The Caesar of Rome, weighing the gravity of destiny and recognizing the exalted lineage of the Persian monarch, summoned his most senior and seasoned scribe, seating him upon a seat of honor. He ordered a reply to Khosrow Parviz crafted with such eloquence and beauty that it mirrored the vibrant meadows of paradise. The letter overflowed with wisdom, woven with references to ancient bonds, solemn promises, and words of enduring alliance.
When the text was completed, Caesar sought an envoy equal to the dignity of the message. He selected a brave horseman—eloquent, radiant-hearted, perceptive, exceptionally wise, and versed in both diplomacy and warcraft. Caesar charged him, saying: 'Hasten to Khosrow and deliver this message: O wise-hearted and noble king, let not thy spirit be darkened! In the vaults of Rome, there are weapons and gold in boundless store; we need not burden any other realm nor request coin from other lords to aid thee. I shall furnish all that is required, that thou mayest pass from Rome to Iran in total peace and triumph. Mourn not thy stay in this land, for such is the fickle nature of the turning heavens—it offers refuge at one hour and afflictions at the next; now it brings loss, and now abundant gain. Be not despairing, for I shall swiftly assemble arms, troops, and gold for thy campaign.' The swift envoy rode forth, arrived before Khosrow, and recounted Caesar's uplifting and majestic tidings in full.
#1
دبیر جهاندیده را پیش خواند
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بران پیشگاه بزرگی نشاند
“He summoned the seasoned scribe to his presence, seating him upon the high bench of honor.”
#2
بفرمود تا نامه پاسخ نوشت
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بیاراست چون مرغزار بهشت
“He ordered him to write a reply to the letter, embellishing it like a verdant meadow of Paradise.”
#3
ز بس بند و پیوند و نیکو سخن
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ازان روز تا روزگار کهن
“It was filled with pacts, alliances, and eloquent words, tracing back to ancient times.”
#4
چوگشت از نوشتن نویسنده سیر
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نگه کرد قیصر سواری دلیر
“When the scribe finished writing, Caesar looked upon a brave and noble horseman,”
#5
سخن گوی و روشن دل و یادگیر
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خردمند و گویا و گرد و دبیر
“An eloquent, bright-hearted, quick-learning envoy—wise, articulate, heroic, and versed in courtly writing.”
#6
بدو گفت رو پیش خسرو بگوی
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که ای شاه بینا دل و راه جوی
“He said to him: 'Go before Khosrow and say: O clear-sighted, path-seeking king!”
#7
مرا هم سلیحست و هم زر به گنج
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نیاورد باید کسی را به رنج
“I possess both weapons and treasure in plenty; there is no need to trouble anyone else,”
#8
وگر نیستیمان ز هر کشوری
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درم خواستیمی ز هر مهتری
“Nor should we seek coin from any other realm or chieftain,”
#9
بدان تا تو از روم با کام خویش
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به ایران گذشتی به آرام خویش
“So that thou mayest pass from Rome to Iran at thine own desire and in complete peace.”
#10
مباش اندرین بوم تیره روان
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چنین است کردار چرخ روان
“Be not dark of soul in this foreign realm, for such is the way of the revolving sky:”
#11
که گاهی پناهست و گاهی گزند
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گهی با زیانیم و گه سودمند
“At times it offers refuge, and at times affliction; now we endure loss, and now we reap gain.”
#12
کنون تا سلیح و سپاه و درم
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فراز آورم تو نباشی دژم
“Now, until I assemble arms, troops, and gold, be not sorrowful or downcast.'”
#13
بر خسرو آمد فرستاده مرد
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سخنهای قیصر همه یاد کرد
“The envoy came unto Khosrow and recounted all the words of Caesar in detail.”