The Herald on the Elephant

From D7.7, Ardeshir’s Wise Administration of the Realm. It illustrates D7.7.58–67:

D7.7.58
He chose a Pahlevan alert and wise,Who sought no rest, with watchful, prudent eyes.
D7.7.59
Beside him went a scribe of practiced skill,To check the troops and keep the realm from ill.
D7.7.60
An elephant upheld the herald’s frame;For two farsangs his proclamation came.
D7.7.61
He cried to all the warriors of the land:“O famous chiefs, renowned in war’s command,
D7.7.62
Protect the people all along your road;Let rich and poor rest safe in each abode.
D7.7.63
Pay for provisions at each halting stage,And earn the thanks of farmer, youth, and sage.
D7.7.64
Let none who worship God take others’ due,Or stain with unjust deeds the good they do.
D7.7.65
Whoever shows the foe his back in fightWill see his fortune darkened into night.
D7.7.66
His grave will stand nearby, or iron chainWill gall his neck and breast with bitter pain.
D7.7.67
Or else, dismissed, on dust he shall be fed,And darkened dust shall be his only bed.”