The Merchants' Oath of Silence

From D10.34, Bahram’s Flight from Hind to Iran. It illustrates D10.34.31–42 (to D10.34.46):

D10.34.31
At dawn he left Ghanooj to reach the fair;When night came, Bahram said, “Now, wife, prepare.”
D10.34.32
He donned his jowshan, mounted as he planned,With kamand strapped and gorz held firm in hand,
D10.34.33
Then helped Sapinud mount and breathed a prayer,God’s name a murmur on the midnight air.
D10.34.34
Bahram rode out and neared the river’s flow,Where merchant caravans were camped below.
D10.34.35
The merchants were Iranians, men who boreThe risks of land and sea from shore to shore.
D10.34.36
They knew him, and he bit his lip in dread;He feared the news of who he was might spread.
D10.34.37
He would not let them bow before his face;His comrades must not know his royal place.
D10.34.38
He told the merchants, “Keep your lips sealed tight;On this depend our profit, loss, and flight.
D10.34.39
For if this secret spreads through Hindustan,A sea of blood will cover soil of Iran.
D10.34.40
Great is the man who keeps all secrets sound,Whose hand stays open while his tongue is bound.
D10.34.41
By solemn oath I bind your tongues from speechUntil again the royal throne I reach.
D10.34.42
Swear, ‘We shall not forsake King Bahram’s way,Nor ever let his secret see the day.’”