#1
چو نزدیکی نرم‌پایان رسید
✦
نگه کرد و مردم بی‌اندازه دید
“When he drew near to the soft-footed folk, he looked and beheld an unnumbered host of people.”
#2
نه اسپ و نه جوشن نه تیغ و نه گرز
✦
ازان هر یکی چون یکی سرو برز
“They possessed neither horse nor armor, nor sword nor mace; yet each of them stood tall like a lofty cypress tree.”
#3
چو رعد خروشان برآمد غریو
✦
برهنه سپاهی به کردار دیو
“A roar arose like thunderous clamor from a naked army akin to demons.”
#4
یکی سنگ‌باران بکردند سخت
✦
چو باد خزان برزند بر درخت
“They unleashed a heavy shower of stones, as autumn winds lash against the trees.”
#5
به تیر و به تیغ اندر آمد سپاه
✦
تو گفتی که شد روز روشن سیاه
“Iskandar's host charged forth with arrow and blade, until the bright day seemed turned to pitch black.”
#6
چو از نرم‌پایان فراوان بماند
✦
سکندر برآسود و لشکر براند
“When a vast number of the soft-footed were left slain, Iskandar rested briefly and marched his army onward.”
#7
بشد تازیان تا به شهری رسید
✦
که آن را کران و میانه ندید
“He rode swiftly onward until he reached a city so vast its boundaries and center could not be discerned.”
#8
به آیین همه پیش باز آمدند
✦
گشاده‌دل و بی‌نیاز آمدند
“According to custom, the inhabitants came out to welcome him, happy at heart and free of need.”
#9
ببردند هرگونه گستردنی
✦
ز پوشیدنیها و از خوردنی
“They brought forth all kinds of carpets, fine garments, and plentiful provisions.”
#10
سکندر بپرسید و بنواختشان
✦
براندازه بر پایگه ساختشان
“Iskandar inquired after them and showed them favor, granting them rank according to their stature.”
#11
کشیدند بر دشت پرده‌سرای
✦
سپاهش نجست اندر آن شهر جای
“They pitched pavilions across the plain, for his army sought no lodging within the city itself.”
#12
سر اندر ستاره یکی کوه دید
✦
تو گفتی که گردون بخواهد کشید
“Before them towered a mountain whose peak pierced the stars, as if it wished to pull down the celestial sphere.”
#13
بران کوه مردم بدی اندکی
✦
شب تیره زیشان نماندی یکی
“Few people dwelt upon that mountain, and on dark nights not a single one remained there.”
#14
بپرسید ازیشان سکندر که راه
✦
کدامست و چون راند باید سپاه
“Iskandar asked them, "Which is the path, and how ought the army to be led across?"”
#15
همه یکسره خواندند آفرین
✦
که ای نامور شهریار زمین
“All of them raised their voices in praise, saying: "O renowned monarch of the earth!"”
#16
به رفتن برین کوه بودی گذر
✦
اگر برگذشتی برو راه‌بر
“"The passage lies over this mountain, if only a guide could cross over it in safety."”
#17
یکی اژدهایست زان روی کوه
✦
که مرغ آید از رنج زهرش ستوه
“"For beyond the mountain dwells a dragon, whose venomous plight afflicts even the birds of the air."”
#18
نیارد گذشتن بروبر سپاه
✦
همی دود زهرش برآید به ماه
“"No army dares pass by it, as the smoke of its deadly venom rises up to the moon."”
#19
همی آتش افروزد از کام اوی
✦
دو گیسو بود پیل را دام اوی
“"Fire blazes from its maw, and its twin whiskers form a snare capable of entangling an elephant."”
#20
همه شهر با او نداریم تاو
✦
خورش بایدش هر شبی پنج گاو
“"The whole city lacks the strength to resist it; every night it must be fed five oxen."”
#21
بجوییم و بر کوه خارا بریم
✦
پر اندیشه و پر مدارا بریم
“"We seek out the cattle and carry them up the flinty mountain, filled with dread and deep anxiety."”
