Riyaz al-salatin 49.5

49.5

Although Ghiasu-d-din had given strict orders to his soldiers and commanders that to the utmost they should capture the king alive, but as fate willed otherwise, Sikandar Shah was unknowingly killed at the hands of one of the commanders of Ghiasu-d-din. Whilst still the slayer was standing at his head, one amongst them seeing Sikandar Shah killed, enquired as to who had killed him. He said : " I have killed him ; " the other man said, " You felt no pity for Sultan Sikandar." Then both in fright went to Ghiasu-d-din and said : " In case we fear that by restraining our hands, we may be killed, can we kill him ? " Ghiasu-d-din said : " Certainly you may kill him," and after some reflection he said : " Apparently, thou hast killed the king." The slayer said : " Yes, unknowingly I inflicted a cut with the spear on the heart of the king. Still he has some remnants of life." Ghiasu-d-din proceeded swiftly, dismounted from the horse, and placed the head of the father on his lap, and tears trickled down his cheek, and he said : " Father, open thy eyes, and express thy dying wish, that I may fulfil it." The king opened his eyes, and said: "My life's work is over; the kingdom is welcome to thee. May you prosper in your sovereignty, As I have quitted the world."