The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 16.2.7

16.2.7

“Make haste,’’ urged Dahar, “say, what plan I should resort to, as my mind does not encourage me to go out.” “There is no other plan,” replied the wazir, “than that when you come to the gate, hold fast to its upper part, and detach yourself from the elephant, so that the animal may pass out, and we will then close the door and take you down.” Dahar liked this plan: (so) when he came to the gate and the front half of the elephant passed out, Dahar stretched his hands and caught hold of the top of the door frame and detached himself from the elephant. The elephant passed out and Budhiman closed the gate of the fort and Dahar was gently taken down. When Daharsiah looked back he did not see Dahar and found the gate of the fort closed fast. He then became very sad and returned dejected to his camp, and then, as soon as he dismounted from the elephant, he was attacked by fever. On the next day, small-pox appeared on his person, and on the fourth day he died, and gave his dear soul to the winds (of heaven). When Dahar received the news of this sad event, he wished to go out to cremate the corpse of his brother, and perform his obsequies. (But) wazir Budhiman said to him: “May the king live long! Do not be in a hurry, for kings, sometimes, play tricks of this sort, and pretend death. When you go to attend his funeral ceremonies, he will undo you; and when once you are in his clutches, it will be vain to regret and to lament. There is a parable in this connection.