Rostam Counsels against Single Combat

From C4.27, Afrasiab’s Message to Kay Khosrow. It illustrates C4.27.22–32:

C4.27.22
Khosrow, when he had heard the message through,Spoke to the son of Zal, great Rostam true.
C4.27.23
“This scheming king, whose words deceive us all,Still looks from lofty heights and sees no fall.
C4.27.24
He slipped our grasp by cunning of his own,And thinks he sits upon Turan’s high throne.
C4.27.25
He speaks so much of battle that, it seems,He longs for Shideh’s grave within his dreams.
C4.27.26
No shame would stain me if I faced this man,Descended from Fereydoon through Pashang’s clan.”
C4.27.27
But Rostam answered: “Shah, such fierce desireWould make you clasp within your lap a fire.
C4.27.28
It shames a Shah to enter single fight,Though Pashang faced him, armed in all his might.
C4.27.29
He says: ‘Fight not my men or kin or land,’And asks you thus to stay your army’s hand.
C4.27.30
Your armies stretch from sea to distant sea;Their wishes with these terms do not agree.
C4.27.31
If you make vows to him in God’s great name,Your heart must bear no guile beneath that claim.
C4.27.32
Now order full assault without delay;Let no false counsel turn our strength away.”