#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.”