The Reign of Farrokhzad

They called Farrokhzad from Jahrom and seated him on the royal throne. When he took the throne, he gave praise and blessings for the goodness spread across the world. He said: I am the son of kings of kings, and I want nothing for the world but safety. Anyone in this world who seeks to do harm will never rise high while I am king. Whoever seeks honesty in his heart and never lets deceit into his work, I will honor him and hold him dear as my own pure soul; I will do no harm to those who mean no harm. When one month had passed upon his throne, his head and his fortune fell into the dust. This was all his share of days and peace: a servant mixed poison into his wine. He drank it and lived one week more; all who heard the news wept for him. His kingdom was reaching its end, and from every side enemies appeared. Such are the ways of the turning world; look and see how much of it you truly get. Enjoy whatever you have, do not wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow the world may change its mind. It takes from you and gives to another; you call it the world, and it slips away for certain. Enjoy what you have and give the surplus away; you did the toiling, so do not leave it for an enemy. Once your day has passed, everything you set aside becomes wind scattered on the plain.