English
The Reign of Narsi, Son of Bahram
When Narsi took his seat on the ivory throne, he placed the worthy crown upon his head.
All the nobles came bearing gifts, mourning still the grief of their lost father.
The commander blessed them, saying: My kind ones, faithful and just,
Know that from the Creator of the world such is the order of all things, seen and unseen:
He granted us abundant wisdom and modesty, generosity, justice, and a gentle voice.
There is safety and joy for the one whose fortune shows him kindness.
If a wise man becomes your friend, know he has become as close as your own skin.
Look for good deeds in the capable, and find wisdom near the learned.
Courage comes from being alert; the brave man deserves to be praised.
Whoever runs from action loses honor, reputation, and the field of battle.
People's laziness springs from a cowardly heart, and cowardice is the twin of laziness.
He lived nine years with sound counsel; his very words were a benefit to the world.
But when his day arrived and dark fate came, that helmet of steel grew soft as wax.
King Hormozd rushed to his bedside, his glowing face like a bright tulip,
for he was the son of that renowned king, radiant as the moon in the darkest night.
He said to him: My cherished young son, keep your hand from evil as long as you can.
By fortune you hold the place of Bahram and Narsi; you are worthy of the crown and fit for the throne.
With this strength and stature, this splendor and might, in knowledge you have no equal among any.
May the crown never weep over you, nor the hearts of the court be scorched with grief for you.
Rule the world by the way of kings, as you learned it from the pure Creator.
In the end your day too will pass, and the turning sky will crush your soul beneath its wheel.
Act so that when you are questioned you can answer well, and make that day of reckoning a blessed one.
He said this, then drew the shroud over his head and heaved one cold breath from his heart.
That same day it was as if Narsi had never been, as if throne and crown and seat had never existed.