Having consolidated his rule across vast realms, Alexander turned his victorious banners toward the distant Empire of China. For forty unbroken days, his immense hosts traversed the plains until they reached the shores of a boundless sea. There, beneath pavilions of rich brocade, Alexander encamped his legions and summoned his royal scribes to draft a daunting ultimatum in the name of Alexander, Conqueror of Cities.
Yet, driven by his daring curiosity, Alexander once again assumed the guise of his own ambassador. Accompanied by five sage scholars of Rum and entrusting the supreme command of his army to his trusted commander, he rode forth to evaluate the character and resolve of the Faghfur of China. Upon news of the arrival of the imperial envoy, the Faghfur dispatched an honorable escort. Alexander entered the magnificent court with majestic demeanor. The Chinese sovereign received him with supreme grace, seating him upon an elevated throne of honor.
When dawn illuminated the skies, Alexander presented the imperial decree. The letter overflowed with formidable pride, recounting Alexander's triumphs over Darius of Persia, Fur of India, and Foryan the Arab, boasting an army so vast that neither the sun nor the stars could count its ranks. The royal missive demanded complete submission and an immense tribute of gold, gems, ivory thrones, silks, and fine steeds, threatening total devastation should the Faghfur refuse.
Upon reading the stern ultimatum, the Faghfur felt a flash of anger, yet he swiftly mastered his emotions and smiled gently. Turning to the envoy, he asked for a description of Alexander's person and spirit. Still in disguise, Alexander eloquently extolled his own stature: 'Alexander possesses the height of a cypress and the strength of an elephant; his generosity flows like the mighty Nile, and his tongue cuts like a sharpened blade, luring eagles from the clouds with the warmth of his speech.' Impressed and intrigued, the Faghfur commanded a royal banquet filled with wine and music. Alexander departed the hall late that evening holding a golden citrus fruit, half-intoxicated.
The next morning, the Faghfur summoned his master scribe to compose a response as flawless as paradise. Beginning with profound praises for Yazdan, the Just Creator, the Faghfur replied with serene philosophy: 'O King of Rum, your victories over Darius and Fur were not won by your strength alone, but ordained by the turning wheel of Heaven. Worldly power is transient; where now are Fereydun, Zahhak, and Jamshid? All were carried away by the wind of time. Shedding blood is not our way, for I worship the Almighty God, not earthly kings.' He declared that though he felt no fear of battle, he would willingly bestow a tribute far exceeding Alexander's demands to preserve peace and spare human lives.
Reading the Faghfur's noble, elevated reply, Alexander felt deeply humbled, wounded by the arrow of the king's wisdom and ashamed of his deceptive disguise. He vowed never again to travel hidden in ambassadorial robes. True to his word, the Faghfur unlocked his royal treasuries, presenting fifty gem-studded crowns, ten ivory thrones, a thousand camels laden with silver and gold, Chinese silks, musk, camphor, precious furs of sable and ermine, crystal goblets, and hundreds of richly caparisoned steeds. He dispatched a wise Chinese ambassador alongside Alexander to deliver these monumental treasures.
When Alexander reached the shore and stepped onto his flagship, his army recognized their king and fell to the ground in reverence. The Chinese envoy suddenly realized that the formidable ambassador he had accompanied was none other than King Alexander himself! Smiling, Alexander put the envoy's anxieties to rest, bestowed lavish gifts upon him, and sent him back to the Faghfur with messages of lasting peace, leaving China sovereign and untouched by war.
#1
وزان روی لشکر سوی چین کشید
✦
سر نامداران به بیرون کشید
“From that place he marched his host toward China, drawing forth the foremost of his noble lords.”
#2
همی راند منزل به منزل به دشت
✦
چهل روز تا پیش دریا گذشت
“Stage by stage he rode across the desert plain, until forty days passed and he reached the sea.”
#3
ز دیبا سراپرده‌ای برکشید
✦
سپه را به منزل فرود آورید
“He pitched royal pavilions of brocade, ordering his host to pitch camp at that station.”
#4
یکی نامه فرمود پس تا دبیر
✦
نویسد ز اسکندر شهرگیر
“Then he commanded his scribe to write a letter from Alexander, the conqueror of cities.”
