So Garsíwaz with those rich gifts, which made

Earth's face look gay, sped on to the Jíhún,
And there chose one to go to Siyáwush,
And say thus: “Garsíwaz hath come in state,
Hath crossed the river in a single day
By boat, and hastened on the road to Balkh.”
The envoy came and gave the prince the message.
Then Siyáwush called elephantine Rustam,
Discussed the matter from all points of view,
And ordered Garsíwaz to be admitted,
Rose when he came and welcomed him with smiles,
While Garsíwaz afar off kissed the ground,
With downcast looks and terror in his heart.
The prince, rirst seating him below the throne,
Asked eagerly about Afrásiyáb,
And Garsíwaz beholding as he sat
The prince on his new throne, his head, and crown,
Spake unto Rustam thus: “Afrásiyáb,
As soon as he had tidings of thy coming,
Dispatched at once a keepsake to the prince,
And I have brought it with me on my way.”
He bade his followers to bring the gifts
And pass along in front of Siyáwush.
All from the city's gateway to the court
Were horses, drachms, boy-slaves, and troops. None knew
The tale of diadems, dínárs, high thrones,
Of slave-boys all with caps and girdles on,
And women-slaves with bracelets and gold torques.
The prince was gratified and smiling gazed
Upon them as he heard the embassage;
But matchless Rustam said: “Come, let us feast
A week and then proceed to the reply,
For this request must be considered well,
And there are many to advise withal.”
Far-sighted Garsíwaz on hearing this
Did lowly reverence and kissed the ground.
They draped a mansion with brocade for him
And requisitioned cooks; but Siyáwush
And Rustam of the elephantine form
Withdrew and sat to canvass all the case,
For Rustam had suspicions through the haste
Of Garsíwaz; they hurried out their scouts
And took precautions. Then said Siyáwush:—
“Come, let us bring this mystery to light:
What motives can they have for seeking peace?
Look for an antidote for this their bane—
Think of the names of five score noble men,
Close blood-relations of Afrásiyáb;
These let him send to us as hostages
To clear the dark suspicions in our minds.
Seest not how fear of us oppresseth him,
And how he taboreth beneath the blanket?*

This done we must send one to tell the Sháh;
May be he will abandon thoughts of war.”
“This is the proper method,” Rustam said,
“In this way only will a pact be made.”