When the golden banner of the sun unfolded over the crests of the mountains and dissipated the purple veil of night, Iskandar stepped into the presence of Queen Qaydafeh. The royal hall was cleared of all strangers so that the Roman envoy might deliver his word. Iskandar stepped forward and swore a most solemn oath by the holy faith of the Messiah, by the Great Cross, the sacred girdle, the deacon, and the Holy Spirit: never would his armies look with greed upon the soil of Andalus, nor would he bring harm upon the Queen's valiant sons, treating her court with the reverence due to a holy shrine.
Observing the single-hearted truth of his pledge, Qaydafeh gathered her nobles, wise counsellors, and her two beloved sons. She addressed them on the vanity of bloodshed in this transient world: 'Iskandar's thirst for treasure is unquenchable, yet all the gold beneath the heavens is not worth the anguish of war. It is my counsel that we offer him gifts fit for a king and wise words of peace.' The elders of Andalus acclaimed her unmatched wisdom, agreeing that reconciliation far surpassed the folly of vengeance.
Queen Qaydafeh then unlocked her ancient treasuries. She brought forth a father's crown whose radiant gems surpassed all valuation, a magnificent throne built of seventy intricate segments with legs carved in the likeness of dragon heads, four hundred royal rubies deep as pomegranate seeds, emeralds gleaming like rainbows, forty camel-loads of treasure, hundreds of Barbary leopard skins, spotted deer hides, hunting hounds, buffaloes, and a hundred armored steeds alongside thousands of Indian blades and helmets. All these she entrusted to the envoy to present to Iskandar.
At break of day, Iskandar set out toward his main encampment, accompanied by Prince Taynush. Reaching a lush, stream-fed grove near the camp, Iskandar bade Taynush rest while he went ahead into his royal pavilion. His army, having feared him lost, erupted in triumphant acclamations upon his return. Iskandar donned his imperial robes and crown, then ordered a thousand heavy Roman horsemen armed with bull-headed maces to encircle the grove.
Iskandar's voice thundered through the trees, asking Taynush whether he sought battle or flight. Taynush trembled in utter bewilderment, invoking the solemn oath that the Roman envoy had sworn to his mother Qaydafeh. At that moment, Iskandar smiled and revealed the magnificent truth: he himself was the king who had stood in her hall! Taking Taynush by the hand, Iskandar hosted a sumptuous royal banquet, bestowed rich robes and golden gifts upon his retinue, and sent him home with tidings of everlasting friendship and devotion for Queen Qaydafeh.
#1
همی چاره جست آن شب دیریاز
✦
چو خورشید بنمود چینی طراز
“He sought a remedy through that lingering night, until the sun displayed its Chinese silk adornment.”
#2
برافراخت از کوه زرین درفش
✦
نگونسار شد پرنیانی بنفش
“It raised its golden banner from the mountain, and the purple silk of night was turned upside down.”
#3
سکندر بیامد به نزدیک شاه
✦
پرستنده برخاست از بارگاه
“Iskandar came before the monarch, and the court attendants rose from the hall.”
#4
به رسمی که بودش فرود آورید
✦
جهانجوی پیش سپهبد چمید
“She brought him down according to custom, and the world-conqueror strutted before the commander.”
#5
ز بیگانه ایوان بپرداختند
✦
فرستاده را پیش او تاختند
“They cleared the palace of strangers, and brought the envoy into her presence.”
#6
چو قیدافه را دید بر تخت گفت
✦
که با رای تو مشتری باد جفت
“When he saw Qaydafeh upon the throne, he said: 'May Jupiter be matched with your wise counsel!'”
#7
بدین مسیحا به فرمان راست
✦
بد ارنده کو بر زبانم گواست
“'By the true faith of the Messiah, by the Almighty who bears witness on my tongue,'”
#8
به اَبرون و دین و صلیب بزرگ
✦
به جان و سر شهریار سترگ
“'By Aprun, the faith, and the Great Cross, by the soul and head of the mighty monarch,'”
#9
به زنار و شماس و روح‌القدس
✦
کزین پس مرا خاک در اندلس
“'By the girdle, the deacon, and the Holy Spirit, henceforth my dust shall not fall on Andalus.'”
