King Khosrow and his Knight Fourth-Century Sasanian coming-of-age Manual

In this tale, a youth named Vashpur presents himself to the greatest of Sasanian kings. Vashpur is well born, well schooled, skilled in the arts of war and peace alike, but his family has been ruined; he therefore asks King Khosrow to admit him to the royal court and volunteers for any test to prove his worth.

“My father died during my childhood, and I am the only son. I received from my parents my hereditary share, stately riches in cash and food of all kinds, and beautiful fine clothes. I have learned by heart all great works of literature and history and have become well versed in learned speech. My skill in riding, archery, and sword fighting is such that others must be fortunate to escape my arrow. I am also skillful in the tar and dotar. In the game of chess I am superior to my comrades. Now my family is ruined, and my mother has departed this life. If it pleases you put me to the test in anything whatsoever.”