Riyaz al-salatin 92.2

92.2

Prince Shah Jahan, of necessity, considered it expedient to humour Bhim's wishes, despite paucity of troops, and passed orders for fighting. Both sides rallying into ranks, commenced to fight. On both sides, the troops rallied into ranks, Holding in hand daggers, arrows and spears. They tramped up to the field for fighting ; Yea the fire of war blazed up. First from both sides, the artillery of the gunners, Commenced scattering fire on the hosts. From the smoke of the gun-waggons of the two forces, You might say a pitchy cloud had formed. The cannon-balls showered like hail, Yea a storm of destruction blew : Yea the heads and hands, the breasts and feet of the Commanders, Blew like wind on all sides. From blood, yea on every side a stream flowed, Yea like fish, the bodies of the heroes throbbed. On every side showered stone-rending arrows ; They passed right through every body that they lodged in. From swords and spears, breasts were torn to shreds ; The corpses of heroes fell on the ground. But the Imperialists, like stars, Hemmed in on the army of the Prince. They surrounded the latter in that battle, Yea as the ring encircles the finger. From Shah Jahan's army, Rajah Bhim the valorous, Was not cowed down by this slaughter. Some of his race who were his comrades, Hurled themselves on the enemy's force. They spurred their horses, yea like lions in fight, They drew swords, yea like water-dragons.