Seated upon the throne of Iran, King Ardashir Babakan summoned all his people—the young and the elderly, the noble and the humble—to receive his eternal testament of wisdom and justice. He began by declaring that the foundation of all virtue lies in acknowledging the Creator, for only those who recognize the Almighty can remain pure and truly devoted. He exhorted all never to hold knowledge in low esteem, regardless of whether it originates from a humble subordinate or a mighty monarch, for the words of the wise never grow old.
Ardashir taught that the fear of sin must weigh heavier on a human heart than the threat of a king's chains or prison, and warned that those who speak foully forfeit their honor in the eyes of society. He praised the person who enriches the world through righteousness, whose hidden thoughts match their public deeds, and who speaks with gentle grace, modesty, and wisdom. Extravagant squandering of wealth merely to boast brings no true gratitude; rather, moderation guarantees endurance and earns the respect of the wise.
The King set forth key pillars to refresh one's faith and nourish the soul: to accept that divine destiny cannot be altered by greed, to break the neck of avarice, to keep secret counsels away from women, to refrain from pride in conflict, to free the heart from anxiety over future troubles, and to never meddle in matters beyond one's calling. He urged continuous learning to illuminate the soul and demanded that children be raised with strict culture and discipline rather than idle play.
Turning to the sacred duty of kingship, Ardashir declared that a monarch exists to foster prosperity and relieve suffering. If a ruler learns of distress caused by his officials or army and fails to render justice, he forfeits his divine right, blackens the royal charter, and becomes no better than a predatory lion in a meadow. Likewise, subjects who disobey just decrees bring ruin upon themselves. Only when both sovereign and people align their hearts with righteousness and the holy command of Yazdan will the realm flourish in enduring peace.