When in this vase of earthenware the sun sweet basil planted by its radiance*¹⁹⁸¹,

The king arrived like basil-scented rain, and scattered on the thirsty pearly drops*¹⁹⁸².

He caused the throne of audience to be raised; and at the hall-gate had a cross set up.

Seated, he gave the people audience, the nobles standing (there) with sword in hand.

(Then) seating the exalted of (his) realm, the car of justice to the heights he drove*¹⁹⁸³.

He brought together multitudes of men, a mountain of spectators he upraised.

(Then) that consistent tyrant, the vazīr, he had with fetters loaded, head to foot,

And had him hung up without scruple alive, so that in shame he perished like a thief.

He said, Who in that wise exalts his head, his head will Fortune in this wise hurl down.

Dishonesty will lead to ill-repute; an evil end will wait on evil deeds.

The tyrant who brings trouble in that way, thus to the tomb the just will bring him down.

Beware of saying justice has no aid; the heavens and earth are in this work engaged*¹⁹⁸⁴.

Whoe’er the nails of malice seeks (to strew), puts chains and fetters on his arms and legs*¹⁹⁸⁵.

After (this business of) the judgment-hall, the king thought of the herd’s dog and the wolf.

The herd he summoned, gave him lofty rank, bestowed on him good fortune and good will.

He banished evils from the government; let none use violence to other men.

After a season, from such policy his iron became gold, his sackcloth, silk.

Both troops and treasure crowded on him (soon): those more than waves, this higher than the hills.

When to the khāqān*¹⁹⁸⁶ came such news of him, he made good his retreat, no trouble gave.

He sent an envoy with apologies, and spoke no word that would not pleasure him.

He said, He who deserved the death you gave was an affliction and to discord aid.

He sent a letter asking me to come, and wrote some heart-alluring passages.

So that by heart-beguiling arts he made me, simple of heart, unable to abstain.

He said, The mine is rich, the road is free; hasten immediately if you desire.

The king through drunkenness can not engage (even) in throwing water on (his) face*¹⁹⁸⁷.

I am prepared to join you as a friend; yours the sword, promptness and submission mine.

But when I had gained tidings of the king, I found affairs were contrary to that.

The king in times of warfare and of peace employs such action as befits them best.

I, the king’s slave, am (only) to myself Chinese, I’m Ethiopian to him*¹⁹⁸⁸.

My daughter is the slave-girl of your house; my crown’s the dust that on your threshold rests.—

And that which the destructive traitor sent in writing to complain about the king,—

He rolled up all the writings and enjoined his envoy to submit them to the king.

When the king read the notes of the vazīr, his wrath was sharpened as a writer’s reed.

(Then) thankful for his death thenceforth he kept affairs upon a safe and solid base.

When justice’ face before the monarch’s eyes raised up a warning as to all affairs,

He from its beauty and (engaging) look, gave up the seven faces for that face*¹⁹⁸⁹.

Uprooting (from his mind) all other thoughts, on that he fixed his heart, with that content.