Muntakhab al-tawarikh 115.3

115.3

What should I do with it?” When I saw the Shah in company with Qalij Khan, in the portico of Shaikh Abu-’l-Fazl, under whose protection the Shah was, standing on the parapet of a roof which overlooked his cell, he had his face covered with a veil, and was writing, and was saying to one who was with him, “It was this Qalij Khan who said, ‘I am Qalij, your slave and servant.’” It is probable that the Shaikh had been accustomed to veil his face for a long time, and it was said that he possibly did so to avoid being recognized when he travelled from place to place—but God knows the truth. I heard from a trusted and intimate associate of the Shaikh that one day in Kashmir the Emperor sent Shaikh Abu-‘l-Fazl and Hakim Abu-’l-Fath to wait upon the Shah, and one of them, agreeably to the Emperor’s order, said, “Shah, how would it be if you were to raise your veil, so that I might see your comeliness?” He would not comply and said, “I am a poor beggar; let me alone, and vex me no more.” The Hakim, with his usual impudence and insolence, stretched forth his hand, and endeavoured to pull off the veil. The Shah objected, and becoming angry said, “God forbid! I am not leprous or deformed; behold!