#5
نوشتند هرگونه‌ای خوب و زشت
✦
نویسنده چون نامه اندر نوشت
“They wrote all manner of stern words and pleasant counsel as the scribe completed the royal missive.”
#6
سکندر بشد چون فرستاده‌ای
✦
گزین کرد بینادل آزاده‌ای
“Alexander chose to go disguised as an envoy, accompanied by a wise and noble confidant.”
#7
که با او بدی یک‌دل و یک‌سخن
✦
بگوید به مهتر که کن یا مکن
“One who was of one heart and one voice with him, to tell the sovereign what to do or refrain from doing.”
#8
سپه را به سالار لشکر سپرد
✦
وزان رومیان پنج دانا ببرد
“He entrusted the army to his chief commander, taking along five wise men of Rum.”
#9
چو آگاهی آمد به فغفور ازین
✦
که آمد فرستاده‌ای سوی چین
“When tidings reached the Faghfur of China that an ambassador had arrived from Rum,”
#10
پذیره فرستاد چندی سپاه
✦
سکندر گرازان بیامد به راه
“He sent out a troop of soldiers to receive him, as Alexander advanced proudly upon the road.”
#11
چو آمد بران بارگاه بزرگ
✦
بدید آن گزیده سپاه بزرگ
“When he arrived at that grand court, he beheld that magnificent, chosen army.”
#12
بیامد ز دهلیز تا پیش اوی
✦
پراندیشه جان بداندیش اوی
“He stepped from the vestibule into his presence, his heart pondering the ruler's intent.”
#13
دوان پیش او رفت و بردش نماز
✦
نشست اندر ایوان زمانی دراز
“He hastened forward and offered homage, then sat in the royal hall for a long while.”
#14
بپرسید فغفور و بنواختش
✦
یکی نامور جایگه ساختش
“The Faghfur inquired after him and welcomed him warmly, assigning him a high place of honor.”
#15
چو برزد سر از کوه روشن چراغ
✦
ببردند بالای زرین جناغ
“When the bright lamp of dawn rose above the mountains, they brought forth golden-harnessed steeds.”
#16
فرستادهٔ شاه را پیش خواند
✦
سکندر فراوان سخنها براند
“He called the king's envoy before him, and Alexander spoke many eloquent words.”
#17
بگفت آنچ بایست و نامه بداد
✦
سخنهای قیصر همه کرد یاد
“He delivered all that was required and presented the letter, recalling all the words of Caesar.”
#18
بران نامه عنوان بد از شاه روم
✦
جهاندار و سالار هر مرز و بوم
“The title of the missive read: From the King of Rum, sovereign and ruler of every land and realm,”
#19
که خوانند شاهان برو آفرین
✦
زما بندگان جهان آفرین
“Upon whom all monarchs send praise—from us, the servants of the Creator of the world,”
#20
جهاندار و داننده و رهنمای
✦
خداوند پاکی و نیکی فزای
“The World-Lord, the All-Knowing, the Guide, Master of purity and increaser of goodness.”
#21
دگر گفت فرمان ما سوی چین
✦
چنانست که آباد ماند زمین
“Furthermore, our command to China is such that the realm may remain prosperous and flourishing.”
#22
نباید بسیچید ما را به جنگ
✦
که از جنگ شد روز بر فور تنگ
“You must not prepare to wage war against us, for through battle the daylight turns dark and narrow upon Fur.”
#23
چو دارا که بد شهریار جهان
✦
چو فریان تازی و دیگر مهان
“Even as Dara, who was king of the world, and Foryan the Arab, and other great leaders fell,”
#24
ز خاور برو تا در باختر
✦
ز فرمان ما کس نجوید گذر
“From the East to the gates of the West, none may seek to evade our command.”
#25
شمار سپاهم نداند سپهر
✦
وگر بشمرد نیز ناهید و مهر
“The heavens know not the tally of my army; even Venus and the Sun could not count them.”
#26
اگر هیچ فرمان ما بشکنی
✦
تن و بوم و کشور به رنج افگنی
“If you break our command, you will throw your body, home, and realm into bitter distress.”
#27
چو نامه بخوانی بیارای ساو
✦
مرنجان تن خویش و با بد مکاو
“When you read this letter, prepare the tribute; cause yourself no harm and fight not against evil.”
#28
گر آیی بینی مرا با سپاه
✦
ببینم ترا یک‌دل و نیک خواه
“If you come and meet me with my army, I shall see you devoted and well-wishing.”
