The Sovereign of the world has placed upon the imperial throne a king whose royal majesty and righteous rule illuminate the earth: Sultan Mahmud, the exalted ruler of Iran and Zabulistan, whose vast domain stretches from the realm of Qannauj to the borders of Kabulistan. His radiant mind draws counsel from wisdom itself, keeping his heart unburdened by sorrow. Blessings rest upon him, his heroic army, his royal lineage, and his realm. Beside him stands the grand commander, Prince Nasr, whose benevolence gladdens the cosmos—a warrior who seizes the heads of tyrannical kings in battle and unsparingly bestows his treasures upon the needy in times of peace. Likewise, General Abu'l-Muzaffar, victorious in title and destiny, leads the army so magnificently that its crest surpasses the sphere of the moon, his arrows piercing the trunks of ancient trees.
Upon the fourteenth day of the month of Shawwal, a blessed royal decree was proclaimed, granting full remission of taxes for an entire year to the faithful and the devout. Through this noble act, the spirit of Anushirvan the Just was revived, and righteousness unveiled its shining countenance across the lands. This monarchical decree shall remain an eternal banner over the heads of the wise, securing a heavenly robe of honor for the King.
Here the narrative recalls the solemn counsel of Anushirvan, son of Qobad: when a monarch turns his heart away from justice, the heavens blacken his charter of rule, and the stars no longer acknowledge him as king, for the anguish of the innocent serves as the deposition of tyrants. The world abides with no mortal. Where now are Fereydun, Zahhak, and Jamshid? Where are the great Sasanian monarchs and the Samanid rulers? Zahhak earned eternal execration for his cruelty, while auspicious Fereydun won immortal renown through his righteousness. Above all earthly gold and precious jewels, it is holy speech—immortal verse—that endures through the ages. As news of the decree spread, the people poured from their dwellings into the open plains, lifting their prayers to the heavens that the crowned head of the monarch might reign eternally, his glorious name inscribed upon the lofty palaces of the world.