These days, you’re our guest; what business do you have, battling with brave men? نباید که زنگی ترا بشکند｜تن نامدارت به خاک افکند It wouldn’t be right for the African to break you, to hurl your famed body in the dust.”
تخاره بدو گفت شاید رواست｜هوا بر دل هر کسی پادشاست Tokhāra said to him, “Maybe that’s right, but passion rules over everyone’s heart.”
چو نزدیک زنگی رسید آن دلیر｜بغرید ماننده‌ی نره شیر When that brave man came near the African, he roared like a male lion;
زبان را به دشنام بگشاد و گفت｜که ای زشت بد گوهر دیو جفت He loosened his tongue with curses, and said, “Ugly man of bad substance, demons’ mate,
160
بدین نامداران گشادی دو دست｜هنر بین هم اکنون تو از پیل مست You’ve unleashed your hands on these famed lords; see now the skills of an elephant in musth!” بر آشفت زنگی ز دشنام اوی｜وزان ناسزا گفتن و کام اوی The African grew enraged from his curses, and from his slanderous speech and will;
به پاسخ نیفزودنی گرم و سرد｜برو همچو دیو دژ آهنگ کرد In answer, without adding to the drama, he acted on him like a demon from the Iron Fortress.
ز کینه بدو اندر آمد درشت｜بر افروخت یال و بر آورد پشت He fell upon him violently, enraged; his great frame bristled, his back stretched.
بزد بر تهیگاه بشکست خرد｜تخاره بیفتاد و گویی بمرد He struck him in the flank, shattered him utterly. Tokhāra fell—you’d say he died!
165
*ز خاکش تنی چند بر داشتند｜به پرده درون خوار بگذاشتند Some lifted the body up from the dust. They brought him, pitiful, into a tent. بخندید برزین ز کردار اوی｜وزان تیزی خام گفتار اوی Borzin laughed at his deeds, and at his sharp, raw speech.
دژم شد ز خندیدنش مرزبان｜بدو گفت کای شیردل پهلوان Marzbān grew enraged at his laugher, and said to him, “Lion-hearted champion,
سزد گر تو نیز آزمایش کنی｜به نیرو هنرها نمایش کنی It would be fitting for you to endeavor also, to forcefully display your skills.
بود کاین سیه را در آری ز پای｜برین ماه پیکر شوی کدخدای Should you throw this Black man off his feet, you’ll become lord of that moon-bodied girl.
170
که تو مایه از تخمه‌ی نیرمی｜نبیره جهان پهلوان رستمی For the seed of Nariman’s your origin; you’re grandson of the World-Champion,c
Rostam. Critical note:
Jahān-pahlavān, an epithet regularly granted to Rostam as the preeminent epic hero.
ترا هست کشتی سرشت و نهاد｜کنون داد باید بدین رزم داد Wrestling’s part of your nature and disposition! Now you must bring a just end to this combat.”
کشتی گرفتن برزین با غلام زنگی Borzin’s Wrestling with the African Youth
بر آشفت برزین کزینسان شنید｜همانگاه جامه ز تن بر کشید Borzin grew enraged when he heard this. Right away he stripped the robe from his body.
چه خواهی همی کرد بوراسب گفت｜که با جان پاکت خرد باد جفت “What are you trying to do?” Burāsb asked. “May wisdom be mated with your pure soul!”
یکی با سیه گفت کشتی کنم｜برو بر یکی پیشدستی کنم “Just once,” Borzin said, “I’ll wrestle with the Black man. Just once, I’ll outmaneuver him.”
175
بدو گفت کای مایهی دین و داد｜نگر تا ازین گفته نیاری تو یاد Burāsb said, “Essence of faith and justice, mind that you don’t have cause to rue this speech. تو بیگانه یی نه بدین آمدی｜نه از بهر پیکار و کین آمدی You’re a stranger here. Don’t come into this! Don’t come for fighting and vengeance!
به ویژه که دیدی هنرهای او｜ندارد کسی بر زمین پای او Especially since you’ve seen his skills—no one on earth has a stance like his!
