When the Roman Caesar read the impassioned epistle of Khosrow Parviz, a whirlwind of profound thoughts stirred within his heart. Seeking clarity, he summoned his high minister to unveil what lay hidden in the womb of destiny. Caesar pondered the uncertain turn of Fortune: if Khosrow were destined for defeat, his era would end, forcing him to seek refuge with the Khagan of China like a desperate patient seeking a cure. Yet, if the young prince were ordained to conquer and reign like his fathers before him, it would be far wiser for Rome to champion his cause, lest he harbor bitterness and avenge himself upon the empire in years to come.
At the wise minister's behest, the realm's foremost astrologers were commanded to bring forth the ancient star-charts—the celestial tables whose foundations were laid by the great philosopher Plato. Until the third watch of the night, the star-gazers scrutinized the heavens, calculating the ascendants and planetary alignments. At last, the chief astrologer stepped forward and declared to Caesar that Khosrow’s star burned with unyielding splendor. He foretold that the Sasanian prince would soon reclaim the imperial throne and rule supreme for thirty-eight years, unblemished by dark adversity.
Hearing this prophecy, Caesar marveled and conferred again with his counselor on how best to respond. The minister advised that if Khosrow were left to seek aid from the Khagan or raise legions elsewhere, his wrath against Rome would eventually burn unchecked. Therefore, the wisest path was to embrace this divine decree, open the imperial treasury, and send forth formidable armies accompanied by war elephants. Moved by these sage words, Caesar resolved to bestow boundless wealth and military might upon Khosrow, securing enduring peace and friendship for the Roman realm.
#1
چوقیصر نگه کرد و نامه بخواند
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ز هر گونه اندیشه بر دل براند
“When Caesar looked upon the letter and read its words, all manner of thoughts rushed across his mind.”
#2
ازان پس بدستور پرمایه گفت
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که این راز را بازخواه از نهفت
“Thereupon he spoke to his noble minister, saying: 'Uncover this secret from its hidden depth.'”
#3
نگه کن خسرو بدین کار زار
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شود شاد اگر پیچد از روزگار
“'Examine Khosrow's fate in this arduous conflict—will he rejoice, or will Time turn its face from him?'”
#4
گرایدون که گویی که پیروز نیست
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ازان پس و را نیز نوروز نیست
“'If you say he shall not be victorious, then no New Year shall ever dawn for him again.'”
#5
بمانیم تا سوی خاقان شود
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چو بیمار شد نزد درمان شود
“'We must wait to see if he turns toward the Khagan, like a sick man seeking a cure.'”
#6
ور ایدون که پیروزگر باشد اوی
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بشاهی بسان پدر باشد اوی
“'Or if he is destined to be victorious, reigning over the empire like his father before him.'”
#7
همان به کز ایدر شود با سپاه
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مگر کینه در دل ندارد نگاه
“'It is far better that he depart hence with our army, lest he hold vengeance in his heart against us.'”
#8
چو بشنید دستور دانا سخن
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به فرمود تا زیجهای کهن
“When the wise minister heard these words, he commanded that the ancient astrological tables be brought forth.”
#9
ببردند مردان اخترشناس
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سخن راند تا ماند از شب سه پاس
“The star-gazing scholars were brought in, and they deliberated until three watches of the night remained.”
#10
سرانجام مرد ستاره شمر
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به قیصر چنین گفت کای تاجور
“At last, the chief astrologer spoke to Caesar, saying: 'O crowned sovereign!'”
#11
نگه کردم این زیجهای کهن
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کز اختر فلاطون فگندست بن
“'I have examined these ancient star-charts, whose foundations Plato established from the stars.'”
#12
نه بس دیر شاهی به خسرو رسد
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ز شاهنشهی گردش نو رسد
“'Ere long, the kingship shall fall to Khosrow, and a new turn of imperial rule shall begin!'”
#13
برین گونه تا سال بر سی وهشت
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برو گرد تیره نیارد گذشت
“'For thirty-eight years he shall rule, and no dark dust shall pass over him.'”
#14
چوبشنید قیصر به دستور گفت
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که بیرون شد این آرزوی از نهفت
“When Caesar heard this, he said to his minister: 'Our wish has come forth from secrecy!'”
#15
چه گوییم و این را چه پاسخ دهیم
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بیا تا برین رای فرخ نهیم
“'What shall we say, and how shall we answer? Come, let us agree upon this auspicious judgment.'”
#16
گران مایه دستور گفت این سخن
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که در آسمان اختر افگند بن
“The noble minister replied: 'The stars in heaven have established this foundation.'”
#17
به مردی و دانش کجا داشت کس
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جهان داورت باد فریاد رس
“'Where is the man with such courage and wisdom? May the Judge of the World be your helper!'”
#18
چو خسرو سوی مرز خاقان شود
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ورا یار خواهد تن آسان شود
“'If Khosrow turns toward the Khagan's border, he will find allies and be at ease.'”
#19
چولشکر ز جای دگر سازد اوی
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ز کین تو هرگز نپردازد اوی
“'And if he raises an army from another realm, he will never cease seeking vengeance against you.'”
#20
نگه کن کنون تو که داناتری
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بدین آرزوها تواناتری
“'Now consider this well, for you are wiser and more capable of fulfilling these desires.'”
#21
چنین گفت قیصر که اکنون سپاه
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فرستیم ناچار با پیل وگاه
“Caesar spoke thus: 'We must perforce send an army now, complete with elephants and royal thrones.'”
#22
سخن چند گویم همان به که گنج
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کنم خوار تا دور مانم ز رنج
“'Why speak further? It is far better that I disburse treasure freely, so that I may remain far from distress.'”