Riyaz al-salatin 42.3

42.3

The standards of the Emperor of the world were pitched On the banks of the Ghagar, in the environs of the town. The Ghagar was on one side, and the Saru on the other, From excessive heat, the soldiers foamed from their mouths. The sword-casting East from yonder side of the river Became bright as if the sun had risen ; On the banks of the river, the marshalling of the forces Flashed like two Suns from two sides. At length, after nearing each other, Sultan Nasiru-d-din, abandoning the idea of the conquest of Delhi, made overtures for peace. And Sultan Muizu-d-din, owing to the instigation of Malik Nizamu-d-din, refused to make peace, and prepared to fight. After negotiations had proceeded for three days between the contending parties, on the fourth day, Sultan Nasiru-d-din with his own hand wrote : — "Son ! I have a great longing to meet you. I have no further strength of self-restraint in your separation. If you show a way by which I who am consumed by the fire of misfortune, may behold you, and, Jacob-like, if once more my eye which has become blind, becomes bright by the sight of Joseph, no harm shall betide to your sovereignty and enjoyment." The Sultan wound up this message with the following verse : — "Although paradise is a happy region, Nothing is better than the joy of Union." Sultan Muizu-d-din being touched by the perusal of his father's letter desired to proceed unattended, to meet his father.