ازان نامداران سه تن را بکشت｜تن بیست را بر زمین نهد درشت He’s killed three of those famed lords, slammed the bodies of twenty violently against the earth.
چرا کرد باید به دریا شناه｜به ویژه کسی کاو نداند شناه Why should anyone dare to swim the sea, especially someone who doesn’t know how to swim?
180
خرد بر گمار ارتوانی به دل｜که پیشین بود کاروان گاه گل Appoint wisdom to your heart, if you can; for ahead lies the caravansarai of clay.” بدو گفت کای مایهی مردمی｜دلم شد ز پیکار زنگی غمی Borzin said to him, “Essence of manliness, my heart has grown sad from the African’s fighting.
یکی آزمایش کنم با سیاه｜مگر بخت بگشایدم بسته راه I’ll try myself once against the Black man. If fortune’s mine, I might force the blocked path.”
سپهبد چو جامه ز سر بر کشید｜ز پرده درون دختر او را بدید When the commander pulled his robe over his head, the girl saw him from inside her tent:
بدان ناز پرورده اندام اوی｜چنان کش خرامیدن و گام اوی His well-nourished body, that fair striding and step of his.
185
ز مهرش به جان تاب آتش رسید｜دلش پرده ی شرم را بر درید Love for him brought a blazing fire to her heart. Her heart tore the shroud of shame. دلش گشت چون دیده‌ی دردمند｜تن زورمندش تباه و نژند Her heart became like a stricken eye; her mighty body became ruined and undone.
همی گفت با خویشتن کدخدای｜سیه را یکی سست شد دست و پای She kept saying to herself, “Lord, the Black man’s hands and feet have become a bit weak.
مگر گردد او شوی و سالار من｜به گیتی نشاید جز او یار من Perhaps the other will be my husband and master. In this world, only he will be my companion.”
در اندیشه بود آن پریچهره ماه｜که برزین در آمد به تنگ سیاه That fairy-faced moon was in a state of anxiety when Borzin went up against the Black man.
190
بغرید و چون رعد زد هر دو دست｜به گردش بگردید چون پیل مست He roared, and like thunder struck with his two hands; he circled him like an elephant in musth. بترسید زنگی ازان شاخ و یال｜ز سستی شدش پای همچون دوال The African feared his limbs and frame. Weakness made his legs like leather strips.
بزد بر دهانش یکی پشت دست｜دو دندان پیشین او را شکست Borzin backhanded him across the mouth; he broke his two front teeth.
برون کرد دستش میان دو پای｜هنر کرد و بر کند او را ز جای He stuck his hand between the other’s legs, showed his skill, and uprooted him from his place.
به گردن بر آورد و زد بر زمین｜نشست از برش همچو شیر عرین He hoisted him by the neck and hurled him onto the earth, sat on his chest like a lion in its lair.
195
برو هر کسی آفرین خواند نو｜وزان انجمن بانگ بر خواست غو Upon him, everyone called out praises anew. Shouting whoops rose up from that assembly. چو بر داشتند آن سیه را ز خاک｜برو پشت و پهلو همه چاک چاک When they lifted that Black man up from the dust, his back and sides were completely shattered.
بدو گفت بوراسب کای نامدار｜نبردیست مانده ز پیش تو کار Burāsb said to Borzin, “Famous man, there remains ahead of you one battle to wage.
چو هر دو به دستت بر آید همی｜بهانه به گیتی سر آید همی When you have both of them in hand, the conditions will be fulfilled in this world.”
پراکنده گشت آن بزرگ انجمن｜وزانجا به سوی خیمه شد پیلتن That great assembly scattered. The mammoth hero went from there towards his tent.
200
به شادی و رامش گشادند دست｜همه شب شدند از می لعل مست They opened their hands to joy and pleasure. All night, they became drunk on ruby wine. کشتی گرفتن دختر با برزین و انداختن برزین او را The Girl’s Struggle with Borzin and Borzin’s Overthrowing Her
چو طاوس زنگی ز گه بر فروخت｜بر و یال زاغ سیه را بسوخت When the African peacock blazed up from its place, it burned the crows’ wings and feathers.
