Siavash and Rostam Counsel by Night

From B9.22, Garsivaz Comes before Siavash. It illustrates B9.22.23–34:

B9.22.23
Then Siavash and Rostam left the hall,And withdrew apart from council and from all.
B9.22.24
They sat awake together, long in thought,And weighed the hidden purpose he had brought.
B9.22.25
For Rostam marked the speed with which he came,And feared some secret purpose in the same.
B9.22.26
He sent his scouts on every road around,To search each way and bring back what they found.
B9.22.27
Then Siavash said: “Bring this secret clear;Reveal the hidden cause that brought him here.
B9.22.28
Why does Afrasiab now sue for peace?What nush-daru can cure this poison’s lease?
B9.22.29
Choose one hundred kinsmen of renown,His closest blood, as pledges to the crown.
B9.22.30
Let Afrasiab send those men in trust,And clear our darkened counsel, as he must.
B9.22.31
See how our strength has troubled him inside,Yet beats a drum beneath the carpet’s hide.
B9.22.32
When this is done, send one we trust away,To bear the news to Kavus without stay.
B9.22.33
Perhaps his heart will let its anger cease,And turn from thoughts of war to thoughts of peace.”
B9.22.34
Then Rostam said: “This course alone is sound;No other way can peace be firmly bound.”