Whenas Balásh had mourned one month, with dust
Upon his head and lacerated cheeks,
The people and the high priest came to him
With valiant warriors and famous sages.
They spake with him at large by way of counsel
In profitable words, then seated him
Upon the throne of kingship, showering gold
And jewels over him abundantly.
When seated on the throne he said: “O chiefs!
Acquire the secrets of the sages' hearts,
And ye shall have advancement at my hands
When my dark counsels brighten. Frustrate not
The purpose of well-doers in the world.
As for the wicked and malicious man,
He shall not partner me, but first will I
Enrich him with advice and, if that faileth,

Crown him with blood. When any subject plaineth
To us 'gainst some one of this loyal host
The heart of the unjust one will I break,
And rase him utterly, both root and branch.
See that ye take no freedoms with your Sháh,
And in especial one that is devout,
For he by turns is bane and antidote;
So choose the antidote and leave the bane.
Of all things seek to please the Sháh and never
Approach his throne unless with joyful looks.
When he is wroth excuse thyself and bless him,
Just or unjust. Whene'er thou sayest: ‘I
Am wise, and I am mighty in all knowledge,’
Know that thou never wast more ignorant,
So be not thine own enemy. If now
Ye shall obey the counsel that I give
By hearkening to my profitable words,
Ye shall receive the treasures of wise Sháhs:
I never yet saw knowledge injure any.”
The chieftains marvelled at his understanding,
And called down praises on him, while the troops
Spake thus to one another: “From this Sháh
Will fall a lustre on the throne and crown.
God grant that he escape the evil eye,
And ill befall the persons of his foes.”
They went forth from his palace well content,
Committing to God's care his soul and body.
Their hearts were full of love, their tongues of praise:—
“May such a Sháh have endless length of days.”