به میدان شد آن دختر خوبچهر｜سری پر ز کینه دلی پر ز مهر That fair-faced girl entered the arena, head full of violence and heart full of love.
به اسب عقیلی به سان عقاب｜*تن از باد و پای از درنگ و شتاب On a pedigreed horse, like an eagle, body made of wind, feet quick to halt and rush.
سپهبد برابر شدش در زمان｜به سان یکی اژدهای دمان Right then, the commander came against her like a hissing dragon.
205
بر آویختند آن سواران جنگ｜نظاره بران دشت شیر و پلنگ Those battle-knights came to grips, lions and leopards their audience on that plain. چو شد حمله اندر میانشان بسی｜نشد چیره بر هم نبردش کسی When the first attack was done between them, neither one was victorious in battle over the other.
سپهبد بر آشفت بر روزگار｜چو باد اندر آمد ز فرجام کار The commander became enraged against fate; he charged in like the wind to conclude the affair.
یکی نیزه زد بر میانش ز کین｜ز زینش بر آورد و زد بر زمین He struck a lance violently against her belly, threw her from her saddle, and she struck the earth.
ز برزین دل سرکشان شد دژم｜*شد امید هر کس ازان کام کم Borzin frustrated the hearts of the haughty; everyone else’s hopes for that desire grew scant.
210
چو از خاک بر خاست آن دل گسل｜ز پرده برون شد ز میدان خجل When that heart-tearer rose up from the dust, she went in shame from the arena to her tent. به برزین چنین گفت بوراسب راد｜که از رزم کشتی بدادی تو داد The noble Burāsb said this to Borzin: “You put a just end to this battle and wrestling.
کنون دختر من ترا است و بس｜نخواهد رسیدن بدو دست کس Now my daughter is yours, that’s it. No one else’s hand will touch her.
ولیکن زمان ده مرا چند روز｜که گردد به کام تو گیتی فروز But give me some time, a few days, that the world may become bright by your will.
چو فربه شود چارپای و گله｜کنم در در و دشت یکسر یله When the livestock and flocks become fat, I will herd them all together in the vale and plain.
215
از ایدر کشم آنگهی سوی پارس｜بدین از تو دارم فراوان سپاس From here, I will drive then towards Pārs. For this, I’ll be abundantly thankful to you.” بدو گفت برزین که فرمانبرم｜ز رای و ز گفتار تو نگذرم Borzin said to him, “I’m at your service. I won’t transgress your judgment or words.”
ببودند یکچند شادان به دشت｜به رامش شب و روزشان در گذشت They were happy for some time in the plain. Their days and nights passed in pleasure.
بسازید سوری بدان مرز و بوم｜که هرگز نبود اندر آیین روم Burāsb set a feast in that border region, such as there never was in Byzantine custom.
یکی روز بوراسب هنگام بار｜دژم بود دلی خسته روزگار One day at court, Burāsb seemed depressed, his heart wounded by fate.
220
سپهبد به دیدار او شد به گاه｜دژم دید هر چند کردش نگاه The commander, went to the throne to see him; saw him depressed whenever he glanced at him. بر اندوه گواهی دهد روی زرد｜چو زردی نماید همی رنگ مرد A sallow face gives evidence of sorrow, when a man’s color always appears sallow.
بجوشد ز غم زهره‌ی آدمی｜ازیرا بود زرد روی غمی A person’s bile churns from sadness; from this comes a sallow face and sadness.
چو شادی که افزون کند خون چو مل｜ازیرا شود روی همرنگ گل Similarly, happiness increases the wine-like blood; this makes the face the color of roses.
سپهبد بدو گفت کای سرفراز｜چه بودت که اندیشه کردی دراز The commander said to him, “Proud man, what’s going on, that you lengthen your cares?
225
دلت را نگویی که کردست تنگ｜که از من بپوشی همی بی درنگ You won’t speak of what constricts your heart; you conceal it from me ceaselessly.” بدو گفت کای مایهی روزگار｜مپرس این که بر من درازست کار Burāsb said to him, “Essence of fate, don’t ask me this, for my woes have become interminable.
