The poet, after invoking the name of God and praising Him and His wisdom, discourses of the world, of man, of the sun and moon, of the Prophet and his companions, of the compilation of the Sháhnáma, of the poet Dakíkí, and of his own labours in connection with the poem, concluding with the praises of his patrons.
§ 5. We read in the Zandavasta: “It (the sky) looks like a palace, that stands built of a heavenly substance, firmly established, with ends that lie afar, shining with its body of ruby over the three-thirds (of the earth).”*
§ 7. For 'Alí see p. 12. Muhammadans are divided into many sects. Muhammad is referred to as the lord of the sacred law, i.e. the Kurán, of stream, milk, &c. We read there: “A picture of the Paradise which is promised to the God-fearing! Therein are rivers of water which corrupt not; and rivers of milk whose taste changeth not; and rivers of wine delicious to those that quaff it; and rivers of honey clarified: and therein are all kinds of fruit for them, and forgiveness from their lord.”*
§ 10. The name of Firdausí's friend who procured for him the Sháhnáma of Abú Mansúr (see pp. 67–69) is said to have been Muhammad Lashkarí.*
§ 11. Abú Mansúr, son of Muhammad, may have been the son of the Muhammad, son of Abdú'r-Razzák, who had the prose Sháhnáma compiled (see p. 68), if the heading can be trusted.
§ 12. Abú'l Kásim, i.e. Firdausí himself. The conquest of Kannúj took place after the completion of the Sháhnáma and in days when Firdausí was in exile. The mention of Kannúj appear to be a flattering anticipation of events on the poet's part.*
The “trusty minister” was no doubt Abú'l 'Abbás Fazl.
“The gardens of Iram” were said to have been built by Shaddad son of Ad, that he might anticipate on earth the joys promised him in Paradise by the prophet Húd. After toil extending over centuries the work was completed, but as Shaddad was on the point of entering into possession, he and all his host were slain by a voice from heaven.*
Nasiru'd-Dín, i.e. Subuktigín (see p. 20).
Nasr, Mahmúd's youngest brother, acted as commander-in-chief, and governed the province of Níshápúr. After some years of successful administration he was recalled to court and served his brother in various capacities. He was a patron of learning and died young.*
“The prince of Tús” appears to have been Arslán Jázib, one of Sultán Mahmúd's most famous generals.