Jawamiʿ al-hikayat wa lawamiʿ al-riwayat 19: The Vigilance of Subuktigin.

19

[II. XV. 6.]
When Bilkátigin came from Khurásán to Ghaznîn and took possession of the country, the chief of it, Abú 'Alí Kubak, abandoned it. Bilkátigín soon gave himself up to debauchery, and entrusted Subuktigín with the management of the city. In this high post, Subuktigín discharged the duties with great efficiency and courage, and with all vigilance and care. One day, Amír Bilkátigín took wine, and held a great carouse, and from early dawn to midnight was engaged in drinking. He also endeavoured to persuade Subuktigín to drink, but without success. When the curtain of darkness was drawn over the face of the sun, Amír Bilkátigín fell into a sound sleep, but Subuktigín was very watchful and his eyes were open like the stars. Suddenly he heard a noise which proceeded from some corner, and immediately after it was followed by an uproar. With lamps and torches he went in that direction, and then he saw a body of armed men standing in the street, ready to raise a tumult. He demanded, in a loud voice, who they were? They gave an incoherent reply. Subuktigín threatened to attack them, when they were constrained to confess that a body of malcontents had conspired to make a rising that very night, and, as a sign of their success, to light a fire upon the roof of the fort. At this signal, Abú 'Alí was to bring up his force, capture Bilkátigín and his adherents, and drive all his troops out of the country. Subuktigín, on hearing these words, killed four men upon the spot and rushed out of the fort. He found a large number of men assembled in arms, who were waiting for Abu 'Ali Ktibak. He put them all to the sword, and then advanced against Abu 'Ali. He took his brother prisoner, and then returned to the city. When morning dawned, Amir Subuktigin brought some of the insurgents, with the heads of some of those he had killed, to Bilkatigin, and related the whole story of the transactions of that night. The Amir expressed admiration of his conduct, and considered him worthy of great favours; and because he was very cautious and never negligent of his enemy, he appointed him his deputy and elevated his rank above that of all his equals. He also rewarded his companions with five hundred thousand dirhams. All this was the fruit of watchfulness. Wise men know that vigilance is necessary in all circumstances.