Having learned of the intellect and radiant splendour of Queen Qeydafeh, ruler of Andalus, Alexander the Great summoned his master royal scribe to draft a letter upon fine silk. The epistle commenced with solemn devotion to the Almighty, Creator of the sun and moon, who bestows glory and power upon those he deems worthy. Alexander declared that he sought no cruel war, yet commanded the Queen to submit, render royal tribute, and choose wisdom over defiance—warning her to ponder the ruinous ends of Darius of Persia and King Porus of India, lest fortune turn its devastating wheel upon her kingdom as well. Sealed with sweet-scented musk, the letter was entrusted to a swift courier who rode like the wind.
Upon receiving and reading the conqueror's ultimatum, Queen Qeydafeh was astounded by his arrogance, yet her royal heart remained untroubled by fear. Opening her response with praises to the Divine who spread the foundations of the earth, she wrote with piercing dignity. She reminded Alexander that his triumphs over Porus and Darius did not render him invincible, nor did it entitle him to demand tribute from a sovereign whose light burned brighter than theirs. She revealed the staggering magnitude of her empire, recounting millions of warriors led by noble chieftains, boundless royal treasuries, and a domain so vast that her assembled hosts could cover the earth. Denouncing his empty boasts, Qeydafeh proudly declared that no Caesar would ever bend her will, nor would any threat shake her throne. Sealing her unyielding response with golden wax, she dispatched her messenger back to the conqueror's camp.
#1
سکندر چو بشنید از یادگیر
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بفرمود تا پیش او شد دبیر
“When Alexander heard the scout's account, he commanded the royal scribe to appear before him.”
#2
نوشتند پس نامه‌ای بر حریر
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ز شیراوژن اسکندر شهرگیر
“They wrote a letter upon fine silk, sent from Alexander, the lion-vanquishing conqueror of realms.”
#3
به نزدیک قیدافهٔ هوشمند
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شده نام او در بزرگی بلند
“Addressed to the wise Qeydafeh, whose name had risen high in majestic renown.”
#4
نخست آفرین خداوند مهر
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فروزندهٔ ماه و گردان سپهر
“It began with praise to the Lord of Sun and Compassion, the illuminator of the moon and the turning heavens.”
#5
خداوند بخشنده داد و راست
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فزونی کسی را دهد کش سزاست
“The merciful Lord of justice and truth, who grants abundance to whoever is deserving.”
#6
به تندی نجستیم رزم ترا
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گراینده گشتیم بزم ترا
“We did not seek war against you in wrath; rather, we inclined toward your peaceful fellowship.”
#7
چو این نامه آرند نزدیک تو
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درخشان شود رای تاریک تو
“When they deliver this letter unto you, your dark mind will become brightened with clarity.”
#8
فرستی به فرمان ما باژ و ساو
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بدانی که با ما ترا نیست تاو
“Send tribute and taxes under our command, and know that you possess no strength to withstand us.”
#9
خردمندی و پیش‌بینی کنی
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توانایی و پاک دینی کنی
“Act with wisdom and foresight; demonstrate power rooted in pure faith.”
#10
وگر هیچ تاب اندر آری به کار
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نبینی جز از گردش روزگار
“Yet if you choose defiance and resistance, you shall see nothing but the cruel turning of fate.”
#11
چو اندازه گیری ز دارا و فور
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خود آموزگارت نباید ز دور
“If you take measure of Darius and Porus, you will need no teacher from afar.”
#12
چو از باد عنوان او گشت خشک
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نهادند مهری بروبر ز مشک
“When the heading dried in the wind, they sealed the letter with fragrant musk.”
#13
بیامد هیون تگاور به راه
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به فرمان آن نامبردار شاه
“The swift camel rider set out upon the road by order of that renowned king.”
#14
چو قیدافه آن نامهٔ او بخواند
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ز گفتار او در شگفتی بماند
“When Qeydafeh read his letter, she was filled with astonishment at his arrogant words.”
#15
به پاسخ نخست آفرین گسترید
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بدان دادگر کو زمین گسترید
“In reply, she first offered praise to that Just Creator who spread out the earth.”
#16
ترا کرد پیروز بر فور هند
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به دارا و بر نامداران سند
“He granted you victory over Porus of India, over Darius, and over the noble lords of Sindh.”
#17
مرا با چو ایشان برابر نهی
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به سر بر ز پیروزه افسر نهی
“Yet you equate me with them, placing a turquoise crown of pride upon your head!”
#18
مرا زان فزونست فر و مهی
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همان لشکر و گنج شاهنشهی
“My divine glory and royal greatness, as well as my army and imperial treasury, are far greater than that...”
#19
که من قیصران را به فرمان شوم
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بترسم ز تهدید و پیچان شوم
“...that I should become subject to the command of Caesars, or tremble and recoil at their threats!”
#20
هزاران هزارم فزون لشکرست
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که بر هر سری شهریاری سرست
“I possess more than millions of soldiers, over every unit of which stands a crowned ruler.”
#21
وگر خوانم از هر سوی زیردست
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نماند برین بوم جای نشست
“And if I summon my vassals from every direction, there would remain no room to sit in this land.”
#22
یکی گنج در پیش هر مهتری
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چو آید ازین مرز با لشکری
“A treasure stands ready before each chieftain whenever they march from this border with an army.”
#23
تو چندین چه رانی زبان بر گزاف
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ز دارا شدستی خداوند لاف
“Why do you let your tongue run in idle boasts? Because of Darius's fall, you have become a master of brag!”
#24
بران نامه بر مهر زرین نهاد
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هیونی برافگند بر سان باد
“She affixed a golden seal upon that letter, and dispatched a swift camel rider like the wind.”