Siavash Forbids His Men to Fight

From B9.53, Siavash Is Taken by Afrasiab. It illustrates B9.53.8–18:

B9.53.8
He held his ground until the force drew near,And stood where all the gathering ranks could peer.
B9.53.9
Each band looked on the other face to face,Though once no hatred stirred within that place.
B9.53.10
The Turanian riders feared the prince’s hand,And checked their steeds before the waiting band.
B9.53.11
The Iranians raised a ringing cry:“O king of kings, why should we tamely die?
B9.53.12
Why let them drag us helpless through the field?This is no trifle; honor must not yield.
B9.53.13
Let them behold the strength our warriors bring,And learn the valor serving Iran’s king.”
B9.53.14
But Siavash replied: “This fight has no just ground;No rightful cause for battle can be found.
B9.53.15
To war against my sovereign brings disgrace,And stains the honor of my ancient race.
B9.53.16
The turning sky is bent on my defeat;Though innocent, I fall through dark deceit.
B9.53.17
I cannot strike in bold attack today;No man can stand where God has barred the way.
B9.53.18
The sage has said in counsel firm and true:‘Do not resist when fortune turns on you.’”