1. With what response other than this sword do you hope?
Is there besides it a sufficient answer for your Master?

2. Return, O Messenger of the treacherous ones, disappointed,
For not all who are invited to betrayal rush headlong.

3. And tell the Great King of Persia that I reject him,
And over the days I protect my neighbor and refuse.

4. I am not one who weeps over my son and his killing,
If my honor is preserved though my slain are neglected.

5. Better for one with honor a life of humiliation,
Than a death raising him to the highest noble place.

6. And better for a heart, if it tastes its own fire,
Is a loyalty that wards the fire from me and repels.

7. After a youth adorned with guidance,
Will you lure my old age with misguidance to follow?

8. My soul desires necklaces and wealth,
While my heart is adorned with fearing God and refuses.

9. I would rather be given rule in order to gain power,
And with it undermine my religion and faith!

10. Yes, Kambiz the son of Kirosh has vast dominion,
But the kingdom of Paradise is vaster.