#1
جهانجوی ده نامور برگزید
✦
ز مردان رومی چنانچون سزید
“The world-conqueror chose ten renowned men from among the Romans, as was fitting.”
#2
که بودند یکسر هم‌آواز اوی
✦
نگه داشتندی همه راز اوی
“Who were all of one mind with him, and kept all his secrets faithfully.”
#3
چنین گفت کاکنون به راه اندرون
✦
مخوانید ما را جز از بیقطون
“He said, 'Now along the way, call me by no name other than Bitqun.'”
#4
همی رفت پیش اندرون قیدروش
✦
سکندر سپرده بدو چشم و گوش
“Qeydarush rode ahead, while Iskandar entrusted his eyes and ears to his lead.”
#5
چو آتش همی راند مهتر ستور
✦
به کوهی رسیدند سنگش بلور
“The ruler drove his steed like fire until they arrived at a mountain whose stones were pure crystal.”
#6
بدودر ز هرگونه‌ای میوه‌دار
✦
فراوان گیا بود بر کوهسار
“Upon it grew all kinds of fruit-bearing trees, and abundant herbs covered the mountain slopes.”
#7
برفتند زانگونه پویان به راه
✦
برآن بوم و بر کاندرو بود شاه
“Thus they rode swiftly along the road into the realm where the Queen held sway.”
#8
چو قیدافه آگه شد از قیدروش
✦
ز بهر پسر پهن بگشاد گوش
“When Qeydafeh received news of Qeydarush, she listened intently for her son's arrival.”
#9
پذیره شدش با سپاهی گران
✦
همه نامداران و نیک اختران
“She went forth to welcome him with a vast army, all noble commanders and auspicious champions.”
#10
پسر نیز چون مادرش را بدید
✦
پیاده شد و آفرین گسترید
“When the son saw his mother, he dismounted and poured forth blessings upon her.”
#11
بفرمود قیدافه تا برنشست
✦
همی راند و دستش گرفته به دست
“Qeydafeh bade him remount, and rode beside him, holding his hand in hers.”
#12
بدو قیدروش آنچ دید و شنید
✦
همی گفت و رنگ رخش ناپدید
“Qeydarush recounted to her all he had seen and heard, the color fading from his face.”
#13
که بر شهر فریان چه آمد ز رنج
✦
نماند افسر و تخت و لشکر نه گنج
“Telling how suffering had befallen the city of Fariyan, leaving no crown, throne, army, or treasure behind.”
#14
مرا این که آمد همی با عروس
✦
رها کرد ز اسکندر فیلقوس
“'And how Iskandar, son of Philip, set me free along with the bride who accompanies me.'”
#15
وگرنه بفرمود تا گردنم
✦
زنند و به آتش بسوزد تنم
“'Otherwise, he had commanded that my head be struck off and my body burned in fire.'”
#16
کنون هرچ باید به خوبی بکن
✦
برو هیچ مشکن بخواهش سخن
“'Now treat his envoy with all goodness, and do not break your word or refuse his request.'”
#17
چو بشنید قیدافه این از پسر
✦
دلش گشت زان درد زیر و زبر
“When Qeydafeh heard this from her son, her heart was turned upside down with grief and dismay.”
#18
از ایوان فرستاده را پیش خواند
✦
به تخت گرانمایگان برنشاند
“She summoned the envoy to her palace and seated him upon a noble throne.”
#19
فراوان بپرسید و بنواختش
✦
یکی مایه‌ور جایگه ساختش
“She inquired after him warmly, showed him great favor, and provided him a splendid residence.”
#20
فرستاد هرگونه‌ای خوردنی
✦
ز پوشیدنی هم ز گستردنی
“She sent him all kinds of delicacies, fine garments, and luxurious carpets.”
#21
بشد آن شب و بامداد پگاه
✦
به پرسش بیامد به درگاه شاه
“That night passed, and at early dawn, Iskandar came to the royal court to pay his respects.”
#22
پرستندگان پرده برداشتند
✦
بر اسپش ز درگاه بگذاشتند
“The attendants raised the curtains and led him through the gateway on his horse.”