#10
نبیند نه لشکر فرستم به جنگ
✦
نیامیزم از هر دری نیز رنگ
“'Neither shall it see my army nor will I send troops to battle, nor mix any deceit into this matter.'”
#11
نه با پاک فرزند تو بد کنم
✦
نه فرمان دهم نیز و نه خود کنم
“'I shall do no evil to your pure children, nor command it, nor do it myself.'”
#12
به جان یاد دارم وفای ترا
✦
نجویم به چیزی جفای ترا
“'I hold your loyalty dear to my soul, and I shall seek no injury toward you.'”
#13
برادر بود نیک‌خواهت مرا
✦
به جای صلیب است گاهت مرا
“'Your brother shall be a well-wisher to me, and your throne shall be to me in place of the Holy Cross.'”
#14
نگه کرد قیدافه سوگند اوی
✦
یگانه دل و راست پیوند اوی
“Qaydafeh looked upon his oath, seeing his unified heart and truthful bond.”
#15
همه کاخ کرسی زرین نهاد
✦
به پیش اندر آرایش چین نهاد
“She arranged golden chairs throughout the palace, and placed Chinese decorations before them.”
#16
بزرگان و نیک‌اختران را بخواند
✦
یکایک بر آن کرسی زر نشاند
“She summoned the nobles and the fortunate ones, seating them one by one upon those golden chairs.”
#17
ازان پس گرامی دو فرزند را
✦
بیاورد خویشان و پیوند را
“Thereafter she brought her two beloved sons, alongside her kinsmen and allies.”
#18
چنین گفت کاندر سرای سپنج
✦
سزد گر نباشیم چندین به رنج
“Thus she spoke: 'In this transient abode, it is not fitting that we endure such grief.'”
#19
نباید کزین گردش روزگار
✦
مرا بهره کین آید و کارزار
“'It should not be that from the turning of fate my share becomes revenge and war.'”
#20
سکندر نخواهد شد از گنج سیر
✦
وگر آسمان اندر آرد به زیر
“'Iskandar will never grow satiated with treasure, even if he brings down the heavens.'”
#21
همی رنج ما جوید از بهر گنج
✦
همه گنج گیتی نیرزد به رنج
“'He seeks our trouble for the sake of treasure, but all the treasure of the world is not worth such pain.'”
#22
برآنم که با او نسازیم جنگ
✦
نه بر پادشاهی کنم کار تنگ
“'I am resolved not to wage war against him, nor to make matters narrow for my kingdom.'”
#23
یکی پاسخ پندمندش دهیم
✦
سرش برفرازیم و پندش دهیم
“'We shall give him a wise and advisory answer; we shall exalt his head and offer him counsel.'”
#24
اگر جنگ جوید پس از پند من
✦
به بیند پس از پند من بند من
“'If he seeks battle after my counsel, he shall then experience my chains after my words.'”
#25
ازان سان شوم پیش او با سپاه
✦
که بخشایش آرد برو چرخ و ماه
“'I shall march against him with an army such that the wheel of heaven and moon will pity him.'”
#26
ازین ازمایش ندارد زیان
✦
بماند مگر دوستی در میان
“'There is no harm in this trial; perhaps friendship will remain between us.'”
#27
چه گویید و این را چه پاسخ دهید
✦
مرا اندرین رای فرخ نهید
“'What do you say, and what answer do you give to this? Approve this auspicious judgment of mine.'”
#28
همه مهتران سر برافراختند
✦
همی پاسخ پادشا ساختند
“All the chieftains raised their heads and prepared the response for the sovereign.”
#29
بگفتند کای سرور داد و راد
✦
ندارد کسی چون تو مهتر به یاد
“They said: 'O leader of justice and generosity, no one remembers a chieftain such as you!'”
#30
نگویی مگر آنک بهتر بود
✦
خنک شهرکش چون تو مهتر بود
“'You speak only that which is best; blessed is the realm that has a leader like you.'”
#31
اگر دوست گردد ترا پادشا
✦
چه خواهد جزین مردم پارسا
“'If the king becomes your friend, what else could these righteous people desire?'”
#32
نه آسیب آید بدین گنج تو
✦
نیرزد همه گنجها رنج تو
“'No injury shall come upon your treasury; all treasures are not worth your grief.'”
