The Raja's Chessboard Before the Throne

From E2.1, Chess Comes to Anooshirvan. It illustrates E2.1.35–42:

E2.1.35
Anooshirvan heard the message through,And weighed the challenge placed before his view.
E2.1.36
They set the board and pieces near the king;He studied every emblem, rank, and thing.
E2.1.37
Half of the set was ivory, clear and bright,The other teak, dark-hued against the light.
E2.1.38
The Shah, whose fortune never slept, inquiredAbout the board and pieces he admired.
E2.1.39
The envoy said, “O king, this whole displayIs war’s own emblem shaped in artful play.
E2.1.40
When you have solved it, you will understandThe tactics, plan, and order of command.
E2.1.41
The field of battle and its ranks appearWithin this board when wisdom’s eye is clear.”
E2.1.42
The Shah replied, “One week of time I claim;Upon the eighth day we shall play the game.”