Reign of Bahram Ormazd

When Bahram took his seat on the golden throne, his heart and mind still burned with grief for his father. All the famous nobles of Iran came before him, belts tightened, ready to serve. They called down God's blessing on him: as long as the world endures, may you remain. The royal crown is fit for your head; kingship is yours, passed down through every father. May the faces of your enemies turn pale, and may the soul of the one who has passed rest without pain. He answered them: You great ones, you warriors on horseback and champions in battle, whether farmer or loyal servant of the king, in this world do not reach out toward evil. Know that this fickle wheel of fate cares neither for the nurtured nor the nurturer. Take your hands off desire completely; do not let desire be your ruler. Whoever avoids doing wrong and keeps his body clean of evil will be content here in this world, and when the time comes to leave, he will go without sorrow. The king should be a shelter for wealth and a friend who cherishes righteous people. The person of the king is a refuge for the faith, for faith is like a crown upon his head. Blessed is the one who stays clear-headed in anger; he does the least harm upon this earth. In times of hardship, keep a heart both cheerful and generous; may the world never be without a wise man. When he has power over an enemy, he does not trample him underfoot, if he is truly wise. Strife brings no good to the one who seeks a great name; avoid it and do not walk the path of conflict. A soldier, a farmer, and an idle king: know that all three have lost their way. The one who is idle is as good as asleep; once awake, he will regret it. From fine words paired with ugly deeds you will win neither praise nor a joyful paradise. All of you, seek a good name and do good; do not break the hearts of well-meaning people. I have treasure and gold in abundance, greatness, kingship, and strength of hand. Eat what you have, and let the one who has nothing know that he shares in our treasure. The mouth of our purse is open wide; no one need sit in want.

So he too passed on, after long years; the crowned head fell into the jaws of death. He had one son, gentle and dear to his heart, and his name was Bahram, son of Bahram. He brought the boy and sat him at the foot of the throne, and said to him: You green branch of my tree, I found little joy in this throne; may all your days be blessed and bright. Be one who builds and gives increase; spend your nights and days in peace and laughter. Live in such a way that when they question you on the day of reckoning, you will not turn your head aside in shame before God. Keep the world flourishing through justice and generosity; keep glad the hearts of those beneath your rule. For the world stays with no one forever, not with the crowned king, nor with the priests. Do not blame the turning sky for this cruelty; you pass here for a while, quick as a breath of wind. In three years, three months, and three days more, the world-brightening throne was left empty of him. When Bahram handed the world to Bahram, his son gave him the quiet rest of the tomb. So it has been as long as the high heaven has turned; why weigh your heart down with grief and let it wither? What can you say, what can you seek, what could ever be? There is no use in dwelling on this tale. If your soul is not worn out by greed, still your only resting place is the narrow coffin. If death has such a wolf's nature, then I want one great cup filled with wine.