یکی کار پیش آمدستم شگفت｜که با هر کسی باز نتوانش گفت Something has happened to me, a wonder that cannot be repeated to anyone.
دو سالست تا این گیاخوار من｜تباهی فزوده است در کار من For two years, thanks to these grazers of mine, my affairs have turned to measureless ruin.
چو آید بهاران و اردیبهشت｜همه دشت گردد چو خرم بهشت When the springs come, and Ordibehesht,
c
all the plain appears like a blossoming paradise. Critical note:
The second month of the Iranian calendar, corresponding to late April and early May.
230
جهانی به رامش گشایند دست｜مرا با غم و درد باید نشست All people open their hands to pleasure, while I must sit in grief and anguish. بباید مرا دختر آراستن｜به کردار سروی به پیراستن My daughter must be adorned, ornamented like a cypress tree
ز پیرایه‌ای بر تنش زیوری｜به سر بر نهادن ز زر افسری With finery: gems on her body, and a golden tiara set on her head.
برو سوختن مشک چندین به دشت｜که پیرامن وی نشاید گذشت Some musk is burned over her, upon the plain, so that no one might get near her.
فرستاد باید به جای بلند｜نشاندن بر آنجا یکی مستمند She must be sent to a high place and set in that spot for a while, miserable.
235
یکی پاره ابر اندر آید ز کوه｜که از دیدنش دیو گردد ستوه A scrap of cloud descends from the mountain—seeing it, a demon would be terrified— خروشان و آتش ز پیشش جهان｜گهی تیره زد گاه روشن جهان Roaring, with fire darting before it. Then darkness strikes the world’s bright places.
بگیردش و گرد اندر آید چو دود｜شود دختر من سیاه و کبود It takes her and comes swirling like smoke; my daughter becomes black and ashen.
*زمانی بباشد شود ناپدید｜*به گیتی کسی این شگفتی ندید [For a while, she remains invisible; no one in the world has seen such a wonder.]
c
Critical note:
This and subsequent bracketed lines do not appear in the lithograph.
ز آن پس گه گردد ز دختر جدا｜ره کوه گیرد هم اندر هوا Then, when it separates from the girl, it takes its way back to the mountain through the air.
بماند مر آن دخترم مستمند｜دو هفته به خانه تباه و نژند That daughter of mine remains miserable for two weeks at home, ruined and distraught.
زیانش ندیدند از آن سرکشان｜ز مهر خداییش بر وی نشان [Her injury: after that, the proud princes did not see any sign of her maidenhead upon her.]”
240
بدو گفت کای کار دیده هژبر｜گر او را نبخشی بر آن تیره ابر Borzin said to him, “Experienced lion, what if you didn’t give her to that dark cloud? بگو تا زیانی چه آرد ترا｜چه پتیاره پیش آورد مر ترا Speak of the injury that is yours—what does the monster bring upon you?”
چنین داد پاسخ که یکسال پیش｜زحمیت ندادم بدو دخت خویش He answered, “One year ago, in my pride I did not give it my daughter.
ز کوه بلند اندر آتش فروخت｜همه چارپایم سراسر بسوخت From within the high mountain, fire flared, and burned all my livestock completely.
من از هول آن روز ترسیده‌ام｜کزان روز پتیاره را دیده‌ام I am afraid of the terror of that day, for that day I saw the monster.
245
ببینی تو فردا چو آگه شوی｜گر از خویشتن بر سر ره شوی You’ll see tomorrow, for you’ll witness it, if you take yourself along that path.” سپهبد ز گفتار او شد دژم｜فرو ماند و دیگر نزد هیچ دم His words made the commander furious. He felt downcast, and didn’t breathe another breath.
همه شب همی بود اندیشناک｜جهان را چو بزدود خورشید پاک All night, he was beset continually by worry. When the pure sun scrubbed clean the world,
همانگه بپوشید خفتان جنگ｜دلیران او بر کشیدند تنگ Right then he put on his battle-coat. His brave followers drew close around him.
بیامد به دشت اندرون ایستاد｜همی کرد بوراسب گفتار یاد He went to the plain and stood within it, and kept remembering Burāsb’s words.
