#1
سکندر بیامد دلی همچو کوه
✦
رها گشته از شاه دانش پژوه
“Alexander arrived with a heart steadfast as a mountain, having set forth as the envoy of the wisdom-seeking king.”
#2
نبودش ز قیدافه چین در بروی
✦
نبرداشت هرگز دل از آرزوی
“He displayed no furrow of anxiety before Qeydafeh, nor did he ever abandon his grand ambitions.”
#3
ببود آن شب و بامداد پگاه
✦
ز ایوان بیامد به نزدیک شاه
“He passed that night, and early at dawn, he proceeded from the hall into the presence of the Queen.”
#4
سپهدار در خان پیل‌استه بود
✦
همه گرد بر گرد او رسته بود
“The commander Qeydafeh sat in a throne-room of carved ivory, with her retainers arrayed all around her.”
#5
سر خانه را پیکر از جزع و زر
✦
به زر اندرون چند گونه گهر
“The ceiling of the hall was inlaid with onyx and gold, encrusted with many kinds of precious gems.”
#6
به پیش اندرون دستهٔ مشک بوی
✦
دو فرزند بایسته در پیش اوی
“Before her stood vessels of fragrant musk, while her two worthy sons stood in her presence.”
#7
چو طینوش اسپ‌افگن و قیدروش
✦
نهاده به گفتار قیدافه گوش
“Taynush the horse-throwing champion and Qeydarus, both listening attentively to Qeydafeh's words.”
#8
به مادر چنین گفت کهتر پسر
✦
که ای شاه نیک اختر و دادگر
“The younger son spoke thus to his mother: 'O Queen of fortunate star and practitioner of justice!'”
#9
چنان کن که از پیش تو بیطقون
✦
شود شاد و خشنود با رهنمون
“'Act so that Bitqun departs from your presence joyful and content, provided with a safe guide,'”
#10
به ره بر کسی تا نیازاردش
✦
ور از دشمنان نیز نشماردش
“'So that no one on the road might cause him harm, nor consider him among adversaries.'”
#11
که زنده کن پاک جان من اوست
✦
برآنم که روشن روان من اوست
“'For he is the preserver of my pure soul; I hold that my luminous spirit owes its life to him.'”
#12
بدو گفت مادر که ایدون کنم
✦
که او را بزرگی بر افزون کنم
“His mother answered him: 'So shall I do, and I will bestow even greater grandeur upon him.'”
#13
به اسکندر نامور شاه گفت
✦
که پیدا کن اکنون نهان از نهفت
“Then the Queen spoke to the renowned Alexander: 'Now reveal what is hidden in secrecy!'”
#14
چه خواهی و رای سکندر به چیست
✦
چه رانی تو از شاه و دستور کیست
“'What do you seek, what is Alexander's intent, what message do you deliver from that king, and who is his counselor?'”
#15
سکندر بدو گفت کای سرفراز
✦
به نزد تو شد بودن من دراز
“Alexander said to her: 'O exalted Queen, my stay in your presence has been prolonged.'”
#16
مرا گفت رو باژ مرزش بخواه
✦
وگر دیر مانی بیارم سپاه
“'He commanded me: Go and demand tribute from her realm; if you delay, I shall bring forth my armies.'”
#17
نمانم بدو کشور و تاج و تخت
✦
نه زور و نه شاهی نه گنج و نه بخت
“'I will leave her neither realm, nor crown, nor throne—neither power, sovereignty, treasure, nor fortune!'”