Muntakhab al-tawarikh 61.9.7

61.9.7

After these events Islem Shah returned towards Gwaliar, which he had made his metropolis, and had arrived at Dihli when tidings arrived that Muhammad Humayun Padshah had reached the banks of the Indus, with the aim of conquering Hindustan. Islem Shah just at the very moment when this tidings arrived, had applied a leech to his throat, but instantly took it off, dashed some water upon his head, and binding up his throat with linen rags ordered his army to proceed, and the first day covering three krohs, encamped, and the rank and file of his army who were at the last gasp from drunkenness, involuntarily followed him as though led by a halter round their necks. Certain of the Vazirs who were well-disposed to him represented that inasmuch as a powerful foe had come against him, and his soldiery were worthless, it would be just as well if orders were given for their pay to be issued to them. Islem Shah replied that if he were to give them money at that particular time they would attribute it to his being weak and in straits, so I will wait, said he, till my return after this victory, when I will give them, with one stroke of the pen, two years pay. The soldiers had patience and without a murmur awaited what fortune Providence would bring them, at the same time expecting some sudden calamity, and in spite of their state of unpreparedness arrived at the encampment.