Sa’ad Spreads His Cloak for the Envoy

From E10.3, Rostam and Sa’ad Exchange Letters. It illustrates E10.3.35–45:

E10.3.35
The sealed words went to Pirooz Shapur then,A high-born lord among Iran’s great men.
E10.3.36
To Sa’ad, son of Wakkas, then he rode,With Iranian nobles on the road.
E10.3.37
Their souls were bright; their armor shone with gold,And silver gleamed upon each warrior bold.
E10.3.38
With golden belts and splendor for the field,They came, each with a bright and golden shield.
E10.3.39
When Sa’ad heard, he came to meet the band,With troops like dust advancing through the land.
E10.3.40
They lodged the envoy; Sa’ad asked him thenAbout his welfare and the fighting men.
E10.3.41
He asked of Shah and chief, of troop positions,The watchful lord, his lands and their conditions.
E10.3.42
He spread his cloak for Pirooz, then he said:“With sword and spear as mates, our lives are led.
E10.3.43
Brave men do not discuss brocade or gold,Nor silver, feasts, or sleep when hearts are bold.”
E10.3.44
Then Pirooz placed the letter in his hand,And spoke the words that Rostam for him planned.
E10.3.45
Sa’ad heard, read, and marveled at its tone;In Arabic, both good and ill were shown.