When Prince Bahman concluded his delivery of Esfandiyar's stern demands, Rostam's veteran mind sank into profound reflection. Breaking his silence, the seasoned Champion of Iran addressed the young envoy, stating that his heart was gladdened by Bahman's presence, and bade him carry a carefully forged response back to the renowned Esfandiyar. Rostam began with solemn wisdom: any ruler whose soul is guided by intellect must look to the ultimate roots and consequences of his deeds. For a prince who already possesses matchless valor, victory, adorned treasuries, and high renown, it is unseemly to succumb to ill temper and arrogance. Men of noble birth must stand upon justice and the worship of Yazdan, refusing to take the hand of evil—for words spoken without reason are like a fruitless, scentless tree, and if the soul surrenders to the demon of Greed (*Az*), it embarks upon a long and profitless toil.
Rostam then showered praise upon Esfandiyar's unmatched fame, acknowledging that in courage, counsel, and wisdom, the prince surpassed his own ancestors, with his glory resounding across Hindustan, Rome, China, and the lands of sorcery. Rostam expressed how deeply he had yearned to behold Esfandiyar's face and to sit alongside him in fellowship, raising goblets in honor of the Sovereign. He declared his readiness to ride out alone, without an army, to meet Esfandiyar and recall the ancient covenants of just kings from Kay Qobad to Kay Khosrow. Yet, Rostam's tone hardened into magnificent defiance when addressing the demand for his arrest. He urged Esfandiyar to reflect upon the immense toil, wounds, and sacred service Rostam had rendered to the Iranian crown across centuries. If the ultimate reward for such lifelong devotion was to be fettered like a criminal by the Iranian king, then it were better for a champion never to have walked the earth.
With proud intensity, Rostam declared that no living soul had ever seen chains upon his feet, nor had any roaring elephant ever displaced him from his position. He implored Esfandiyar to cast away youthful arrogance and wrath, and not to seat the Demon of Greed at his right hand. Instead, Rostam warmly extended a royal invitation: let Esfandiyar cross the river and honor Zabulistan's halls for two full months, allowing his army and steeds to rest. Rostam promised to unlock his ancient treasuries—won by the prowess of his own blade—and bestow gold and silver upon the entire host. Once the grand feast concluded, Rostam offered to ride side-by-side with Esfandiyar to the court of King Goshtasp, where he would voluntarily stand before the throne, soften the King's wrath with gentle words, and directly ask why a lifetime of glory must end in iron chains.