The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 8.6

8.6

Thereupon, Chach came to the queen and said:—“This enemy is come to the door of the house and claims the kingdom and the inheritance; what is your counsel?” Rai Sihasi’s wife laughed and said:—“I am a woman, living behind a curtain. If I am to go and fight, put on my clothes and sit here, and give me your garment that I may go forth (to battle). Have you not heard what the wise men have said, (namely) that when a person is elevated to a responsible post, he conducts it efficiently and ably, only when he acquires the skill and intelligence required for it. When the kingdom has fallen to your lot, what for do you require my advice? Gird up your loins and spring up like a roaring lion. Advance like a hero to the fight, and endeavour to defeat your foe. For death with honour and glory is better than living despised by an equal. Verse—You have elephants as well as armies; you have horses as well as followers. Put confusion into the ranks of your enemy and step forth like a man.” Chach was shamed by this her reply; and wearing weapons of war, and drawing up his army in a line, he faced the enemy. He also brought out of prison those of the (adverse) party who still remained there, gave them rewards and encouraging promises for the future, and advanced to meet the enemy. The king Maharat divided his army into the centre, the right wing, the left wing, the advance guard and the rear guard.