When the reciters began to chant the forgotten sagas of antiquity from the ancient codex, the hearts of all people—and most of all the wise and the righteous—were captured by the majesty of those tales. In that hour, a youth of fluent tongue and sweet utterance stepped forth, blessed with a swift wit and poetic grace. He declared before the assembly that he would weave this chronicle of kings into glittering verse, bringing gladdening light to the hearts of all who heard him. Yet, alas, an ill nature was the tragic companion of his youth, drawing him into constant strife and reckless ways. Death mounted a sudden onslaught upon him, placing upon his head the dark helmet of fate. Because of his untamed temper, he surrendered his sweet life without knowing a single day of true happiness in his youth. In an instant, his fortune turned to ashes, and he was slain in cold blood by the hand of his own slave. Thus he departed the mortal realm, leaving the magnificent book unfinished, while his once-awake fortune sank into slumber eternal. May the Creator of the Universe forgive his mortal sins and exalt his soul upon the Day of Resurrection.