#22
بدان تا نیاید بدین روی کوه
✦
نینجامد از ما گروها گروه
“"So that it may not cross over to this side of the mountain and slaughter us group by group."”
#23
بفرمود سالار دیهیم جوی
✦
که آن روز ندهند چیزی بدوی
“The crown-seeking leader commanded that on that day they should give nothing to the dragon.”
#24
چو گاه خورش درگذشت اژدها
✦
بیامد چو آتش بران تند جا
“When its feeding time passed, the dragon rushed forth like fire onto that steep place.”
#25
سکندر بفرمود تا لشکرش
✦
یکی تیرباران کنند ازبرش
“Iskandar ordered his army to rain down a volley of arrows upon it from above.”
#26
بزد یک دم آن اژدهای پلید
✦
تنی چند ازیشان به دم درکشید
“The foul dragon exhaled a single breath, drawing several of his men into its maw with its power.”
#27
بفرمود اسکندر فیلقوس
✦
تبیره به زخم آوریدند و کوس
“Iskandar, son of Philip, commanded the war-drums and kettledrums to be beaten loudly.”
#28
همان بی‌کران آتش افروختند
✦
به هرجای مشعل همی سوختند
“Likewise, they kindled countless fires and lit torches everywhere.”
#29
چو کوه از تبیره پرآواز گشت
✦
بترسید ازان اژدها بازگشت
“When the mountain resounded with drumbeats, the dragon was terrified and retreated.”
#30
چو خورشید برزد سر از برج گاو
✦
ز گلزاربرخاست بانگ چکاو
“As the sun rose in the constellation of Taurus and the lark sang from the flowering field,”
#31
چو آن اژدها را خورش بود گاه
✦
ز مردان لشکر گزین کرد شاه
“When it came time for the dragon to be fed, the king selected brave warriors from his army.”
#32
درم داد سالار چندی ز گنج
✦
بیاورد با خویشتن گاو پنج
“The leader bestowed silver coin from his treasury and brought five oxen with him.”
#33
بکشت و ز سرشان برآهخت پوست
✦
بدان جادوی داده دل مرد دوست
“He slaughtered them and stripped the hides from their heads, committing his heart to a cunning stratagem.”
#34
بیاگند چرمش به زهر و به نفت
✦
سوی اژدها روی بنهاد تفت
“He stuffed the hides with poison and naphtha, then swiftly set out toward the dragon.”
#35
مران چرمها را پر از باد کرد
✦
ز دادار نیکی دهش یاد کرد
“He inflated those hides with air and remembered the benevolent Creator.”
#36
بفرمود تا پوست برداشتند
✦
همی دست بر دست بگذاشتند
“He commanded them to strip off the hide, while all stood wringing their hands in utter marvel.”
#37
چو نزدیکی اژدها رفت شاه
✦
بسان یکی ابر دیدش سپاه
“As the king drew near unto the dragon's realm, his army beheld the beast loom like a dark cloud.”
#38
زبانش کبود و دو چشمش چو خون
✦
همی آتش آمد ز کامش برون
“Its tongue was dark blue and its twin eyes red as blood; fiery flames spewed forth from its open jaws.”
#39
چو گاو از سر کوه بنداختند
✦
بران اژدها دل بپرداختند
“When they cast the stuffed ox down from the mountain crest, they steeled their hearts to face the dragon.”
#40
فرو برد چون باد گاو اژدها
✦
چو آمد ز چنگ دلیران رها
“Swift as the wind, the dragon swallowed the hide whole as soon as it fell free from the brave warriors' hands.”
#41
چو از گاو پیوندش آگنده شد
✦
بر اندام زهرش پراگنده شد
“When its belly was stuffed with the ox, deadly poison spread throughout its entire frame.”
#42
همه رودگانیش سوراخ کرد
✦
به مغز و به پی راه گستاخ کرد
“It pierced through all its innards, tearing ruthlessly into its marrow and its sinews.”
#43
همی زد سرش را بران کوه سنگ
✦
چنین تا برآمد زمانی درنگ
“In agony, it thrashed its head against the mountain rocks, and thus a span of time passed in torment.”
