The King Takes the Throne

When Khosrow sat upon the golden throne, all who had any skill came to attend him. They summoned all the nobles and the great, and scattered jewels over that new crown. He said to the priest: this crown and throne belong to no one but the fortunate and the good. May I never take up any trade but honesty, for injustice brings ruin to everything. My aim with everyone is peace; our heads are empty of any wish to fight. I received this new throne from God, this brightness, this substance, and this new good fortune. You too must give your hearts to my command, and honor me in all that you do. Guard against harming the devout, and against defying the king; third, keep away from what belongs to others, for its smoke rises back to the one who takes it. Whoever, in season or out, burns another and lights his own heart's greed over some worthless thing; and whatever befits a decent human being, let wisdom accept and welcome it. I will hold no quarrel with anyone, whether he seeks a crown or a ring. Whoever has true worth of body and of birth will speak with no one except with justice. You shall have nothing but safety, and no one shall reach for the ways of the devil. Everyone who heard the king's words kept calling blessings on his crown and throne. They left his throne in joy, and many blessings were spoken on his fortune. The commander came down from the throne, glad, and all night long he kept thinking of Hormoz.