Word reached the prosperous land of Iran and the court of King Khosrow Anushirvan that the Caesar of Rome had departed the mortal realm, surrendering the earth and time to his successor. Upon hearing of this mortality, Khosrow was cast into deep reflection; his radiant face paled like an autumn leaf as he pondered the inescapable grasp of death over all living creatures. Selecting a seasoned, noble, and wise envoy from Iran, Khosrow dispatched him to the son and heir of the late Caesar. He wrote a letter steeped in sorrow, tears, and profound wisdom, offering prayers to God for the young ruler’s prosperity and long life. In his epistle, the Shah of Iran mused that no creature is born except to eventually yield to death; the mortal world is but a temporary inn through which all must pass. Whether one wears a royal crown or a warrior's helmet, when the allotted time arrives, head and throne alike return to the dust. Khosrow invoked the blessing of the Messiah upon the soul of the departed Caesar, congratulated his son on ascending the renowned throne, and offered the full allegiance and assistance of Iran—promising gold, horses, arms, and armies whenever required.
#1
چنین گوید از نامهٔ باستان
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ز گفتار آن دانشی راستان
“Thus speaks the chronicle of ancient lore, echoing the wisdom of the truthful sages of yore.”
#2
که آگاهی آمد به آباد بوم
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بنزد جهاندار کسری ز روم
“That news arrived in the prosperous realm, unto the world-ruler Khosrow from Rome.”
#3
که تو زنده بادی که قیصر بمرد
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زمان و زمین دیگری را سپرد
“Saying, 'May you live forever, for Caesar has died, bequeathing earth and time to another.'”
#4
پراندیشه شد جان کسری ز مرگ
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شد آن لعل رخساره چون زرد برگ
“Khosrow's soul grew laden with thoughts of death, and his ruby cheeks turned pale as a withered leaf.”
#5
گزین کرد ز ایران فرستاده‌ای
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جهاندیده و راد آزاده‌ای
“He chose a messenger from Iran, an experienced, generous, and noble lord.”
#6
فرستاد نزدیک فرزند اوی
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برشاخ سبز برومند اوی
“And dispatched him to Caesar's offspring, to that green and fruitful branch of his tree.”
#7
سخن گفت با او به چربی بسی
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کزین بد رهایی نیابد کسی
“He instructed the envoy with gentle and soothing speech, stating that none escapes this tragic fate.”
#8
یکی نامه بنوشت با سوگ و درد
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پر از آب دیده دو رخساره زرد
“He wrote a letter filled with grief and sorrow, tears in his eyes and pale of cheek.”
#9
که یزدان تو را زندگانی دهاد
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همت خوبی و کامرانی دهاد
“'May God grant you a long and blessed life, bestowing upon you virtue and full prosperity.”
#10
نزاید جز از مرگ را جانور
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سرای سپنجست و ما بر گذر
“No living creature is born except for death; this world is but a fleeting inn, and we are merely passersby.”
#11
اگر تاج ساییم و گر خود و ترگ
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رهایی نیابیم از چنگ مرگ
“Whether we touch our brows with royal crown or warrior's helmet, we cannot escape the clutches of death.”
#12
چه قیصر چه خاقان چو آید زمان
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بخاک اندر آید سرش بی‌گمان
“Be it Caesar or Khagan, when the appointed time arrives, their heads shall surely sink into the dust.”
#13
ز قیصر تو را مزد بسیار باد
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مسیحا روان تو را یار باد
“May great reward be yours on Caesar's account, and may the Messiah be the companion of his departed spirit.”
#14
شنیدم که بر نامور تخت اوی
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نشستی بیاراستی بخت اوی
“I have heard that you have ascended his famed throne and adorned your fortune with majesty.”
#15
ز ما هرچ باید ز نیرو بخواه
✦
ز اسب و سلیح و ز گنج و سپاه
“Whatever you require of power from us, request it freely—be it steeds, arms, treasure, or hosts.'”