#23
چو قیدافه را دید بر تخت عاج
✦
ز یاقوت و پیروزه بر سرش تاج
“When he beheld Qeydafeh seated upon an ivory throne, wearing a crown of rubies and turquoise,”
#24
ز زربفت پوشیده چینی قبای
✦
فراوان پرستنده گردش به پای
“Clad in a Chinese robe woven with gold, surrounded by numerous servants standing at her feet,”
#25
رخ شاه تابان به کردار هور
✦
نشستن گهش را ستونها بلور
“The Queen's face shining like the sun, and the pillars of her throne room made of crystal,”
#26
زبر پوششی جزع بسته به زر
✦
برو بافته دانه‌های گهر
“Overhead hung a canopy of onyx set in gold, woven through with precious jewels,”
#27
پرستنده با طوق و با گوشوار
✦
به پای اندر آن گلشن زرنگار
“Attendants wearing golden collars and earrings standing in that gold-embellished garden hall,”
#28
سکندر بدان درشگفتی بماند
✦
فراوان نهان نام یزدان بخواند
“Iskandar stood in utter astonishment and secretly invoked the name of God repeatedly.”
#29
نشستن گهی دید مهتر که نیز
✦
نیامد ورا روم و ایران به چیز
“The king beheld a royal seat such that neither Rome nor Iran seemed worth anything in comparison.”
#30
بر مهتر آمد زمین داد بوس
✦
چنانچون بود مردم چاپلوس
“He approached the Queen and kissed the ground, acting just like a flattering courtier.”
#31
ورا دید قیدافه بنواختش
✦
بپرسید بسیار و بنشاختش
“Qeydafeh saw him, welcomed him warmly, inquired after him at length, and seated him honorably.”
#32
چو خورشید تابان ز گنبد بگشت
✦
گه بار بیگانه اندر گذشت
“When the radiant sun turned from the dome of heaven and the time for public audience passed,”
#33
بفرمود تا خوان بیاراستند
✦
پرستندهٔ رود و می خواستند
“She ordered a royal banquet to be prepared and called for musicians and wine-bearers.”
#34
نهادند یک خانه خوانهای ساج
✦
همه پیکرش زر و کوکبش عاج
“They set up teakwood tables across the hall, all inlaid with gold and decorated with ivory stars.”
#35
خورشهای بسیار آورده شد
✦
می آورد و چون خوردنی خورده شد
“Abundant dishes were brought out, and after the feast, wine was served.”
#36
طبقهای زرین و سیمین نهاد
✦
نخستین ز قیدافه کردند یاد
“Golden and silver trays were placed, and first of all, they toasted Queen Qeydafeh.”
#37
به می خوردن اندر گرانمایه شاه
✦
فزون کرد سوی سکندر نگاه
“As they drank wine, the noble Queen gazed ever more closely at Iskandar.”
#38
به گنجور گفت آن درخشان حریر
✦
نوشته برو صورت دلپذیر
“She said to her treasurer, 'Bring forth that lustrous silk cloth whereupon that splendid portrait is drawn.'”
#39
به پیش من آور چنان هم که هست
✦
به تندی برو هیچ مبسای دست
“'Bring it before me exactly as it is, without touching it roughly or hastily.'”
#40
بیاورد گنجور و بنهاد پیش
✦
چو دیدش نگه کرد ز اندازه بیش
“The treasurer brought it and placed it before her; when she looked upon it, she examined it intently.”
#41
بدانست قیدافه کو قیصرست
✦
بران لشکر نامور مهترست
“Qeydafeh realized that this man was Caesar himself, the supreme ruler of that famous army.”
#42
فرستاده‌ای کرده از خویشتن
✦
دلیر آمدست اندرین انجمن
“That he had disguised himself as his own envoy and boldly entered this assembly.”
#43
بدو گفت کای مرد گسترده کام
✦
بگو تا سکندر چه دادت پیام
“She said to him, 'O man of ambitious heart! Tell me, what message did Iskandar entrust to you?'”
#44
چنین داد پاسخ که شاه جهان
✦
سخن گفت با من میان مهان
“He replied, 'The King of the World spoke to me among his noble chiefs,'”
#45
که قیدافهٔ پاکدل را بگوی
✦
که جز راستی در زمانه مجوی
“'Tell pure-hearted Qeydafeh to seek nothing but truth and righteousness in this world.'”
