Riyaz al-salatin 110.2.4

110.2.4

whilst others, not commanding the nerve to gird up their loins or to arm themselves, were butchered. Sarfaraz Khan's army was panic-stricken. You might say, from dread of that warfare, Earth itself had fled. Only one solitary column consisting mostly of Sarfaraz Khan's old officers, impelled by sentiments of honour, and animated by a sense of loyalty, arrayed themselves on the battle-field, gallantly resolved to sacrifice their lives, and firmly stood their ground. Nawab Sarfaraz Khan, after finishing his morning-prayer, also armed himself, seized the Holy Qoran with one hand, and mounted a swift elephant. Then letting loose the royal elephant in front of himself, he flung himself into the thick of the fight, and commenced shooting arrows. The Afghan generals of Mahabat Jang's army, covered by a squadron of Bhaliah infantry, charged Sarfaraz Khan's army. When on both sides, the troops stood in battle-array, You might say, the Day of Judgment had arrived. Owing to the thundering of guns, muskets and rockets, Aye, the Universe itself quaked. The twang of bow-strings and the cracking of arrows Resounded aloft their echo to the lofty sky. The spear, like Death with out-stretched hands, In the taking of life, chopped the breast into slips. In the hands of heroes, sharp steel-made swords, In shedding blood of the enemy, leapt warmly: The heroes became warm in taking and in giving life; Aye, the world became emptied of heroes.