As a week passed and the world-illuminating sun cast aside the lapis veil of night, adorning the earth in golden silk, King Khosrow Anushirvan ascended his throne. Gathered before him were the realm’s foremost mobads, seasoned elders, astronomers, and wise counselors. Among them stood Ardashir, the High Mobad, alongside Shapur, Yazdgard the Scribe, and the young, brilliant Bozorgmehr. The King of the World turned to his sages and asked: "In whose breast dwells that hidden, exalted wisdom by which the faith of Yazdan gains invincible strength, and the royal throne remains untarnished?"
First to answer was Ardashir the High Mobad, setting forth seven pillars of sovereign justice: that a king's righteousness illuminates his crown and throne; that generosity leaves an everlasting name beyond the grave; that absolute truthfulness guards the soul from deceit; that pardoning repentant subjects upholds royal grace; that loving one's loyal servants ensures prosperity; and that an unquenchable thirst for knowledge illuminates the mind. Next, Yazdgard the Scribe spoke of the grave flaws that corrupt rulers and commoners alike: hasty bloodshed, levity in kingship, greed that binds the soul to demons, rash judgment, cowardice in battle, avarice among the wealthy, deceit in old age, and indolence among the young.
Then stepped forward young Bozorgmehr, his heart radiant with insight. Praising the sun-faced monarch, he revealed ten disgraceful vices across ten orders of men: the lying judge whose words carry no light; the miserly commander who hoards treasure while his soldiers flee hardship; the scholar who fears not sin when enticed by worldly pleasure; the sick physician unable to heal himself; the arrogant beggar who boasts of worthless trifles; the churl who begrudges even the ocean's water or claims credit for the gentle breeze; the sage who falls into wrath and covets the possessions of others; the fool who guides the ignorant or entrusts duties to the idle; and the unreasoning soul whose desires burn like sulfur amidst a bed of reeds. With these golden teachings, the royal assembly concluded, offering praises to the eternal glory of Anushirvan the Just.