#46
نگر سر نپیچی ز فرمان من
✦
نگه دار بیدار پیمان من
“Take care not to turn your head from my command, and keep vigilant watch over your covenant with me.”
#47
وگر هیچ تاب اندر آری به دل
✦
بیارم یکی لشکری دل گسل
“And if you harbour any twist of defiance in your heart, I shall bring forth a heart-rending, crushing army against you.”
#48
نشان هنرهای تو یافتم
✦
به جنگ آمدن تیز نشتافتم
“I have learned of your virtues and noble talents, hence I did not rush headlong to wage war upon you.”
#49
خردمندی و شرم نزدیک تست
✦
جهان ایمن از رای باریک تست
“Wisdom and modesty reside with you; the world finds safety in your subtle and profound judgment.”
#50
کنون گر نتابی سر از باژ و ساو
✦
بدانی که با ما نداری تو تاو
“Now, if you do not withhold tribute and tax, you shall acknowledge that you possess no strength to withstand us.”
#51
نبینی به جز خوبی و راستی
✦
چو پیچی سر از کژی و کاستی
“You shall witness naught but goodness and righteousness, so long as you turn away from deceit and flaw.”
#52
برآشفت قیدافه چون این شنید
✦
بجز خامشی چارهٔ آن ندید
“Qeydafe grew enraged upon hearing these words, yet she saw no remedy save silence.”
#53
بدو گفت کاکنون ره خانه گیر
✦
بیاسای با مردم دلپذیر
“She said to him, 'Now take the road to your lodging, and rest amongst pleasant companions.'”
#54
چو فردا بیایی تو پاسخ دهم
✦
به بر گشتنت رای فرخ نهم
“'When you return tomorrow, I shall give my reply, and bestow my blessed sanction upon your return.'”
#55
سکندر بیامد سوی خان خویش
✦
همه شب همی ساخت درمان خویش
“Alexander retired to his quarters, spending the entire night pondering a remedy for his plight.”
#56
چو بر زد سر از کوه روشن چراغ
✦
چو دیبا فروزنده شد دشت و راغ
“When the radiant lamp of dawn peered over the mountains, the plains and meadows shone bright like silk.”
#57
سکندر بیامد بران بارگاه
✦
دو لب پر ز خنده دل از غم تباه
“Alexander approached the royal court, his lips parted in laughter while his heart was consumed by secret dread.”
#58
فرستاده را دید سالار بار
✦
بپرسید و بردش بر شهریار
“The master of ceremonies saw the envoy; he greeted him courteously and escorted him before the monarch.”
#59
همه کاخ او پر ز بیگانه بود
✦
نشستن بلورین یکی خانه بود
“Her palace was filled with retainers from foreign lands; her council chamber was a magnificent hall of crystal.”
#60
عقیق و زبرجد بروبر نگار
✦
میان اندرون گوهر شاهوار
“Adorned with carnelian and emeralds, at its heart glistened royal pearls of supreme beauty.”
#61
زمینش همه صندل و چوب عود
✦
ز جزع و ز پیروزه او را عمود
“Its floor was made of sandalwood and aloeswood, while pillars of onyx and turquoise supported the hall.”
#62
سکندر فروماند زان جایگاه
✦
ازان فر و اورنگ و آن دستگاه
“Alexander stood spellbound before that majesty—awestruck by her glory, throne, and royal splendor.”
#63
همی گفت کاینت سرای نشست
✦
نبیند چنین جای یزدان پرست
“He murmured to himself, 'What a wondrous dwelling! Surely no worshipper of God has ever beheld such a place.'”
#64
خرامان بیامد به نزدیک شاه
✦
نهادند زرین یکی زیرگاه
“He walked gracefully towards the queen, and they set down a seat of gold for him.”
#65
بدو گفت قیدافه ای بیطقون
✦
چرا خیره ماندی به جزع اندرون
“Qeydafe spoke to him: 'O Bitqun! Why do you stand staring in bewilderment at these onyx columns?'”
#66
همانا که چونین نباشد به روم
✦
که آسیمه گشتی بدین مایه بوم
“'Surely such splendour does not exist in Rome, that you are so dazed by this noble realm.'”
