Having marched his triumphant host onward from Milad, Alexander set his course toward the kingdom of Kannauj, leaving his heavy treasuries behind. As his grand army drew near the borders of Fur, the monarch ordered a letter penned—a missive filled with fire, stern warnings, and warlike fury. Thus began the scroll: 'From Shahanshah Alexander, son of Philip—brightener of victory's blaze and master of bounty—to Fur of India, sovereign of Sind and arrayer of vast armies. First, praise be to the Eternal Creator, who exalts whom He wills and brings low those who fall from His grace.' The letter spoke of the fleeting nature of earthly thrones, urging that a good name be sought above all shame, before issuing a terrifying ultimatum: King Fur must cast aside dark pride, dismount his lofty throne, eschew consultation with his priests, and hasten to tender his submission. Should he dare disobey, an army swift and destructive as roaring flame would consume his lands, leaving him to wallow in bitter regret. Sealed with the royal signet, the scroll was entrusted to an eloquent envoy versed in both diplomacy and warcraft. Upon arriving at the radiant court of the proud Indian king, the envoy was granted audience, and Fur received him with solemn dignity, seating the messenger beside his imperial throne.
#1
ز میلاد چون باد لشکر براند
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به قنوج شد گنجش آنجا بماند
“Swift as the wind, he drove his host from Milad, advancing to Kannauj while leaving his treasures behind.”
#2
چو آورد لشکر به نزدیک فور
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یکی نامه فرمود پر جنگ و شور
“When he brought his army close to Fur, he ordered a letter written, brimful of war and fervor.”
#3
ز شاهنشه اسکندر فیلقوس
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فروزندهٔ آتش و نعم و بوس
“"From the King of Kings, Alexander son of Philip, brightener of the fire, dispenser of bounties and honors—”
#4
سوی فور هندی سپهدار هند
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بلند اختر و لشکر آرای سند
“To Fur the Indian, lord of India, high-starred ruler and arrayer of the hosts of Sind.”
#5
سر نامه کرد آفرین خدای
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کجا بود و باشد همیشه به جای
“The letter opened with praise of God, who ever was and ever shall remain.”
#6
کسی را که او کرد پیروزبخت
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بماند بدو کشور و تاج و تخت
“Whomever God grants a victorious destiny, the crown, throne, and realm shall endure in his grasp.”
#7
گرش خوار گیرد بماند نژند
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نتابد برو آفتاب بلند
“But if God humbles a man, he is left sorrowful, and the radiant sun shall shine upon him no more.”
#8
شنیدی همانا که یزدان پاک
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چه دادست ما را بدین تیره خاک
“You have surely heard what the Pure God has bestowed upon us in this dark world of dust:”
#9
ز پیروزی و بخت وز فرهی
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ز دیهیم وز تخت شاهنشهی
“Of victory, good fortune, divine glory (farr), the imperial diadem, and the royal throne.”
#10
نماند همی روز ما بگذرد
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کسی دیگر آید کزو بر خورد
“Yet our days do not endure, for life passes away, and another shall come to reap its fruits.”
#11
همی نام کوشم که ماند نه ننگ
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بدین مرکز ماه و پرگار تنگ
“Therefore I strive for a glorious name to abide rather than shame, in this narrow compass beneath the moon.”
#12
چو این نامه آرند نزدیک تو
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بی‌آزار کن رای تاریک تو
“When they bring this missive before you, purge your dark mind of malice and pride.”
#13
ز تخت بلندی به اسپ اندر آی
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مزن رای با موبد و رهنمای
“Dismount from your high throne, mount your horse, and consult neither priest nor counselor.”
#14
ز ما ایمنی خواه و چاره مساز
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که بر چاره‌گر کار گردد دراز
“Seek safety and pardon from us, and plot no schemes; for the schemer's path grows long and full of woe.”
#15
ز فرمان اگر یک زمان بگذری
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بلندی گزینی و کنداوری
“If for even a moment you disobey my command, choosing pride and arrogant bravery,”
#16
بیارم چو آتش سپاهی گران
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گزیده دلیران کنداوران
“I shall bring a massive army swift as raging fire, filled with chosen warriors and brave champions.”
#17
چو من باسواران بیایم به جنگ
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پشیمانی آید ترا زین درنگ
“When I arrive at the head of my horsemen to do battle, you will wallow in regret for this delay."”
#18
چو زین باره گفتارها سخته شد
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نویسنده از نامه پردخته شد
“When these weightly words were thoroughly weighed and uttered, the scribe completed the royal letter.”
#19
نهادند مهر سکندر به روی
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بجستند پیدا یکی نامجوی
“They affixed Alexander's signet upon it, and sought out a renowned and noble ambassador.”
#20
فرستاده شاهش به نزدیک فور
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گهی رزم گفتی گهی بزم و سور
“The king dispatched him to Fur—an envoy skilled in speaking both of battle and of royal banquets.”
#21
فرستاده آمد به درگه فراز
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بگفتند با فور گردن فراز
“The envoy arrived at the royal gate, and his arrival was announced to the proud and lofty Fur.”
#22
جهاندیده را پیش او خواندند
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بر تخت نزدیک بنشاندند
“They summoned the experienced traveler before the king, and seated him close beside the throne.”