When the realm from the borders of Rome, China, Turkestan, and India settled into peace under the sovereignty of Ardashir Babakan, the world grew smooth as fine Roman silk. Tributes and taxes flowed continuously from every frontier, and no ruler possessed the strength to defy the King of the world. Seeing his dominion secure, Ardashir summoned the mobads, dehqans, and nobles of Iran to assemble in the royal court and sit upon thrones worthy of their stature.
The King of Kings arose before the assembly and adorned his speech with profound truth and eloquence. He addressed the renowned leaders: 'O men of wisdom and counsel, know that this revolving sky holds no lasting favor for justice nor affection for men. It exalts one to the highest heavens, only to consign him at last to the cold and dark earth. Nothing abides of a man in this mortal world save his reputation; all his toil vanishes into secrecy with his death. Therefore, whoever desires a noble end must leave behind naught but a good name.'
Ardashir urged the elders to take refuge in the Almighty Creator and cast away all worldly deceit. He offered his own life as testament, recounting how reliance upon God had lifted him from adversity to rule over the seven climes. He declared that the tithes and taxes collected were not hoarded for personal pride, but expended solely to maintain vast armies, safeguard the borders, and suppress demonic malice.
With assurances of royal favor and justice, the King called upon the dehqans and mobads to witness that should the people ever fall into need, he would gladly bestow upon them the realm's tithes and treasures. Concluding his solemn warning on the transience of power—reminding them that even kings whose crowns touched the clouds now rest upon beds of dust and brick—Ardashir promised to reveal five righteous paths whose spiritual profit far outweighs all the crowns and treasures of the earth.