The Reign of Bahram, Son of the Bahrams

When Bahram, son of the Bahrams, took the throne, he girded himself for justice and generosity. They scattered emeralds over his crown and hailed him as the King of Kerman. He said: from the one just God, may wisdom, fairness, and good judgment be our portion. This fleeting world stays with no one; let your goodness be what comes to your aid. Let us lean toward good and follow the right path, and pledge our hearts to justice and giving. For our good and our evil remain as our legacy; so plant nothing but the seed of goodness. When his reign had lasted only four months, the throne and the crown wept bitterly over him. This is how time keeps passing by; remember this before the greedy and grasping. Bring me the ruby wine, Ruzbeh, now that the poet's years have reached sixty-three. When Bahram knew his death had come, like a sea-beast that hunts down elephant and rhino, he handed the world to his son and said: may praise be a companion to the great. Drink, play, take joy, and give freely; do not let a single day tarnish your crown and throne. When Bahram's days and fortune turned away, he gave the crown and throne to Narsi in that hour. So it is; know that this has no limit; count the whims of fate as new in every moment. Now I will tell the story of Narsi, as I wash the rust and stain from my heart.