#33
چو اسکندری کو بیاید ز روم
✦
به شمشیر دریا کند روی بوم
“'As for Iskandar who comes from Rome, turning the face of the earth into sea with his sword,'”
#34
همی از درت بازگردد به چیز
✦
همه چیز دنیی نیرزد پشیز
“'He will turn back from your door with riches; all the things of this world are not worth a copper.'”
#35
جز از آشتی ما نبینیم روی
✦
نه والا بود مردم کینه‌جوی
“'We see no path but peace; a vengeful person is never noble.'”
#36
چو بشنید گفتار آن بخردان
✦
پسندیده و پاک‌دل موبدان
“When she heard the words of those wise ones, the approved and pure-hearted mobads,”
#37
در گنج بگشاد و تاج پدر
✦
بیاورد با یاره و طوق زر
“She opened the treasury door and brought out her father's crown, along with armlets and a golden collar.”
#38
یکی تاج بد کاندران شهر و مرز
✦
کسی گوهرش را ندانست ارز
“It was a crown such that in that city and realm, no one could appraise its gems.”
#39
فرستاده را گفت کین بی‌بهاست
✦
هرانکس که دارد جزو نارواست
“She said to the envoy: 'This is priceless; whoever possesses it besides him holds it unlawfully.'”
#40
به تاج مهان چون سزا دیدمش
✦
ز فرزند پرمایه بگزیدمش
“'Since I deemed it fit for the crown of the great, I chose it out of my precious offspring/wealth.'”
#41
یکی تخت بودش به هفتاد لخت
✦
ببستی گشایندهٔ نیک‌بخت
“She had a throne made of seventy pieces, constructed by a fortunate master craftsperson.”
#42
به پیکر یک اندر دگر بافته
✦
به چاره سر شوشها تافته
“Woven one into another in figures, its bar ends artfully twisted.”
#43
سر پایها چون سر اژدها
✦
ندانست کس گوهرش را بها
“The tips of its legs were shaped like dragon heads; no one knew the price of its jewels.”
#44
ازو چارصد گوهر شاهوار
✦
همان سرخ یاقوت بد زین شمار
“Upon it were four hundred royal gems, and the red ruby was numbered among them.”
#45
دو بودی به مثقال هر یک به سنگ
✦
چو یک دانهٔ نار بودی به رنگ
“There were two weighing two mithqals each, colored like a single pomegranate seed.”
#46
زمرد برو چار صد پاره بود
✦
به سبزی چو قوس قزح نابسود
“Set upon it were four hundred pieces of emerald, as untarnished in greenness as the rainbow itself.”
#47
گشاده شتر بار بودی چهل
✦
زنی بود چون موج دریا به دل
“Forty camels carried opened loads; she was a woman whose heart rolled like the waves of the sea.”
#48
دگر چار صد تای دندان پیل
✦
چه دندان درازیش بد میل میل
“Furthermore, four hundred elephant tusks were brought, so long that each seemed to measure leagues in length.”
#49
پلنگی که خوانی همی بربری
✦
ازان چار صد پوست بد بر سری
“Four hundred pelts of the Barbary leopard were stacked, each laid neatly one upon another.”
#50
ز چرم گوزن ملمع هزار
✦
همه رنگ و بیرنگ او پر نگار
“A thousand hides of dappled deer were presented, rich with patterns, dyed and natural alike.”
#51
دگر صد سگ و یوز نخچیر گیر
✦
که آهو ورا پیش دیدی ز تیر
“A hundred hunting dogs and cheetahs were added, who could overtake a gazelle faster than a flying arrow.”
#52
بیاورد زان پس دوصد گاومیش
✦
پرستندهٔ او همی راند پیش
“Next were brought two hundred buffaloes, driven forward by her attending servants.”
#53
ز دیبای خز چارصد تخته نیز
✦
همان تختها کرده از چوب شیز
“Four hundred bolts of silk and beaver-fur cloth were brought, along with thrones crafted from ebony wood.”
#54
دگر چار صد تخته از عود تر
✦
که مهر اندرو گیرد و رنگ زر
“Another four hundred logs of fresh aloe-wood, fragrant enough to take a seal and glowing like gold.”
