When Khosrow Anushirvan ascended the ivory throne and set the radiant crown of kingship upon his brow, the grandees and wise counselors of the realm assembled in his royal court. Opening his discourse, the sovereign of Iran offered heart-felt praise to the Almighty Lord of the heavens—the sole dispenser of joy and sorrow, by whose sovereign decree the celestial spheres turn. He solemnly addressed the assembled lords, declaring that no breath should be drawn except in obedience to God's divine command, and that whosoever plants the seeds of justice within his soul shall forever rejoice in its light, whereas he who harbors evil intent ultimately seals his own doom. He exhorted them never to defer today's duty unto the morrow, for none can foretell the turns of destiny. He bade them cherish health before sickness strikes, and reflect upon mortality while life still blooms. Warnings were issued against envy, idle loquacity, deceit, and the tyranny of base desire over reason. Anushirvan commanded his ministers and commanders to govern with righteousness, to protect the vulnerable, and to ensure that wickedness meets swift retribution. Concluding his sermon, the King of Kings called upon all to place their ultimate trust in the Pure God—the supreme Judge over all judges, Who fashioned time, space, and the human heart, and Whose eternal presence is attested by all creation from the humblest speck of dust to the seven lofty heavens.