English
Khosrow's Letter to Hormozd
I heard how Khosrow, the king, once sealed a letter to Hormozd, firm and binding.
From the world's ruling king, the sun of the age, the greatest, the proud one, the conqueror of cities.
The vigilant, good-doing sovereign, who scatters his treasure without reproach.
Who raises the name and throne of Qobad high, who cherishes the crown, the sword, and justice.
Who has splendor, grace, culture, and fame, and through the crown of greatness has reached his desire.
To our pure son, Hormozd, who has taken our counsel wholeheartedly to heart.
May you be joyful in God, with victorious fortune, forever ruling the world with crown and throne.
In the blessed month, on the day of Khordad, under a lucky star and a world-brightening omen.
We placed the golden crown upon your head, just as we received it from our father.
And we repeated the same blessing that fortunate Qobad once spoke over our crown.
Stay awake and be a true ruler; be wise, generous, and harm no one.
Grow in knowledge and turn toward God, for He is the one who guides your soul.
I once asked a man of fine speech, someone old in both years and wisdom:
Who among us stands nearest to God? For whom is the path to Him the narrowest?
He answered thus: choose knowledge, if you want the Creator's blessing.
For the ignorant man is no more than dust; only through knowledge is the pure soul complete.
Through knowledge the king becomes worthy of the throne; may you be wise and victorious in fortune.
Never become a breaker of vows, for the shroud of the oath-breaker is only dust.
Do not strive to punish the innocent, and do not lend your ear to slanderers.
In every affair, command nothing but justice, for justice makes your soul glad.
Do not turn your tongue toward lies, if you wish your throne to shine with light.
If a subject beneath you holds a treasure, leave him at ease with that wealth.
Coveting others' goods is the enemy of your own treasure; be content only with what comes from your own effort.
If a subject grows rich, still the king remains his shelter and shade.
All must rest under your protection, whether the lowly servant or the temple keeper.
When someone treats you well, repay him; stand and fight the enemy of your friend.
And if you rise to honor in the world, still think of the pain of the body and the wound of harm.
This world is a passing inn, whatever it may be; you cannot sit safely within it.
Seek virtue, and choose faith and knowledge, if you want the blessing of good fortune.
Honor the one who, before you, has made his life a shield against your enemies.
With knowledge, bind both hands of strife, if you want to escape harm from evil.
When you set the crown of kingship on your head, seek the higher path through goodness.
Always keep a wise man beside you; hold him as dear as your own body and soul.
The nobles and the merchants of the city must receive justice and their fair share.
The man who has neither virtue nor good lineage, do not mention him at all, for better or worse.
Do not arm an unworthy man for war, for when you need him, he will not be there.
He would hand your ally over to the enemy, and two hard, shameful tasks would fall to you.
He carries your weapons into battle, and one day may turn them against you.
Have mercy on the wretched and poor; keep away from evil and fear doing harm.
Always guard the secret of your heart; never do good or justice merely for show.
Do your kindness with measure as well; listen to the words of the seasoned, worldly man.
Turn toward the world, but keep your eye on faith, for from faith come a man's honor and his righteous anger.
Spend according to what your treasury holds; free your heart from grasping after more wealth.
Look at the deeds of the kings before you; you must be nothing but just.
For the unjust king earns only curses; want nothing but justice, and never invite a curse.
Where now are those heads and crowns of kings? Where are those great ones and the fortunate lords?
Of them only their words remain; this passing inn stays with no one.
Do not order blood spilled in vain, nor rouse an army to war without cause.
Look upon this letter full of counsel; do not tie your heart to this passing inn.
By my faith, I have wished you well; I have adorned your heart with knowledge.
On the path of the Lord of the sun and moon, cast down utterly the power of the demon.
Keep this letter before you day and night; make wisdom the judge within your heart.
If you leave a memorial in the world, then the name of your greatness will not fade.
May the Lord of the world be your refuge; may time and earth wish you well.
May the turning high heavens spin to your desire, far from evil deeds and far from harm.
The king who holds justice and wisdom strives to gather them with a sense of honor.
Courage in battle, strength of hand, pure faith, and worship of God:
Look at the world and see who holds these virtues; when you find him, he alone deserves your praise.
Do not seek elsewhere: he is bright as Jupiter, a conqueror of the world, armed with sword and armor.
He seized the world from idol-worshippers, and bound the faith's true law upon their hearts with brocade.
Now, inevitably, true generosity has come to be, since Mahmud has become king of the world.
Whether he seeks a feast or a battle, this is the work of the giver of the world.
Abolqasem, that victorious and just king, may the age be glad at the sight of him.