Shangul Threatens the Envoy

From D10.27, Shangul Answers Bahram’s Letter. It illustrates D10.27.1–12 (to D10.27.32):

D10.27.1
The king, on hearing, asked to see the scroll,And marveled at that chief of kingly soul.
D10.27.2
The scribe read out the letter, word by word;The king turned saffron-yellow as he heard.
D10.27.3
He said, “O man of eloquence, take care;Speak without haste; of harshness too beware.
D10.27.4
Your Shah lays claim to greatness in his pride;You follow in his footsteps, stride for stride.
D10.27.5
If one demands that Hind pay tribute due,I will not yield, nor change to suit his view.
D10.27.6
Does he rely on troops or treasured store,Or ravage towns and realms by force of war?
D10.27.7
An eagle, I see kings as cranes in flight;They are but dust before my ocean’s might.
D10.27.8
No wise man wars against the stars on high,Nor wins renown by striking at the sky.
D10.27.9
True worth is better than vainglorious speech,Which makes the wise despise the boasts you preach.
D10.27.10
No strength, no wisdom, city, or domain;Mere talk is all the kingship you retain.
D10.27.11
My whole domain is one vast hoard, amassedBy all my fathers through the ages past.
D10.27.12
I have a jowshan vault for man and steed;My treasurer unlocks it at our need.