#67
سکندر بدو گفت کای شهریار
✦
تو این خانه را خوارمایه مدار
“Alexander replied to her, 'O Sovereign, do not hold this grand hall in low esteem!'”
#68
ز ایوان شاهان سرش برترست
✦
که ایوان تو معدن گوهرست
“'Its pinnacle towers far above the palaces of kings, for your high hall is indeed a mine of jewels.'”
#69
بخندید قیدافه از کار اوی
✦
دلش گشت خرم به بازار اوی
“Qeydafe smiled at his demeanor, her heart delighted by his clever discourse.”
#70
ازان پس بدر کرد کسهای خویش
✦
فرستاده را تنگ بنشاند پیش
“Thereupon she dismissed her attendants, and seated the messenger right beside her in close converse.”
#71
بدو گفت کای زادهٔ فیلقوس
✦
همت بزم و رزمست و هم نعم و بوس
“She said to him: 'O son of Philip! Yours are both banquet and battle, as well as bounty and royal favor.'”
#72
سکندر ز گفتار او گشت زرد
✦
روان پر ز درد و رخان لاژورد
“At her words, Alexander turned pale; his soul filled with agony and his face turned to lapis hue.”
#73
بدو گفت کای مهتر پرخرد
✦
چنین گفتن از تو نه اندر خورد
“He said to her: 'O wise and noble ruler! Such words are ill-suited to come from you.'”
#74
منم بیطقون کدخدای جهان
✦
چنین تخمهٔ فیلقوسم مخوان
“'I am Bitqun, a steward of the ruler of the world; call me not of Philip's royal blood!'”
#75
سپاسم ز یزدان پروردگار
✦
که با من نبد مهتری نامدار
“'I render thanks to God the Creator that no renowned chieftain accompanied me here,'”
#76
که بردی به شاه جهان آگهی
✦
تنم را ز جان زود کردی تهی
“'Lest he carry word to the King of the World, who would swiftly deprive my body of its life.'”
#77
بدو گفت قیدافه کز داوری
✦
لبت را بپرداز کاسکندری
“Qeydafe said to him: 'Cease your disputations and clear your lips, for you are indeed Alexander!'”
#78
اگر چهرهٔ خویش بینی به چشم
✦
ز چاره بیاسای و منمای خشم
“'If you behold your own countenance with your own eyes, refrain from artifice and show no anger.'”
#79
بیاورد و بنهاد پیشش حریر
✦
نوشته برو صورت دلپذیر
“She brought forth and placed before him a silk cloth, upon which his delightful portrait was painted.”
#80
که گر هیچ جنبش بدی در نگار
✦
نبودی جز اسکندر شهریار
“So perfect was the likeness that, had there been life and motion in the portrait, it would be none other than King Alexander himself.”
#81
سکندر چو دید آن بخایید لب
✦
برو تیره شد روز چون تیره شب
“When Sekandar saw this, he bit his lip in grief; his bright day turned as dark as a murky night.”
#82
چنین گفت بی‌خنجری در نهان
✦
مبادا که باشد کس اندر جهان
“He whispered to himself in secret: 'May no man in this world ever find himself unarmed!'”
#83
بدو گفت قیدافه گر خنجرت
✦
حمایل بدی پیش من بر برت
“Qeydafeh said to him: 'Even if thy dagger were strapped across thy chest before me,'”
#84
نه نیروت بودی نه شمشیر تیز
✦
نه جای نبرد و نه راه گریز
“'Thou wouldst have neither strength nor sharp sword, nor place for battle nor path to flee.'”
#85
سکندر بدو گفت هر کز مهان
✦
به مردی بود خواستار جهان
“Sekandar said to her: 'Whoever among the great seeks to conquer the world through valor,'”
#86
نباید که پیچد ز راه گزند
✦
که بد دل به گیتی نگردد بلند
“'Must not shrink from the path of danger, for the faint-hearted shall never attain greatness in the world.'”
#87
اگر با منستی سلیحم کنون
✦
همه خانه گشتی چو دریای خون
“'Had my weapons been with me now, this entire palace would have turned into a sea of blood.'”
#88
ترا کشتمی گر جگرگاه خویش
✦
بدریدمی پیش بدخواه خویش
“'I would have slain thee, or torn open my own heart before my enemy!'”