English
Section 19: Khosrow's Embassy to the Caesar
When the king reached that great city, a rider came from the renowned Caesar.
He said: whatever you need from this land, ask for it; do not hold your wishes back from kings.
For although this kingdom is mine, we hold you as dear as our own person.
Be safe and happy in that city; be free of any harm you might fear.
All of Rome, to a man, is beneath you, however proud and noble they may be.
Until I have made ready your arms and army, I will not seek food, sleep, or rest.
When Khosrow heard this he grew glad, and his soul was freed of worry.
He gave orders to Gostahm and Balui, and to the world-seeking Andian too,
and to Khorrad Borzin and Shapur the lion; then the brave king spoke thus:
At daybreak, saddle the horses and set golden saddles upon them.
Put on Chinese cloth of gold; be all of one heart and pure in judgment.
Go from this city to the Caesar; speak, and listen to what he says.
Be wise and clear of mind, attentive, and smooth and sweet of tongue.
If it happens that the Caesar takes the field, calling for a bow or for the polo game,
compete like men devoted to Khosrow, so that no defeat comes to you.
Let his horseman know that men from Iran draw their courage and strength from lions.
The king ordered Khorrad Borzin: bring Chinese silk and black musk.
A letter must be written to the Caesar, like the shining sun in bright paradise.
Words few but rich in meaning, such that every heart will remember them.
For philosophers surround him; take care that they hear nothing foolish.
When he has read the letter, open your tongue; in speech they will be no match for you.
He said to Balui: whatever the Caesar asks of me, and speaks of before the assembly,
regarding orders, oaths, pacts and covenants, recall it in your words sweet as honey.
In that assembly you are my tongue; for good or ill, you are my interpreter.
In matters where no defeat can touch us, strive hard and try your hand.
Accept the terms I have spoken; remember everything I have said.
They heard the words of the blessed young king, those world-tried, bright-souled champions.
All of them, one and all, called down blessings: may no one but you ever wear the crown.
They set out toward the Caesar, those great men, bright of heart and true of speech.
When the Caesar heard that the nobles of Iran, the envoys of the king of the world,
had come near the palace along the road, he sent out a body of troops to receive them.
He adorned a hall with Roman brocade, its whole surface set with jewels and gold.
He sat upon the famed throne of ivory and placed on his head that heart-lighting crown.
He ordered the curtain drawn aside and let them pass swiftly through the corridor.
The honored Gostahm went in front, then behind him Balui and Shapur the warrior,
then Khorrad Borzin and brave Andian, all with crowns on their heads and belts at their waists.
They drew near before the Caesar and, when they saw him, bowed low before him.
With one voice they called down blessings and scattered jewels upon that golden throne.
First the Caesar asked after the king, about Iran, the army, and the hardship of the road.
When Khorrad Borzin heard this, he went at once to the throne with the king's letter.
By that famous king's command they set out four golden chairs.
These three worthy men of good counsel sat, while Khorrad Borzin remained standing.
The Caesar commanded: let whoever has traveled the long road be seated at the lower place.
Khorrad Borzin said: the king has not granted me a place of high rank,
that I should take a seat before the Caesar, holding such a letter from Iran's king in my hand.
Perhaps my service will please you, and my delivery of his message prove useful to you.
The Caesar said to him: reveal the secret; what did that wise and lofty man say?
First he offered praise to the Lord of the world, and by that praise made the world seem small.
For He is higher than every height, powerful and knowing in every field.
By His command this heaven turns, He who is above place and time.
The sky and stars are all His making; He set them wheeling on this turning wheel.
When He made living creatures His servants out of dust, He first gave life to Kayumars.
So on until it reached King Fereydun, whom He chose from among those proud men.
That lineage came forth into the world; what had been hidden was made plain.
Trace it on this way to Kay Qobad, who set the crown of greatness on his head.
No evil ever came to this house; they kept always to the way of God.
Now an unworthy, base-born servant has come and sat upon the throne of the Kayanids.
I seek justice from the tyrant, not the crown, the throne, the diadem, or the belt.
Whoever sits upon the throne must have wisdom, good name, and fortune.
He should know to whom this throne and this glory belong, and to whom the imperial crown.
Help me in this task; grant me victory over this faithless one.
For we have gone wandering across the world, and grown ashamed before both small and great.
When the Caesar heard such words, his face turned pale as the yellow melilot flower.
That flower of his face grew full of dew, and his tongue and soul filled with lament.
When he had read that letter his grief increased, and the throne turned dark as lapis before his eyes.
The Caesar said to Khorrad Borzin: this is no secret hidden from a wise man.
Khosrow is dearer to me than my own kin; I hold him before me like a soul that speaks.
Here are arms, treasure, and an army; look and see what suits your need.
If you want my very eyes I will not begrudge them, for eyes are better than treasure of gold and sword.