#44
سپاهی بروبر ببارید تیر
✦
به پای آمد آن کوه نخچیرگیر
“The host rained down a shower of arrows upon it, until that mountain-like hunter fell vanquished to the earth.”
#45
وزان جایگه تیز لشکر براند
✦
تن اژدها را هم‌انجا بماند
“From that place, Iskandar swiftly marched his host away, leaving the corpse of the dragon behind.”
#46
بیاورد لشکر به کوهی دگر
✦
کزان خیره شد مرد پرخاشخر
“He led his army to another mountain, one that filled even the fiercest warrior with bewilderment.”
#47
بلندیش بینا همی دیر دید
✦
سر کوه چون تیغ و شمشیر دید
“So high it reached that the gaze took long to behold its summit, sharp and sheer as the blade of a sword.”
#48
یکی تخت زرین بران تیغ کوه
✦
ز انبوه یکسو و دور از گروه
“Upon that mountain peak stood a golden throne, set apart from the throng and far removed from all men.”
#49
یکی مرده مرد اندران تخت‌بر
✦
همانا که بودش پس از مرگ فر
“Upon that throne lay a dead man, who seemed to retain a royal majesty even after death.”
#50
ز دیبا کشیده برو چادری
✦
ز هر گوهری بر سرش افسری
“Drawn over him was a coverlet of brocade, and upon his head rested a crown adorned with every manner of gem.”
#51
همه گرد بر گرد او سیم و زر
✦
کسی را نبودی بروبر گذر
“All around him lay piles of gold and silver, yet no living soul had the power to approach him.”
#52
هرآنکس که رفتی بران کوهسار
✦
که از مرده چیزی کند خواستار
“Whoever ventured up that mountain heights to claim anything from that dead king's treasure,”
#53
بران کوه از بیم لرزان شدی
✦
به مردی و بر جای ریزان شدی
“Would begin to tremble with terror on that peak, and despite all his valour, would collapse lifeless on the spot.”
#54
سکندر برآمد بران کوه‌سر
✦
نظاره بران مرد با سیم و زر
“Iskandar ascended that mountain top, gazing upon the dead monarch amidst the silver and gold.”
#55
یکی بانگ بشنید کای شهریار
✦
بسی بردی اندر جهان روزگار
“Suddenly he heard a voice saying: 'O King! Thou hast spent much time traversing this world;”
#56
بسی تخت شاهان بپرداختی
✦
سرت را به گردون برافراختی
“Thou hast emptied many a kingly throne, and raised thy head to the loftiest heavens;”
#57
بسی دشمن و دوست کردی تباه
✦
ز گیتی کنون بازگشتست گاه
“Thou hast destroyed many a foe and friend—now the time hath come for thy departure from this world!'”
#58
رخ شاه ز آواز شد چون چراغ
✦
ازان کوه برگشت دل پر ز داغ
“The king's face grew pale like a lamp at that voice; he turned back from the mountain, his heart filled with grief.”
#59
همی رفت با نامداران روم
✦
بدان شارستان شد که خوانی هروم
“He marched onwards with the noble chieftains of Rome, reaching that great city named Harum.”
#60
که آن شهر یکسر زنان داشتند
✦
کسی را دران شهر نگذاشتند
“For that city was inhabited solely by women, and no man was ever permitted inside its walls.”
#61
سوی راست پستان چو آن زنان
✦
بسان یکی نار بر پرنیان
“On their right side, the women's breasts were shaped like a pomegranate resting upon fine silk;”
#62
سوی چپ به کردار جوینده مرد
✦
که جوشن بپوشد به روز نبرد
“While on their left, they were like warrior men ready to don coats of mail on the day of battle.”
#63
چو آمد به نزدیک شهر هروم
✦
سرافراز با نامداران روم
“When he arrived near the city of Harum, proud and exalted alongside the nobles of Rome,”
#64
یکی نامه بنوشت با رسم و داد
✦
چنانچون بود مرد فرخ‌نژاد
“He penned a letter with customary grace and justice, as befitted a prince of noble lineage.”
