English
Bahram's Address from the Throne
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.