Upon the magnificent ivory throne of Baghdad, Ardashir Babakan assumed the sovereignty of the world, placing the brilliant imperial crown upon his brow. Girded with royal authority and grasping the heavy mace of ancient kings, he adorned the imperial court with unparalleled majesty. So regal was his presence that none could distinguish his grandeur from that of King Goshtasp of old, and the realm hailed him as Shahanshah.
Ascending the turquoise throne, the King of Kings proclaimed his sacred decree: that in this mortal world, true treasure lies not in silver or gold, but in absolute justice, and it is through the sovereign’s labor and divine fortune that the world flourishes. He declared that evil befalls humankind only through their own dark deeds, and so long as the Pure Creator is well-pleased, the earth shall freely yield its abundance. Declaring the entire realm to be under his shield, he took the path of righteousness as his unyielding guide.
Ardashir solemnly commanded that no subject—whether a humble servant or a noble knight—should ever sleep with a heart heavy with unfulfilled desires or oppressed by royal officials and war-commanders. He flung open the doors of his grand audience hall to all people, welcoming both well-wisher and foe to seek audience and justice. The assembly erupted in praises, praying that the world remain forever prosperous under his righteous rule. Thereupon, the Shahanshah dispatched powerful armies to every frontier, commanding his captains to bring low the heads of rebels and foes who dared challenge the peace of his newly unified empire.
#1
به بغداد بنشست بر تخت عاج
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به سر برنهاد آن دلفروز تاج
“In Baghdad he sat upon the ivory throne, and placed upon his head that heart-brightening crown.”
#2
کمر بسته و گرز شاهان به دست
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بیاراسته جایگاه نشست
“Girded for rule and holding the mace of kings, he splendidly adorned his place of state.”
#3
شهنشاه خواندند زان پس ورا
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ز گشتاسپ نشناختی کس ورا
“From that day forward they hailed him King of Kings; in stature none could tell him apart from Goshtasp.”
#4
چو تاج بزرگی به سر برنهاد
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چنین کرد بر تخت پیروزه یاد
“When he placed the crown of greatness upon his head, he spoke thus upon the turquoise throne:”
#5
که اندر جهان داد گنج منست
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جهان زنده از بخت و رنج منست
“"In this world, justice is my true treasure; the world lives by my fortune and my labor.”
#6
کس این گنج نتواند از من ستد
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بد آید به مردم ز کردار بد
“No man can wrest this treasure from me; evil comes upon people only through evil deeds.”
#7
چو خشنود باشد جهاندار پاک
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ندارد دریغ از من این تیره خاک
“So long as the Holy Ruler of the world is pleased, this dark earth will withhold nothing from me.”
#8
جهان سر به سر در پناه منست
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پسندیدن داد راه منست
“The realm from end to end is under my shelter, and embracing justice is my true path.”
#9
نباید که از کارداران من
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ز سرهنگ و جنگی سواران من
“It must not be that through my officials, my commanders, or my warring horsemen...”
#10
بخسپد کسی دل پر از آرزوی
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گر از بنده گر مردم نیک‌خوی
“...Anyone should sleep with a heart full of unfulfilled yearning, whether a humble servant or a noble-natured person.”
#11
گشادست بر هرکس این بارگاه
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ز بدخواه وز مردم نیک‌خواه
“This royal hall is open to all—to the ill-wisher as well as the well-meaning subject."”
#12
همه انجمن خواندند آفرین
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که آباد بادا به دادت زمین
“All the assembled court sang blessings upon him: "May the earth flourish forever through your justice!"”
#13
فرستاد بر هر سوی لشکری
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که هرجا که باشد ز دشمن سری
“Then he sent forth an army to every quarter, wherever there was a head of an enemy,”
#14
سر کینه‌ورشان به راه آورید
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گر آیین شمشیر و گاه آورید
“Saying: "Bring the head of vengeful rebels to heel, whether through the sword or by bringing them before the throne."”