#65
به عنوان بر از شاه ایران و روم
✦
سوی آنک دارند مرز هروم
“In its title he wrote: 'From the Sovereign of Iran and Rome, unto those who rule the march of Harum:'”
#66
سر نامه از کردگار سپهر
✦
کزویست بخشایش و داد و مهر
“'The letter begins in the name of the Lord of Heaven, from Whom flow mercy, justice, and love.”
#67
هرانکس که دارد روانش خرد
✦
جهان را به عمری همی بسپرد
“Whosoever possesses wisdom in his soul journeyeth through this life with prudent understanding.”
#68
شنید آنک ما در جهان کرده‌ایم
✦
سر مهتری بر کجا برده‌ایم
“Ye have surely heard of our conquests throughout the world, and to what heights we have exalted our reign.”
#69
کسی کو ز فرمان ما سر بتافت
✦
نهالی به جز خاک تیره نیافت
“Whosoever turned his head away from our command found no resting place save the dark dust of death.”
#70
نخواهم که جایی بود در جهان
✦
که دیدار آن باشد از من نهان
“I suffer not that any spot on earth should exist whose sight remains hidden from my sovereign gaze.'”
#71
گر آیم مرا با شما نیست رزم
✦
به دل آشتی دارم و رای بزم
“If I come to you, I bring no war; peace is in my heart, and my desire is for feast and fellowship.”
#72
اگر هیچ دارید داننده‌ای
✦
خردمند و بیدار خواننده‌ای
“If you possess among you a sage, a wise and vigilant reader,”
#73
چو برخواند این نامهٔ پندمند
✦
برآنکس که هست از شما ارجمند
“When he reads this wise, advice-filled letter before those of high esteem among you,”
#74
ببندید پیش آمدن را میان
✦
کزین آمدن کس ندارد زیان
“Gird your loins to come forward and greet us, for no one shall suffer harm from this coming.”
#75
بفرمود تا فیلسوفی ز روم
✦
برد نامه نزدیک شهر هروم
“He commanded a philosopher from Rome to carry the letter to the city of Harum.”
#76
بسی نیز شیرین سخنها بگفت
✦
فرستاده خود با خرد بود جفت
“He spoke many sweet and eloquent words, for the envoy himself was wedded to wisdom.”
#77
چو دانا به نزدیک ایشان رسید
✦
همه شهر زن دید و مردی ندید
“When the sage arrived among them, he saw that the whole city was women, and not a single man was to be seen.”
#78
همه لشکر از شهر بیرون شدند
✦
به دیدار رومی به هامون شدند
“The entire host came forth from the city into the plain to meet the Roman messenger.”
#79
بران نامه‌بر شد جهان انجمن
✦
ازیشان هرانکس که بد رای زن
“A great crowd gathered around the messenger—all among them who were wise counselors and decision-makers.”
#80
چو این نامه برخواند دانای شهر
✦
ز رای دل شاه برداشت بهر
“When the city’s wise woman read the letter, she gathered the intent and heart of the king’s counsel.”
#81
نشستند و پاسخ نوشتند باز
✦
که دایم بزی شاه گردن فراز
“They sat and wrote a response in return: 'May you live forever, O exalted King!'”
#82
فرستاده را پیش بنشاندیم
✦
یکایک همه نامه برخواندیم
“'We seated your messenger before us and read the letter aloud word for word.'”
#83
نخستین که گفتی ز شاهان سخن
✦
ز پیروزی و رزمهای کهن
“'First, where you spoke of ancient kings, of victory, and of battles of old...'”
#84
اگر لشکر آری به شهر هروم
✦
نبینی ز نعل و پی اسپ بوم
“'If you bring an army to the city of Harum, you will find no earth left beneath your horses' hooves.'”
#85
بی‌اندازه در شهر ما برزنست
✦
بهر برزنی بر هزاران زنست
“'Immeasurable are the quarters of our city, and in every quarter dwell thousands of women.'”
