بخش 1 - به خواب دیدن فردوسی دقیقی را

The poet recounts a dream: one night he held a goblet sweet as rosewater, and from somewhere Daqiqi appeared, reciting tales over the wine. He called out to Ferdowsi, urging him to drink only by the courtly rule of Kay Kavous. A king has been chosen from the world, one whom fortune favors—his armies, crown, and throne all proud; Sultan Mahmud, the conqueror of cities, who shares joy with all. From now until the year eighty‑five, his hardships will lessen while his wealth will not; thereafter he will lead armies to China and the nobles will open the way. He should not speak harshly to anyone, for the crowns of kings are already in his grasp. If you hastened through this book before, now all that you sought you have found. I had spoken of this matter earlier, yet the tale did not reach its end: I narrated a thousand verses about Goshtasp and Arjasp until my time ran out. If that portion reaches the king, my soul will rise from dust to the moon. Now I repeat the words he once voiced: I live, while he has been joined to earth.