250
همی گفت با مرزبان و تخار｜که این بس شگفت آمد از روزگار He kept saying to Marzbān and Tokhār, “This is truly a wonder come from fate.” همانگاه دختر بیامد به دشت｜چو سرو خرامان برو بر گذشت Right then the girl came to the plain. Like a striding cypress, she passed by him,
سر افکنده در پیش و گشته دژم｜چو نازنده سروی که گردد به خم Head bowed forward; she’d become depressed, like a proud cypress that’s become bent.
پر از زیورش گردن و دست پای｜پر از گوهرش حلقه مشک سای Her neck and arms and legs covered in gems, her musk-spreading earrings covered in jewels,
فکنده بسی تاب در مشک ناب｜ز چادر دمان بوی مشک و گلاب Abundant curls drenched in pure musk, scents of musk and rosewater exhaling from her veil.
255
بسی خادمان سیه پیش و پس｜پرستنده با وی ز هر گونه کس Many Black servants before and behind her, all sorts of people attending upon her. بماند آن پریچهره بر پهن دشت｜پرستنده یک بارگی باز گشت That fairy-faced girl remained in the broad plain. The attendants all at once drew back from her.
یکی تیره ابری هم اندر زمان｜به زیر آمد از کوه و از آسمان In that very instant, a dark cloud came down from the mountain and from the heavens.
جهان قیرگون شد از آن تیره ابر｜خروشان جوشان و چو جنگی هژبر The world became pitch-black from that dark cloud, which roared and frothed like a warlike lion.
گرفته جهان آتش و دود ازو｜همی هر زمان آتش افزود ازو The world took on its fire and smoke. Always the flames kept spreading from it.
260
کشان دامنش بر زمین پر ز چین｜چو دودی که خیزد ز روی زمین Trailing its twisted robes along the ground, like smoke rising from the face of the earth, خروشان ز کوه اندر آمد به دشت｜زمانی به پیرامن وی گذشت Roaring, it descended from the mountain to the plain. For a moment it passed around her.
*به گرد اندر آمدش مانند دود｜*کزو سیمتن هیچ پیدا نبود [It swept all around her like smoke, so that nothing could be seen of her silver body.]
فقان کرد و بیداد بسیار کرد｜زمانی همی بود با رنج و درد It bellowed, and committed great wrongs; for a time everything was suffering and pain
دگر باره شد بر میان هوا｜بپوشید خورشید فرمانروا Then again it lifted up into the midst of the air, and covered up the sovereign sun.
265
سپهبد همی تاخت زیر اندرش｜تخاره بدو مرزبان همبرش The commander galloped on, directly beneath it, Tokhāra with him, Marzbān right by him. ببرید ازان دشت فرسنگ پنج｜بران کوه رفتند با درد و رنج They cut across five parasangs of that plain; they went to that mountain of pain and suffering.
ز کوه اندر آمد به شیب دره｜همی راند برزین گو یکسره From the mountain, they came into a steep canyon. The hero Borzin kept driving directly on.
ز پس چون نگه کرد کس را ندید｜گران شد عنان و فرو آرمید Then when he looked around, he didn’t see anyone. His reins grew heavy, and he grew still.
چنین گفت برزین بدان هر دو کس｜که از ره چرا باز ماندید پس Borzin called to the two of them, “Why do you stay back along the path?”
270
تخاره بدو گفت ای نیک یار｜گذشتن مجالست ازین کوهسار Tokhāra said to him, “Fair companion, it’s possible to pass into this highland, نکرده ست بازی به جان هوشمند｜نه کس بر تن خویش جوید گزند But a wise man doesn’t gamble away his soul! No one seeks injuries upon his own body!
تو بیهوده در کوه تازی｜همی چه خواهی ازین اسب تازی همی You, galloping foolishly into the mountain, what do you want from your Arabian horse?
من این ابر تیره ندانم که چیست｜در اندیشه زو در گمانم که کیست I don’t know what this dark cloud is. It worries me! I have no idea who it is.
تو فرمان کن و باز گرد و مپای｜بدین باز گشتن بهش بر فزای Give the order! Turn back, and don’t delay. By returning, show greater wisdom.”
