English
The Counsels of Ardeshir
Listen, all of you, young and old, to the words of the famous Ardeshir.
Anyone who knows that the Creator exists can only be pure and a worshipper of God.
Next, never hold knowledge in contempt, whether you are a servant or a king.
Third, know that words spoken by a wise man never grow old or lose their worth.
Fourth, understand that the fear of sin should weigh heavier than the fear of the king's chains and prison.
Fifth, the foul-mouthed man earns no respect and no honor in the eyes of others.
Let me offer one more fresh piece of advice, worth more than eyesight, life, or wealth.
Blessed is the one who keeps the world thriving, whose hidden self matches his open face.
And blessed is the one who speaks gently, who has wisdom, modesty, and warm speech.
As for the man who scatters silver in front of others just to boast, wasting it pointlessly,
no one is grateful to him for it, and the God-knowing man does not approve of it.
Choose the middle way and you will endure; they will call you wise and pure of judgment.
Beyond this there are five counsels that will keep your faith and your creed fresh.
They bring you ease of body and growing joy, so that no poison mars their sweetness.
First, know that you cannot escape God's given portion by greed or by struggle.
Whoever grows content becomes rich; the rose of his spring bears full fruit.
Second, break the neck of greed, and never tell your secrets to women.
Third, do not glory in disgrace and combat, for disgrace and combat bring only pain and suffering.
Fourth, keep your heart far from grief; do not sadden your heart over what has not yet happened.
Do not meddle in what is not your business, and do not chase after what is not your prey.
Listen, all of you, to my advice, to my useful words.
A person is dear to every heart when others find safety from harm in him.
Never rest for a moment from learning, if you truly want to brighten your soul.
When you have a child, raise him with culture and keep him away from idle play.
Keep in mind all our words, and how much care we have taken in this task.
All of you who are just and clear of heart, do not break your bond with one another.
Set your heart at peace with four things, for in them lie goodness and profit as well.
First, the fear, reverence, and awe of God, which will be your helper and your guide.
Second, giving your own body its due and keeping your own skirt clean of shame.
Adorning your heart with God's command, and wanting for me what you want for yourself.
Third, making truth plain and casting crookedness and shortcoming away.
Fourth, never turning your heart, openly or secretly, against the will of the king of the world.
Love him as your own body, for by his command the heavens are renewed.
Keep your heart bound to your pledge to him, and never turn your soul from his command.
Love him as your own life, since with justice you see him as your protector.
The care of the kingdom belongs to the world-seeking king; he plans to increase the world, not diminish it.
If he learns from his officials and his army that there is hardship in his land,
and he does not strive for justice, he is no true ruler, and the crown of kingship does not suit him.
He has blackened the charter of imperial rule, and after that he has no divine glory left.
Know this: an unjust king is like a tearing lion loose in the meadow.
And likewise the subject who does not observe the king's command with effort and toil,
his life will be full of pain and suffering, and he will not grow old in this passing world.
Even if he gains rank and prosperity, he will not reach it through cruelty or bravado.
May the hearts of our subjects be glad, and through our justice may the world be prosperous.