#86
همه شب به خفتان جنگ اندریم
✦
ز بهر فزونی به تنگ اندریم
“'All night we remain clad in battle armor, tightly pressed together in our vast numbers.'”
#87
ز چندین یکی را نبودست شوی
✦
که دوشیزگانیم و پوشیده‌روی
“'Not one among so many has ever had a husband, for we are veiled maidens all.'”
#88
ز هر سو که آیی برین بوم و بر
✦
بجز ژرف دریا نبینی گذر
“'From whichever side you approach this land, you will find no passage save the deep sea.'”
#89
ز ما هر زنی کو گراید بشوی
✦
ازان پس کس او را نه‌بینیم روی
“'Any woman among us who seeks a husband shall never show her face to us again.'”
#90
بباید گذشتن به دریای ژرف
✦
اگر خوش و گر نیز باریده برف
“'One must cross a deep ocean to reach here, whether in fair weather or amid falling snow.'”
#91
اگر دختر آیدش چون کردشوی
✦
زن‌آسا و جویندهٔ رنگ و بوی
“'If she gives birth to a daughter after marrying—one womanly and fond of charm and fragrance...'”
#92
هم آن خانه جاوید جای وی است
✦
بلند آسمانش هوای وی است
“'That very home shall be her eternal abode, and the high sky her ambient realm.'”
#93
وگر مردوش باشد و سرفراز
✦
بسوی هرومش فرستند باز
“'But if she be manly, proud, and valiant, they send her back to Harum.'”
#94
وگر زو پسر زاید آنجا که هست
✦
بباشد نباشد بر ماش دست
“'And if a son is born to her, he remains where he is, and we shall have no claim upon him.'”
#95
ز ما هرک او روزگار نبرد
✦
از اسپ اندر آرد یکی شیرمرد
“'On the day of battle, any one of us can unhorse a lion-hearted warrior.'”
#96
یکی تاج زرینش بر سر نهیم
✦
همان تخت او بر دو پیکر نهیم
“'We place a golden crown upon her head and set her throne upon Gemini standard.'”
#97
همانا ز ما زن بود سی‌هزار
✦
که با تاج زرند و با گوشوار
“'Truly, thirty thousand among us are women who wear golden crowns and earrings,'”
#98
که مردی ز گردنکشان روز جنگ
✦
به چنگال او خاک شد بی‌درنگ
“'Each of whom, on the day of battle, has reduced mighty heroes to dust in her grip.'”
#99
تو مردی بزرگی و نامت بلند
✦
در نام بر خویشتن در مبند
“'You are a great man with a lofty name; do not close the door of renown upon yourself!'”
#100
که گویند با زن برآویختنی
✦
ز آویختن نیز بگریختی
“'Lest men say: You fought with women, and even from that fight you fled!'”
#101
یکی ننگ باشد ترا زین سخن
✦
که تا هست گیتی نگردد کهن
“'This would bring such shame upon you as will never grow old while the world endures.'”
#102
چه خواهی که با نامداران روم
✦
بیایی بگردی به مرز هروم
“'Why would you wish to march into the land of Harum with the nobles of Rome?'”
#103
چو با راستی باشی و مردمی
✦
نبینی جز از خوبی و خرمی
“'If you act with truth and humanity, you shall see naught but goodness and delight.'”
#104
به پیش تو آریم چندان سپاه
✦
که تیره شود بر تو خورشید و ماه
“'Otherwise, we shall bring forth an army so vast that the sun and moon will grow dark to your eyes.'”
#105
چو آن پاسخ نامه شد اسپری
✦
زنی بود گویا به پیغمبری
“When the response to the letter was completed, an eloquent woman was chosen to carry the embassy.”
#106
ابا تاج و با جامهٔ شاهوار
✦
همی رفت با خوب‌رخ ده سوار
“Adorned with a royal crown and splendid robes, she set forth accompanied by ten fair-faced horsemen.”
#107
چو آمد خرامان به نزدیک شاه
✦
پذیره فرستاد چندی به راه
“As she approached the king with graceful steps, Sikandar sent out a party along the road to welcome her.”
