The reader having read the letter through, an angry fire blazed up in Bahrām’s breast.

Again, by great exertion, like the wise, to patience he constrained himself forthwith.

Such heat (of anger) led him not to haste; he first reflected, then gave answer thus:

Now that the letter has been read I’ve heard that which the writers in the letter wrote.

Although the writer was not dexterous, the counsel is not void of standard worth*⁷⁶⁹.

That which has been expressed by noble sense I (must) applaud, ’tis worthy of applause.—

I, to whom earth and silver are the same, would not stoop down to (take) the Seven Climes*⁷⁷⁰.

But the domains which from my sire I have ’twould be a sin to leave in others’ hands.

Although my sire claimed Godship, I myself, in virtue trained, claim only love for God.

There is a difference throughout*⁷⁷¹ between him who loves God and him who Godship loves.

For sins I’ve not committed blame me not*⁷⁷²: I’m alien to my father’s wickedness.

My father is not I, I am not he; if he was stone, I am (not stone, but) gem.

The lustrous dawn arises from the night; the clear and lucent ruby’s born of stone.

’Tis ill to testify against my sire, for God has now delivered you from him.

If he did ill, since he is well asleep—one must not (ever) speak ill of the dead*⁷⁷³.

Let reason guide—the evils that ensue on evil speech proceed from hearing it.

(For) everyone whose nature is corrupt says something worse than that which he has heard*⁷⁷⁴.

(So) think no more about my father’s sin, and dwell no longer on my want of care.

(For) if the evil eye close not my road, for by-gone faults of mine I’ll pardon seek.

If hitherto I’ve, like the careless, slept, behold! I now have bid adieu to that.

The fortunate whom luck befriends—their sleep is not beyond the proper time for acts*⁷⁷⁵.

’Tis better that (their) eyes strive not with sleep—they (well) may sleep, but let them rise in time.

Although my sleep has been a heavy sleep, fortune has not been absent from my side.

Fortune has, in its kindness, wakened me; I’m (now) awakened from my heavy sleep.

Henceforth (my) face is turned to good (alone); (my) heart is void (now) of all negligence.

I’ll use no (more) self-will and want of thought; since I’m matured, how rawness should I show?

I’ll favour those whose acts are for the best, and go to meet the most expedient plans.

I’ll look not at the faults of any one; (his) wealth not covet, aim not at (his) head.

Bygone offences I’ll not call to mind; I will not vex at what the times set forth*⁷⁷⁶.

Towards you I’ll act as it is meet I should; and what is meet from you will I receive.

In no one’s treasure will I make a breach; I’ll make (my) treasure of my foemen’s wealth.

The prudent from my court shall not be far; ill, and the ill-advised I’ll alienate.

I’ll show my favour to the good alone; I’ll not learn evil from the guide to it.

I’ll have no harshness in my government; I’ll act as one not void of shame towards God*⁷⁷⁷.

The wives and children, land and wealth of all (shall be) more safe with me than flock with herd.

The loaf of no one will I take by force, but rather by a loaf increase his loaf.

The demon, greed, shall lead me not astray; I’ll count greed as a punishable sin*⁷⁷⁸.

I will not show to the spectator’s eyes what the Creator would not hold approved.