275
بدو گفت برزین که تو جای دار｜که من رفت خواهم بدین کوهسار Borzin said to him, “You hold this ground, for I will go into this highland. ببینم که این دیو پتیاره کیست｜چو کار آمد از پیش من چاره چیست I will see who this monstrous demon is. When a mission comes to me, what else can I do?
شما هر دو ایدر بدارید پای｜که گر زنده مانم خود آیم به جای Both of you, hold firm here, for if I remain alive, I myself will return to this place,
وگر مرگ پیش آیدم ناگاهان｜مرا زندگانی سر آرد جهان And if death comes suddenly upon me, this world will have brought my lifetime to an end.
درین کوه فردا بجویید اسب｜فرستید نزدیک بانو گشسب Tomorrow, search for my horse in this mountain; send it on to Bānu Goshasp.”
280
بگفت این و آن هر دو بگریستند｜دو روز اندر آن غم همی زیستند He said this, and those two both cried; they lived for two days in such grief. رفتن برزین آزر به جنگ اژدها Borzin-Āzar Goes to Battle the Dragon
چو برزین فرو رفت از آن برز کوه｜تکاور شد ز کوه خارا ستوه When Borzin went down from that mountaintop, that flint-pillared mountain made him bold.
همی رفت تا شب در آن غارها｜فکنده سپر دید خروارها He kept riding until night through those caverns; he saw heaps of shields scattered about.
سراسر دره دید سرخ و سیاه｜همی کرد برزین بدان بر نگاه He saw the vale completely red and black. Borzin kept gazing at it.
همی گفت کاندر چنین جای تنگ｜دو لشکر همانا که کرده ست جنگ He kept saying, “In this narrow place, it seems two armies have done battle.”
285
در آن ریگها چون نگه کرد ژرف｜همانا چنان اژدها بود جرف When he looked deep into that rubble, it seemed to be that dragon’s castings. به گاه بهاران تنش ریخته｜ز هر سو به خاک اندر آمیخته In the springtime, its body sloughed off, mixed with the dust in all directions.
بترسید برزین از آن هول جای｜همی بود تنها و در پیش پای Borzin grew scared of that terror-place. He was still alone, his foot set forward.
درین بود کز کوه ژرف اژدها｜بغرید کرد آتش از دم رها At that moment from the mountain depths, the dragon roared and shot fire from its breath.
هوا تیره گون گشت از کام او｜زمین رفت در زیر اندام او Its maw darkened the air. The earth vanished beneath its bulk,
290
دهانش به مانند غاری فراخ｜چو الماس بر سر مر او را دو شاخ Its mouth like a gaping cavern, two horns like diamonds on its head, دو چشمش به کردار دو طاس خون｜سرش همچنان چون که بیستون Its two eyes like two bowls of blood, its head exactly like Mount Bisotun.
ز سر تا به دم بود صد گز فزون｜دل شیر ار دیدن او زبون From head to tail, it was more than a hundred yards. The lion’s heart would weaken, seeing it.
چون برزین چنان دید یک نعره کرد｜چنان چون دلیران به گاه نبرد When Borzin saw it, he let out a cry, just as brave warriors do on the day of battle.
چو آواز برزینش آمد به گوش｜به مغز اندرش تیزتر گشت هوش When Borzin’s voice reached its ears, its mind grew harsher within its brain.
295
در آمد روان از سر کوهسار｜کمان را بمالید مرد سوار It came rushing down from the highland heights. The cavalier grasped his bow. بپیوست بر شصت تیر خدنگ｜چو دید اژدها اندر آمد به تنگ He hooked the poplar arrow above his thumb-ring, when he saw that dragon draw near.
چو با چرخ سوفار شدست بار｜بجست اژدها را دو دیده سوار When the nock was set firm on the arc, the cavalier sought the dragon’s two eyes.
چو بگشاد شصت آن یل نامدار｜به چشمش زد آن تیر الماس دار When that famous hero slipped his thumb-ring, that diamond-bearing arrow struck its eye.