#108
زن نامبردار نامه بداد
✦
پیام دلیران همه کرد یاد
“The renowned woman delivered the letter, recounting every message sent by the brave women.”
#109
سکندر چو آن پاسخ نامه دید
✦
خردمند و بینادلی برگزید
“When Sikandar read the reply to his letter, he selected a wise and insightful messenger.”
#110
بدیشان پیامی فرستاد و گفت
✦
که با مغز مردم خرد باد جفت
“He sent them a message, saying: 'May wisdom ever be paired with the minds of human beings.”
#111
به گرد جهان شهریاری نماند
✦
همان بر زمین نامداری نماند
“Across the entire world no sovereign remains, nor any renowned leader upon the earth,”
#112
که نه سربسر پیش من کهترند
✦
وگرچه بلندند و نیک‌اخترند
“Who is not completely subject to me, however exalted or fortunate they may be.”
#113
مرا گرد کافور و خاک سیاه
✦
همانست و هم بزم و هم رزمگاه
“To me, white camphor and dark soil are one and the same; so too are the banquet hall and the battlefield equal in my eyes.”
#114
نه من جنگ را آمدم تازیان
✦
به پیلان و کوس و تبیره زنان
“I have not come charging into war against you with elephants, kettledrums, and beating drums.”
#115
سپاهی برین سان که هامون و کوه
✦
همی گردد از سم اسپان ستوه
“Though my host is such that plains and mountains groan under the heavy trampling of horse hooves.”
#116
مرا رای دیدار شهر شماست
✦
گر آیید نزدیک ما هم رواست
“My intention is to see your city; yet if you choose to come out to meet us, that too is fitting.”
#117
چو دیدار باشد برانم سپاه
✦
نباشم فراوان بدین جایگاه
“Once our meeting is accomplished, I shall move my troops along; I will not linger long in this place.”
#118
ببینیم تا چیستتان رای و فر
✦
سواری و زیبایی و پای و پر
“We shall see what your wisdom, glory, horsemanship, beauty, stature, and strength may be.”
#119
ز کار زهشتان بپرسم نهان
✦
که بی‌مرد زن چون بود در جهان
“I shall secretly inquire of your way of life, to learn how women endure in this world without men.”
#120
اگر مرگ باشد فزونی ز کیست
✦
به بینم که فرجام این کار چیست
“And when death occurs, by whose means do your numbers increase? I wish to see the outcome of this custom.'”
#121
فرستاده آمد سخنها بگفت
✦
همه راز بیرون کشید از نهفت
“The messenger returned and delivered the speech, unveiling every secret from its hiding place.”
#122
بزرگان یکی انجمن ساختند
✦
ز گفتار دل را بپرداختند
“The elders held an assembly, clearing their hearts and minds to consider his words.”
#123
که ما برگزیدیم زن دو هزار
✦
سخن‌گوی و داننده و هوشیار
“They said: 'We have chosen two thousand women—eloquent, knowledgeable, and prudent—”
#124
ابا هر صدی بسته ده تاج زر
✦
بدو در نشانده فراوان گهر
“With every hundred carrying ten golden crowns, studded with a wealth of precious gems.”
#125
چو گرد آید آن تاج باشد دویست
✦
که هر یک جز اندر خور شاه نیست
“When gathered, these crowns will number two hundred, each fit for none other than a high king.”
#126
یکایک بسختیم و کردیم تل
✦
اباگوهران هر یکی سی رطل
“We weighed them one by one and heaped them together, each crown with its gems weighing thirty rotls.”
#127
چو دانیم کامد به نزدیک شاه
✦
یکایک پذیره شویمش به راه
“When we learn that the king has drawn near, we shall go forth along the road one by one to greet him.”
#128
چو آمد به نزدیک ما آگهی
✦
ز دانایی شاه وز فرهی
“For news has reached us of the monarch's supreme wisdom and royal splendour.'”
#129
فرستاده برگشت و پاسخ بگفت
✦
سخنها همه با خرد بود جفت
“The envoy returned and conveyed the response, a speech entirely intertwined with wisdom.”
