Explore "Shahnameh" by Abolqasem Ferdowsi on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Ardeshir assumed the ivory throne in Baghdad and crowned himself there; with his sword belt, royal mace, and splendid palace, he was indistinguishable from Goshtasp, and from that time on people called him the King of Kings. After he had placed the crown on his head, he gave an address from the throne: "In this world my treasure is justice, and the world prospers through my efforts and good fortune. No one can take this treasure from me, since evil comes to those who do evil; if the world's God approves of my actions, he will not begrudge me mastery of this dark earth. From end to end the world is in my keeping, and my way is the path of justice. No one, whether he be a slave or a free man, must sleep uneasily because of my subordinates, or captains, or cavalry: my court is open to everyone, whether they wish me good or ill. " The court called down blessings on him, saying, "May the earth prosper beneath your righteousness!"
Then he sent armies in each direction, to persuade whatever chieftains who might oppose him to submit, or face conquest by the sword.