#29
بداریم بر تو همین تاج و تخت
✦
به چیزی گزندت نیاید ز بخت
“We shall preserve your crown and throne, and fortune shall bring no harm upon you.”
#30
وگر کند باشی به پیش آمدن
✦
ز کشور سوی شاه خویش آمدن
“But if you are slow to come forward and present yourself from your realm to your King,”
#31
ز چیزی که باشد طرایف به چین
✦
ز زرینه و اسپ و تیغ و نگین
“Then send from all the rare treasures of China—gold vessels, horses, swords, and jewels,”
#32
هم از جامه و پرده و تخت عاج
✦
ز دیبای پرمایه و طوق و تاج
“Along with garments, drapes, ivory thrones, precious silks, torques, and crowns,”
#33
ز چیزی که یابی فرستی به گنج
✦
چو خواهی که از ما نیایدت رنج
“Send whatever you possess unto our treasury, if you wish to suffer no harm at our hands.”
#34
سپاه مرا بازگردان ز راه
✦
بباش ایمن از گنج و تخت و کلاه
“Turn my army back from their path, and rest secure in your treasury, throne, and crown.”
#35
چو سالار چین زان نشان نامه دید
✦
برآشفت و پس خامشی برگزید
“When the Lord of China read the letter's stern nature, he burned with anger, yet chose silence.”
#36
بخندید و پس با فرستاده گفت
✦
که شاه ترا آسمان باد جفت
“He smiled, then said to the envoy: 'May heaven be the companion of your king!'”
#37
بگوی آنچ دانی ز گفتار اوی
✦
ز بالا و مردی و دیدار اوی
“'Tell me what you know of his character, his stature, his valor, and his countenance.'”
#38
فرستاده گفت ای سپهدار چین
✦
کسی چون سکندر مدان بر زمین
“The envoy replied: 'O Commander of China! Know that none on earth is like Alexander.'”
#39
به مردی و رادی و بخش و خرد
✦
ز اندیشهٔ هر کسی بگذرد
“'In courage, generosity, bounty, and wisdom, he surpasses the thoughts of all men.'”
#40
به بالای سروست و با زور پیل
✦
به بخشش به کردار دریای نیل
“'His height is like the tall cypress, his strength like an elephant's, his bounty like the River Nile.'”
#41
زبانش به کردار برنده تیغ
✦
به چربی عقاب اندر آرد ز میغ
“'His tongue is like a sharp sword; through its softness he brings eagles down from the clouds.'”
#42
چو بشنید فغفور چین این سخن
✦
یکی دیگر اندیشه افگند بن
“When the Faghfur of China heard these words, he laid the foundation for a new strategy.”
#43
بفرمود تا خوان و می خواستند
✦
به باغ اندر ایوان بیاراستند
“He ordered feasts and wine to be brought, and decorated the palace hall inside the royal garden.”
#44
همی خورد می تا جهان تیره شد
✦
سر میگساران ز می خیره شد
“They drank wine until the world grew dark, and the heads of the cupbearers grew heavy with wine.”
#45
سپهدار چین با فرستاده گفت
✦
که با شاه تو مشتری باد جفت
“The Commander of China said to the envoy: 'May Jupiter be the companion of your king!'”
#46
چو روشن شود نامه پاسخ کنیم
✦
به دیدار تو روز فرخ کنیم
“When the day brightens, we shall compose our response to the letter, and make our day auspicious with your meeting.”
#47
سکندر بیامد ترنجی به دست
✦
ز ایوان سالار چین نیم‌مست
“Sikandar came forth holding a golden orange, half-intoxicated from the palace of the ruler of China.”
#48
چو خورشید برزد سر از برج شیر
✦
سپهر اندر آورد شب را به زیر
“When the sun reared its head from the house of Leo, the heavens brought the night to an end.”
#49
سکندر به نزدیک فغفور شد
✦
از اندیشهٔ بد دلش دور شد
“Sikandar went again before the Faghfur, his heart cleansed of suspicion and evil thoughts.”
#50
بپرسید زو گفت شب چون بدی
✦
که بیرون شدی دوش میگون بدی
“The Faghfur inquired of him, saying, "How was your night? For last evening when you left, you were flushed with wine."”
