The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 40.2

40.2

‘I have smitten the Abyssinian and killed him.’ Dahar’s warriors approached, and found the Abyssinian’s body lying on the bow of his saddle. Thus the infidels made a rush on the Arabs from all sides, and fought so steadily and bravely that the army of Islám became irresolute, and their lines were broken up in great confusion. It was generally believed that the Arabs were defeated and put to flight, and men were struck dumb and overawed. Muhammad Kásim was then so much perplexed that he called out to his boy water-bearer :—‘Give me a little water to drink.” He drank water and then returned, and loudly shouted: ‘‘Here am I, your commander Muhammad Kásim. Whither are you running away. Up with your shields and on to the attack, that the infidels may be killed and victory be ours.’ He then rallied all the forces. Mékah Basáyeh now came to his presence, and with all his men dismounted and stood on foot before him. Muhammad Kásim called out at the top of his voice: ‘Where are Házim son of Umar, Madani, and Kúblí Wahalí, and Atúsiah son of Abdurrahman, and Banánah son of Hanzilah Kilábí and Aás son of Ayrah and Abú Fiddah and Muhammad son of Ziyád Abdí and Tamím son of Zaid Kaisí? Where are my comrades and kinsmen and my swordsmen, my guards and my lancers? All of you are the prop and support of your respective armies. Keep your columns ready in their allotted positions. Do not waver or lose resolution;