چو انداخت بر دیده آمدش راست｜ز درد اژدها خویش را کرد راست When he shot, it landed right in its eye; from pain, the dragon straightened itself out.
300
خدنگ دگر باره پیوند کرد｜چنان جانور را چنین بند کرد He nocked another poplar-shaft, in order to subdue that creature. زدش بر دگر دیده و کرد کور｜همی زان روز خمش ز تن رفت زور He struck it in the other eye and made it blind. From the pain in its eyes, strength left its body.
یکی اژدها بر کشید از نیام｜که تازی همی خواند او را حسام He drew another dragon from his sheathe, what the Arabs usually call a “scimitar”—
بغرید ماننده پیل مست｜به یک زخم از تن سرش کرد پست [...]
c
Critical note:
This line (“He roared like an elephant in musth; with one blow, he made its head droop from its body”) seems extraneous; it appears to narrate the same action as the subsequent line while breaking the syntactic connection to the “scimitar.”
خورش دادش از خون و خونخوار رفت｜همانگه سرش را ز تن بر گرفت He fed it with blood and it became bloodthirsty. With one blow, he struck its head from its body.
فرود آمد و چشمه‌ی آب جست｜به آب اندر آمد سر و تن بشست He dismounted and sought a spring of water. He came into the water, washed his head and body,
305
وز آنجا بیامد به جای نماز｜همی گفت کای پاک دانای راز And from there came to a praying place. He kept saying, “Pure Knower of Secrets, تو دادی مر این بنده را دسترس｜تو باشی به هر جای فریاد رس To this slave you gave assistance. In every place, you rush to the cries of the distressed.”
وز آنجا سر اژدها بر گرفت｜به نزدیک یاران ره اندر گرفت And from there he took up the dragon’s head, and took the path towards his companions.
بینداخت سر پیش آن سرکشان｜که سر باشد از تن به هر جا نشان He threw the head down before those haughty lords, for everywhere the head signifies the body.
تخاره چو آن دید و دندان اوی｜بسی آفرین کرد بر جان اوی When Tokhāra saw that, and its teeth, he heaped plenty of praise upon his soul.
310
همی گفت مردی همین است و بس｜ندیدیم از اینسان دلیری ز کس He kept saying, “This is manliness, that’s it! We’ve never seen bravery like this from anyone!” چو نزدیک بوراسب رفتند باز｜بینداخت سر پیش آن سر فراز When they went back to Burāsb, he threw the head down before that proud lord.
بترسید سخت آن یل از اژدها｜*بشد از دلش هوش گفتی رها That hero feared the dragon terribly; you’d say consciousness fled from his heart.
بمالید بر خاک پیشش جبین｜بسی خواند بر جان او آفرین He rubbed his forehead in the dust before him, and heaped plenty of praise upon his soul.
همی گفت از این سان هنر کس نکرد｜که کردی تو امروز ای شیر مرد He kept saying, “No one has shown such skill as you’ve done today, lion-man!
315
همانگه از تخمه‌ی نیرمی｜که با زور سام و دل رستمی Surely you’re of Nariman’s seed, since you have Sām’s strength and Rostam’s heart.” به مژده سواری سوی شاه پارس｜بیامد نزدیک نیکی شناس A horseman came bearing the good news to the King of Pārs, to that one versed in goodness:
که از دشمن ما بر آمد هلاک｜به دست سواری هنرمند پاک “Destruction has come upon our enemy, at the hands of a skillful, pure cavalier,
که رویش ز خورشید تابانتر است｜خردش از هنرها فراوانتر است Whose face is more radiant than the sun, whose wisdom is even more abundant than his skills.
پس از مژده اینک بیاییم زود｜بگوییم یکایک ترا هر چه بود Following this good news. We’ll come quickly; we’ll tell you of everything, as it happened.”
320
سه روز اندر آن دشت کرد او درنگ｜گله نزد خویش اندر آورد تنگ Three days he tarried in that plain, brought the herds close in around him. چهارم روزگاه بر خاست نای｜به اسب اندر آورد بوراسب پای On the fourth day, flutes sounded. Burāsb mounted up on his horse.