#51
ازان پس بفرمود تا شد دبیر
✦
بیاورد قرطاس و مشک و عبیر
“Thereupon he summoned the scribe, who brought forth parchment, musk, and ambergris.”
#52
مران نامه را زود پاسخ نوشت
✦
بیاراست قرطاس را چون بهشت
“He swiftly penned a reply to that letter, adorning the parchment like paradise itself.”
#53
نخست آفرین کرد بر دادگر
✦
خداوند مردی و داد و هنر
“First he offered praise unto the Just Creator, the Lord of manhood, equity, and virtue:”
#54
خداوند فرهنگ و پرهیز و دین
✦
ازو باد بر شاه روم آفرین
“"May the Sovereign of wisdom, piety, and faith shower blessings upon the King of Rome.”
#55
رسید این فرستادهٔ چرب‌گوی
✦
هم آن نامهٔ شاه فرهنگ جوی
“This eloquent ambassador has arrived, bearing the letter from the wisdom-seeking monarch.”
#56
سخنهای شاهان همه خواندم
✦
وزان با بزرگان سخن راندم
“I have read all the words of kings, and have pondered them with the nobles of my realm.”
#57
ز دارای داراب و فریان و فور
✦
سخن هرچ پیدا بد از رزم و سور
“All that was recorded of battle and banquet concerning Dara son of Darab, Faryan, and Fur—”
#58
که پیروز گشتی بریشان همه
✦
شبان بودی و شهریاران رمه
“How you prevailed over them all, standing as the shepherd while those rulers were the flock.”
#59
تو داد خداوند خورشید و ماه
✦
به مردی مدان و فزون سپاه
“Yet ascribe not this bounty of the Lord of sun and moon to your own valour or vast armies.”
#60
چو بر مهتری بگذرد روزگار
✦
چه در سور میرد چه در کارزار
“When a ruler's appointed time comes to an end, he perishes whether amidst a feast or in battle.”
#61
چو فرجامشان روز رزم تو بود
✦
زمانه نه کاهد نخواهد فزود
“Since their demise coincided with the day of fighting you, remember that fate neither decreases nor extends life's span.”
#62
تو زیشان مکن کشی و برتری
✦
که گر ز آهنی بی‌گمان بگذری
“Display no arrogance or superiority over them, for even were you made of iron, you shall surely pass away.”
#63
کجا شد فریدون و ضحاک و جم
✦
فراز آمد از باد و شد سوی دم
“Whither went Fereydun, Zahhak, and Jamshid? They arose like a gust of wind and vanished like a breath.”
#64
من از تو نترسم نه جنگ آورم
✦
نه بر سان تو باد گیرد سرم
“I fear you not, nor do I seek war, nor shall my head swell with vain conceit as yours has.”
#65
که خون ریختن نیست آیین ما
✦
نه بد کردن اندرخور دین ما
“For bloodshed is not our custom, nor is evil-doing fitting for our creed.”
#66
بخوانی مرا بر تو باشد شکست
✦
که یزدان‌پرستم نه خسروپرست
“Should you summon me to servitude, defeat will be yours, for I worship God, not earthly kings.”
#67
فزون زان فرستم که دارای منش
✦
ز بخشش نباشد مرا سرزنش
“I shall send more tribute than requested, so that a magnanimous soul like mine incurs no reproach for lack of generosity."”
#68
سکندر به رخ رنگ تشویر خورد
✦
ز گفتار او بر جگر تیر خورد
“Sikandar's face turned pale with embarrassment; his heart felt pierced as if by an arrow from the Faghfur's words.”
#69
به دل گفت ازین پس کس اندر جهان
✦
نبیند مرا رفته جایی نهان
“He resolved in his heart: "Henceforth in this world, no one shall see me go anywhere in disguise."”
#70
ز ایوان بیامد به جای نشست
✦
میان از پی بازگشتن ببست
“He departed from the palace to his lodgings, and girded his loins for the journey back.”
#71
سرافراز فغفور بگشاد گنج
✦
ز بخشش نیامد به دلش ایچ رنج
“The exalted Faghfur opened his treasuries, feeling no regret in his heart for such immense bounty.”
#72
نخستین بفرمود پنجاه تاج
✦
به گوهر بیاگنده ده تخت عاج
“First he ordered fifty jeweled crowns and ten thrones carved of ivory to be brought.”