#55
صد اسپ گرانمایه آراسته
✦
ز میدان ببردند با خواسته
“A hundred prized horses, richly caparisoned, were led forth from the field along with all the treasures.”
#56
همان تیغ هندی و رومی هزار
✦
بفرمود با جوشن کارزار
“She ordered a thousand swords of Indian and Roman steel to be prepared, along with coats of battle mail.”
#57
همان خود و مغفر هزار و دویست
✦
به گنجور فرمود کاکنون مه‌ایست
“Also twelve hundred helmets and mail-coifs; she commanded her treasurer, 'Delay not a moment now!'”
#58
همه پاک بر بیطقون برشمار
✦
بگویش که شبگیر برساز کار
“'Count them all out clearly for Bitqoun, and tell him to prepare the journey at dawn.'”
#59
سپیده چو برزد ز بالا درفش
✦
چو کافور شد روی چرخ بنفش
“When dawn unfurled its banner on high, and the violet sky turned pale as camphor,”
#60
زمین تازه شد کوه چون سندروس
✦
ز درگاه برخاست آوای کوس
“The earth revived, the mountains shone like ambergris, and the sound of war-drums resounded from the court.”
#61
سکندر به اسپ اندر آورد پای
✦
به دستوری بازگشتن به جای
“Alexander set his foot into the stirrup, having obtained leave to return to his place.”
#62
چو طینوش جنگی سپه برنشاند
✦
از ایوان به درگاه قیدافه راند
“As warlike Taynush mounted his troops, he rode from the palace to the court of Qaydafa.”
#63
به قیدافه گفتند پدرود باش
✦
به جان تازهٔ چرخ را پود باش
“They bade Qaydafa farewell, saying, 'May you live long with a renewed soul, serving as the warp of the sky!'”
#64
برین گونه منزل به منزل سپاه
✦
همی راند تا پیش آن رزمگاه
“Thus stage by stage the army rode onward, until they reached the edge of that battlefield,”
#65
که لشکرگه نامور شاه بود
✦
سکندر که با بخت همراه بود
“Where lay the encampment of the renowned king, Alexander, he whose fortune was ever his companion.”
#66
سکندر بران بیشه بنهاد رخت
✦
که آب روان بود و جای درخت
“Alexander pitched his camp in a grove filled with running waters and shady trees.”
#67
به طینوش گفت ایدر آرام گیر
✦
چو آسوده گردی می و جام گیر
“He said to Taynush, 'Rest here awhile; when you are refreshed, partake of wine and the cup.'”
#68
شوم هرچ گفتم به جای آورم
✦
ز هر گونه پاکیزه رای آورم
“'I shall go to fulfill all that I promised, and bring forth pure counsel of every kind.'”
#69
سکندر بیامد به پرده سرای
✦
سپاهش برفتند یک سر ز جای
“Alexander entered his royal pavilion, while all his host rose up from their places.”
#70
ز شادی خروشیدن آراستند
✦
کلاه کیانی بپیراستند
“In their joy they raised clamorous shouts, and adorned his royal crown anew.”
#71
که نومید بد لشکر نامجوی
✦
که دانست کش باز بینند روی
“For the fame-seeking army had lost hope; who could have known they would look upon his face again?”
#72
سپه با زبانها پر از آفرین
✦
یکایک نهادند سر بر زمین
“With tongues full of praise, the soldiers one by one bowed their heads down to the earth.”
#73
ز لشکر گزین کرد پس شهریار
✦
ازان نامداران رومی هزار
“Then the monarch chose from his army a thousand renowned Roman warriors.”
#74
زره‌دار با گُرزهٔ گاوروی
✦
برفتند گردان پرخاشجوی
“Clad in armor and bearing bull-headed maces, those aggressive champions advanced.”
#75
همه گرد بر گرد آن بیشه مرد
✦
کشیدند صف با سلیح نبرد
“All around that grove, armed warriors drew up in battle lines with weapons ready.”
#76
سکندر خروشید کای مرد تیز
✦
همی جنگ رای آیدت گر گریز
“Alexander roared out: 'O bold man! Do you now desire battle, or flight?'”
