Iskandar's Message to Dara's Women

From D4.10, Iskandar Writes to the Chiefs of Iran. It illustrates D4.10.1–9:

D4.10.1
From Kerman came a messenger one dayTo Isfahan, where Iran’s chieftains lay.
D4.10.2
A man of standing came before them all,The royal women in their sheltered hall.
D4.10.3
He brought Iskandar’s greetings to their court,And gave of Dara’s fate a full report.
D4.10.4
He gave the king’s words: “When a just king dies,No joy in friend or foe’s sad heart can rise.
D4.10.5
Know that today I stand in Dara’s place;Though he is hidden, here you see my face.
D4.10.6
Far greater favors wait beneath my reign;Scratch not your cheeks in sorrow and in pain.
D4.10.7
Both king and soldier tread the road to death,Though long or brief the span of mortal breath.
D4.10.8
Bring all your household goods to Istakhr’s side,And in your kinship with us take fresh pride.
D4.10.9
Iran remains as it has stood before;May health and gladness now your hearts restore.”