#73
ز سیمین و زرینه اشتر هزار
✦
بفرمود تا برنهادند بار
“He commanded that a thousand camels be laden with vessels of silver and gold.”
#74
ز دیبای چینی و خز و حریر
✦
ز کافور وز مشک و بوی و عبیر
“With Chinese brocade, fur, and silk, together with camphor, musk, sweet fragrances, and ambergris.”
#75
هزار اشتر بارکش بار کرد
✦
تن‌آسان شد آنکو درم خوار کرد
“A thousand pack-camels were laden; at ease is he who holds wealth in light esteem.”
#76
ز سنجاب و قاقم ز موی سمور
✦
ز گستردنیها و جام بلور
“Furs of squirrel, ermine, and sable, along with exquisite carpets and crystal goblets,”
#77
بیاورد زین هر یکی ده هزار
✦
خردمند گنجور بربست بار
“He brought ten thousand of each item, and the wise treasurer secured the loads.”
#78
گرانمایه صد زین به سیمین ستام
✦
ز زرینه پنجاه بردند نام
“A hundred precious saddles with silver fittings and fifty of gold were counted out.”
#79
ببردند سیصد شتر سرخ‌موی
✦
طرایف بدو دار چینی بدوی
“They led three hundred red-haired camels, laden with rare treasures and Chinese cinnamon.”
#80
یکی مرد با سنگ و شیرین سخن
✦
گزین کرد زان چینیان کهن
“A dignified and eloquent courtier was chosen from among the senior elders of China to accompany the tribute.”
#81
بفرمود تا با درود و خرام
✦
بیاید بر شاه و آرد پیام
“He commanded that, with greetings and in solemn state, he should return unto the King and bear his word.”
#82
که یک چند باشد به نزدیک چین
✦
برو نامداران کنند آفرین
“"May he abide a while near the realm of China, where the illustrious nobles shall offer him their praise."”
#83
فرستاده شد با سکندر به راه
✦
گمانی که بردی که اویست شاه
“The envoy set out upon the road alongside Sikandar, with such magnificence that one would deem he himself was the King.”
#84
چو ملاح روی سکندر بدید
✦
سبک زورقی بادبان برکشید
“As soon as the boatman beheld Sikandar's royal countenance, he swiftly hoisted the sails upon his skiff.”
#85
چو دستور با لشکر آمدش پیش
✦
بگفت آنچ آمد ز بازار خویش
“When his vizier and the host advanced to receive him, he recounted all that had transpired during his venture.”
#86
سپاهش برو خواندند آفرین
✦
همه برنهادند سر بر زمین
“His army chanted hymns of praise upon him, and all lowered their heads unto the earth in homage.”
#87
بدانست چینی که او هست شاه
✦
پیاده بیامد غریوان به راه
“The Chinese envoy then knew that his companion was the sovereign; he dismounted and walked on foot, weeping aloud in wonder.”
#88
سکندر بدو گفت پوزش مکن
✦
مران پیش فغفور زین در سخن
“Sikandar said to him, "Make no excuse, nor utter a single word regarding this before the Faghfur."”
#89
ببود آن شب و بامداد پگاه
✦
به آرام بنشست بر تخت شاه
“He rested through the night, and at dawn's early light, he sat in serenity upon the royal throne.”
#90
فرستاده را چیز بخشید و گفت
✦
که با تو روان مسیحست جفت
“He bestowed rich treasures upon the envoy and said, "May the holy spirit of the Messiah be thy companion!"”
#91
برو پیش فغفور چینی بگوی
✦
که نزدیک ما یافتی آب‌روی
“"Go back before the Faghfur of China and say, 'Thou hast found glory and high honor in our sight.'"”
#92
گر ایدر بباشی همی چین تراست
✦
وگر جای دیگر خرامی رواست
“'If thou choosest to remain here, China is thine; and if thou goest elsewhere, it is entirely thy right.'”
#93
بیاسایم ایدر که چندین سپاه
✦
به تندی نشاید کشیدن به راه
“'I shall take my rest here, for so vast an army cannot be driven upon the road with hasty force.'”
#94
فرستاده برگشت و آمد چو باد
✦
به فغفور پیغام قیصر بداد
“The envoy turned back and flew like the wind, delivering Caesar's message unto the Faghfur.”