Jami's Argument on the Mutual Immortality of Poets and Patrons

In Silsilat al-Dhahab (Section 47 of Jami's Haft Awrang), the poet presents a didactic defense of royal patronage and panegyric poetry (madh). Rather than viewing court poetry as mere sycophancy or transactional praise, Jami argues that patronage establishes a symbiotic relationship of historical preservation:

1. Immortalization of Patrons: The names and deeds of kings and dynasties (such as the Samanids) are kept alive on the 'page of time' (sahifeh-ye ruzgar) through the exquisite verses of the poets they supported.
2. Immortalization of Poets: The financial security and prestige provided by royal patronage allow poets (such as Rudaki) to produce enduring works of art, cementing their own lasting legacy.
3. Historical Examples: Jami highlights the legendary patronage of the Samanid court toward Rudaki, noting that while their material wealth has vanished, their names survive solely through poetry.