Explore "Shahnameh" by Abolqasem Ferdowsi on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
A man named Mazdak, who was eloquent and knowledgeable and possessed of great abilities, came to the court. Qobad listened to his wise words and made him the king's chief minister and treasurer.
There was a drought, and food became scarce throughout the world, for both the common people and the nobility. No clouds appeared in the sky, and throughout Iran no one saw either rain or snow. The great men of the land appeared at Qobad's door, demanding bread and water, and Mazdak said to them, "The king will be able to give you hope. " Then he ran to the king and said, "Your majesty, there is one question I wish to ask you, in hopes that you will give me an answer. " Qobad replied, "Speak, refresh my mind with your words. " Mazdak said,