Story No. 2

One of the kings of Khorasan saw Mahmud of Sabuktigin in a dream, his whole body crumbled and turned to dust, all but his eyes, which still moved in their sockets and looked around. The other wise men were baffled by its meaning, except for a dervish who understood it and said: he is still anxious, for his kingdom is now in the hands of others. So many famous people have been buried beneath the earth that not a trace of their existence remains upon it. And that worn out old man they laid beneath the soil, the earth so consumed him that not even a bone was left. The good name of fortunate Anushirvan lives on with kindness, though much time has passed since Anushirvan himself was gone. Do some good, you there, and treasure your life, before the cry goes up: so-and-so is no more.