#77
بلرزید طینوش بر جای خویش
✦
پشیمان شد از دانش و رای خویش
“Taynush trembled where he stood, regretting his own judgment and wisdom.”
#78
بدو گفت کای شاه برترمنش
✦
ستایش گزینی به از سرزنش
“He said to him: 'O high-minded King! Choosing praise is far better than choosing reproach.'”
#79
چنان هم که با خویش من قیدروش
✦
بزرگی کن و راستی را بکوش
“'Just as you did with my kinsman Qaydrus, act with magnanimity and strive for truth.'”
#80
نه این بود پیمانت با مادرم
✦
نگفتی که از راستی نگذرم؟
“'Was this not your covenant with my mother? Did you not say that you would never swerve from truth?'”
#81
سکندر بدو گفت کای شهریار
✦
چرا سست گشتی بدین مایه کار
“Alexander said to him, "O prince, why have you lost heart over a matter such as this?"”
#82
ز من ایمنی بیم در دل مدار
✦
نیازارد از من کسی زان تبار
“"You are safe with me, harbour no fear in your heart; no one of your lineage shall suffer harm from me."”
#83
نگردم ز پیمان قیدافه من
✦
نه نیکو بود شاه پیمان‌شکن
“"I will not break my pledge to Qaydafah, for it ill becomes a sovereign to violate his covenant."”
#84
پیاده شد از باره طینوش زود
✦
زمین را ببوسید و زاری نمود
“Taynush swiftly dismounted from his steed, kissed the ground, and wept in gratitude.”
#85
جهاندار بگرفت دستش به دست
✦
بدان گونه کو گفت پیمان ببست
“The world-ruler took him by the hand and sealed the pact just as he had promised.”
#86
بدو گفت مندیش و رامش گزین
✦
من از تو ندارم به دل هیچ کین
“He said to him, "Trouble yourself no more, but choose delight; I harbor no malice toward you in my heart."”
#87
چو مادرت بر تخت زرین نشست
✦
من اندر نهادم به دست تو دست
“"When your mother sat upon the golden throne, I placed your hand within mine."”
#88
بگفتم که من دست شاه زمین
✦
به دست تو اندر نهم هم‌چنین
“"I pledged then that I would place the hand of the lord of the world into your hand in just this way."”
#89
همان روز پیمان من شد تمام
✦
نه خوب آید از شاه گفتار خام
“"On that very day my vow was fulfilled; raw and unconsidered speech does not suit a king."”
#90
سکندر منم وان زمان من بدم
✦
به خوبی بسی داستانها زدم
“"I am Alexander, and I was that envoy back then; full well did I weave many tales."”
#91
همان روز قیدافه آگاه بود
✦
که اندر کفت پنجهٔ شاه بود
“"Even on that day Qaydafah knew full well that in your palm rested the hand of the monarch."”
#92
پرستنده را گفت قیصر که تخت
✦
بیارای زیر گلفشان درخت
“The Caesar then commanded his servants: "Prepare a royal throne beneath the flower-scattering tree."”
#93
بفرمود تا خوان بیاراستند
✦
نوازندهٔ رود و می خواستند
“He ordered a lavish banquet to be spread, and called for players of the lute and for wine.”
#94
بفرمود تا خلعت خسروی
✦
ز رومی و چینی و از پهلوی
“He bade royal robes of honor to be brought forth, woven of Roman, Chinese, and Parthian fabrics.”
#95
ببخشید یارانش را سیم و زر
✦
کرا در خور آمد کلاه و کمر
“He bestowed silver and gold upon his companions, and gave crowns and belts of honor to all who merited them.”
#96
به طینوش فرمود کایدر مه‌ایست
✦
که این بیشه دورست راه تو نیست
“He said to Taynush, "Tarry no longer here, for this forest is far away and not your rightful place."”
#97
به قیدافه گوی ای هشیوار زن
✦
جهاندار و بینادل و رای‌زن
“"Say to Qaydafah: 'O wise woman, ruler of the world, enlightened of heart, and sagacious counselor!'"”
#98
بدارم وفای تو تا زنده‌ام
✦
روان را به مهر تو آگنده‌ام
“"'I shall remain faithful to your covenant as long as I live; I have filled my soul with your affection.'"”