#130
سکندر ز منزل سپه برگرفت
✦
ز کار زنان مانده اندر شگفت
“Sikandar struck camp and moved his army forward, filled with amazement at the deeds of these women.”
#131
دو منزل بیامد یکی باد خاست
✦
وزو برف با کوه و درگشت راست
“He advanced two stages when a violent tempest arose, levelling mountain and valley beneath heavy snow.”
#132
تبه شد بسی مردم پایکار
✦
ز سرما و برف اندر آن روزگار
“Many foot-soldiers perished during those days from the bitter cold and relentless snow.”
#133
برآمد یکی ابر و دودی سیاه
✦
بر آتش همی رفت گفتی سپاه
“A dark cloud and black smoke arose; you would have said the host was marching upon fire.”
#134
زره کتف آزادگان را بسوخت
✦
ز نعل سواران زمین برفروخت
“The heat scorched the armor upon the warriors' shoulders, and the ground glowed hot beneath the riders' horseshoes.”
#135
بدین هم نشان تا به شهری رسید
✦
که مردم بسان شب تیره دید
“In this same manner they marched until they reached a city whose inhabitants appeared as black as a dark night.”
#136
فروهشته لفچ و برآورده کفچ
✦
به کردار قیر و شبه کفچ و لفچ
“Their lower lips hung pendulous and upper lips protruded, pitch-black and jet-dark in feature.”
#137
همه دیده‌هاشان به کردار خون
✦
همی از دهان آتش آمد برون
“Their eyes were like blood, and blazing fire billowed from their mouths.”
#138
بسی پیل بردند پیشش به راه
✦
همان هدیه مردمان سیاه
“They brought many elephants along the path before him as tribute from these dark-skinned people.”
#139
بگفتند کین برف و باد دمان
✦
ز ما بود کامد شما را زیان
“They said: 'This raging wind and snow that brought you harm was summoned by us.”
#140
که هرگز بدین شهر نگذشت کس
✦
ترا و سپاه تو دیدیم و بس
“For never has any traveller passed through this city; we have seen none other than you and your host.'”
#141
ببود اندر آن شهر یک ماه شاه
✦
چو آسوده گشتند شاه و سپاه
“The king abode in that city for a full month, until both the sovereign and his army were thoroughly rested.”
#142
ازآنجا بیامد دمان و دنان
✦
دل‌آراسته سوی شهر زنان
“From thence he advanced swiftly and with eager stride, his heart set upon the City of Women.”
#143
ز دریا گذر کرد زن دو هزار
✦
همه پاک با افسر و گوشوار
“Two thousand women crossed over the sea, all chaste, adorned with crowns and sparkling earrings.”
#144
یکی بیشه بد پر ز آب و درخت
✦
همه جای روشن‌دل و نیکبخت
“There was a lush grove full of streams and trees, a auspicious haven for pure hearts.”
#145
خورش گرد کردند بر مرغزار
✦
ز گستردنیها به رنگ و نگار
“Upon the meadow they gathered abundant feastings, laying out carpets adorned with rich patterns and hues.”
#146
چو آمد سکندر به شهر هروم
✦
زنان پیش رفتند ز آباد بوم
“When Sikandar arrived at the city of Harum, the women came forth from that prosperous realm to greet him.”
#147
ببردند پس تاجها پیش اوی
✦
همان جامه و گوهر و رنگ و بوی
“They presented crowns before him as gifts, along with fine robes, jewels, rich dyes, and sweet perfumes.”
#148
سکندر بپذرفت و بنواختشان
✦
بران خرمی جایگه ساختشان
“Sikandar accepted their gifts and treated them with favor, establishing them in that delightful domain.”
#149
چو شب روز شد اندرآمد به شهر
✦
به دیدار برداشت زان شهر بهر
“When night yielded to day, he entered the city, delighting his eyes with all the wonders it held.”
#150
کم و بیش ایشان همی بازجست
✦
همی بود تا رازها شد درست
“He thoroughly investigated all their affairs, remaining there until every secret was revealed and understood.”