Qiran al-saʿdayn 7: Interviews between the Father and Son.
Kiránu-s Sa'dain (extracts) 7
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Interviews between the Father and Son.
7.1
Each is invited by the other to ascend the throne. The son said to the father, "Here is the throne, it is thy seat, I am a slave ready to obey orders." The father said to the son, "This is a mistake, it is of you that this honour is worthy." Again, the son said to the father, "Advance and ascend, for the throne will be exalted by thy presence." Again, the father said to the son, "Oh, thou that wearest a crown, my empire will be established through the credit of thy name." "Long they continued in this gentle altercation, and no one could see the step of either advance. And when the father saw that the respect of his son exceeded all bounds, he said, 'I have one desire near to my heart, and, thanks be to God, that it now approaches fulfilment, and that is, oh, fortunate one, that I may place thee on the throne with my own hand; because thou didst ascend the throne in my absence, and I was not there to take thy hand, though, it is true, thou hadst no need of my aid, for by thy own power didst thou establish thyself in the kingdom."
7.2
"He then seized his son's hand, and seated him on the throne, and when he had descended again from it, he stood with his hands joined, and all were astonished at the scene. The son sat but a short time on the throne, when he descended, and approached his father. The officers of state stood on each side, holding trays of jewels in their hands, which they poured upon the heads of the two kings, and the ground before them was strewed with rubies, pearls, silver, and gold." When the father had confirmed the possession of his son upon the throne, he exclaimed with a loud voice before the assembled throng, "This day enough has been accomplished, to-morrow we will convene another assembly. Thanks be to God, that I have attained my wishes, and I have seen the desire of my heart accomplished!" He then kissed his son's head, and returned in his boat to the other side of the river, and again the son filled his own boat with a flood (of wine). A torrent flowed from the ocean of wine, and all immersed themselves in it till they became drunk, and lost all respect for their king, as well as their own senses.
7.3
Next day, the Sultan selected some horses, and sent them as a present to his son, and at night the King of the East again embarked on a boat, and visited Kai-kubad. A full description of the festivities on the occasion. The father gave the son a valuable Bengal elephant, "a jewelled crown, lofty on all sides," and "a throne made of wood, but covered with gold, standing on four feet, with supports for the arms of the king." The crown was placed upon the son's head, and they sat together upon the throne. The father requested from his son the gift of a white canopy and black cap, both of which had been used by Balban. These were promised to him, and he retired, declaring his intention of returning the next day. The Sultan then returned to his usual enjoyments. Next morning, the Sultan sent the white canopy and black cap to his father, and the bearer was rewarded with a robe of honour and presents. In the evening, the father again embarked on a boat, to have an interview with his son, when he took occasion to instil into his ears good advice respecting the future management of his country, and returned at midnight to his own camp.
7.4
The next day, both armies prepared to return to their respective countries. "The army of the east, towards the east, the army of the west, marched towards the west." An affectionate interview first took place between the two kings, and they finally parted from each other. No one else was allowed to be present. A bridge was made over the river, to facilitate communication between the two armies. Deep grief was expressed on both sides, on taking leave, and, locked in each other's arms, the father reiterated the advice he had before given. On the departure of his father, the son solaced his woes by drinking wine. As the rainy season had commenced, and the river Ghagra began to rise, the Sultan's army moved from the bank of the river towards Oudh, and encamped at Kautpur. Khan-i Jahan was appointed to the government of Oudh, and directed to remain there.