Ferdowsi Dreams of Daqiqi

One night the poet saw in a dream a cup of wine as clear as rose water. Daqiqi appeared from somewhere and told stories over that cup of wine. He called out to Ferdowsi: Do not drink except by the rule of Kavus the king. For a king now rules the world, one whom fortune, army, crown, and throne all take pride in. King of kings Mahmud, conqueror of cities, has shared his joy with everyone. From today until the year eighty five his hardships will fade, but his treasure will not. After this he will lead his army into China, and every lord will clear the way for him. No one should speak a harsh word against him; the crowns of all kings have come into his grasp. Though you have hurried through this book, now you have found everything you sought. I spoke of this matter long ago, but the tale never reached its end. Of Goshtasp and Arjasp I told a thousand verses, then my time ran out. If that portion reaches the king of kings, my soul will rise from the dust to the moon. Now I will tell the story he began; I am alive, and he has become one with the dust.