سوی پارس رفتند یکسر به هم｜ز دل دور کرده همه رنج و غم Towards Pārs they went all together, casting suffering and grief far from their hearts.
برادر پذیره شدش با سپاه｜سپاهی که گردش رسیدی به ماه His brother greeted him with his army, an army whose mustering had taken a month.
به شهر اندر آورد و بردش به کاخ｜به باغ دلارای و جای فراخ He escorted them through the city to the palace, to a heart-pleasing garden and an open place.
325
شب آمد بگفت آن همه سر گذشت｜ز برزین و کشتی زنگی و دشت Night came. Burāsb told all that had happened, Borzin and the African’s wrestling and the plain, وز آن ابر کان اژدها گشته بود｜که برزین یل کشت او را چو دود And that cloud that turned into that dragon, which the hero Borzin killed like mere vapor.
از آن شادمان شد دل شاه پارس｜همی داشت زیشان فراوان سپاس The King of Pārs’s heart grew glad from that; he gave abundant thanks to them.
سرافراز بوراسب و یزداد باز｜یکی هفته کردند در شهر ساز The proud Burāsb and the falcon Yazdād made a week-long feast in that city.
فراوان بکشتند اسب و گله｜بسی گاو و آن گوسفندان یله They killed many horses and herds, many cows and those sheep from the flocks.
330
یکی سور کردند آن سرکشان｜که هرگز ندارد کس آزانشان Those proud lords made a banquet, for never has anyone had wealth like them. هوا یکسر از مشک بد پر ز بوی｜نشایست مردم گذشتن به کوی The air was completely full of the scent of musk; people couldn’t pass through the alleyways.
جوانان و پیران همه شاد و مست｜گرفته همه دسته‌ی گل به دست Young and old, all glad and drunk, all taking bouquets of flowers in hand.
چنان بود بازار و کوی از نثار｜که زر و درم گشت چون خاک خوار Such wealth was scattered in markets and alleys, that gold and dirhams became despised as dust.
تو گفتی که چرخ بلند از برش｜ستاره فشاند همی بر سرش You’d say that high heaven rained stars from its breast down upon his head.
Critical Notes
Translation
Line number 31
Critical note: Throughout this tale, the poet uses the architectural vocabulary of a settled court to describe the nomadic domain of Burāsb.
Translation
Line number 42
Critical note: Rumi, “Roman,” a generic term for the West; in Irānshāh’s day, it referred particularly to the Byzantine Empire.
Translation
Line number 75
Critical note: Literally, “Life-Giving River,” this flows from the Zagros Mountains through the city of Esfahān, though in recent years its flow has become drastically reduced through drought and mismanagement.
Translation
Line number 86
Critical note: Oppressed by Bahman, Yazdād prays for the king’s rival, Borzin.
Translation
Line number 117
Critical note: Bānu Goshasp is a famed warrior woman, daughter of Rostam (and therefore Borzin’s aunt). In addition to appearing in the Bahmannāma and other poems, she stars as the hero of her own brief epic, the Bānugoshāspnāma.
Translation
Line number 118
Critical note: Iran’s traditional rivals, representing the peoples of the Central Asian steppes; from at least the Shāhnāma onward, associated with the Turks and with Chin (China).
Translation
Line number 130
Critical note: Kay Khosrow was a just and much-loved king, who reigned before Bahman’s great-grandfather Lohrasp came to the throne.
Translation
Line number 137
Critical note: A peak in the Zagros Mountains, famed for the ancient reliefs carved on it.
Translation
Line number 170
Critical note: Jahān-pahlavān, an epithet regularly granted to Rostam as the preeminent epic hero.
Translation
Line number 229
Critical note: The second month of the Iranian calendar, corresponding to late April and early May.
Translation
Line number 237a
Critical note: This and subsequent bracketed lines do not appear in the lithograph.
Translation
Line number 302b
Critical note: This line (“He roared like an elephant in musth; with one blow, he made its head droop from its body”) seems extraneous; it appears to narrate the same action as the subsequent line while breaking the syntactic connection to the “scimitar.”
Sorry, but there are no notes associated with any currently displayed witness.