Muntakhab al-tawarikh 64.6

64.6

Himun, regarding Ibrahim as his own especial prey, considered it essential to overthrow him; Ibrahim came out to oppose him ready for battle, and taking up a strong position shewed a resolute determination to withstand him, such as perhaps Rustum, if anyone, displayed before. But for all this, by the decree of the Almighty he was not successful. He was the possessor of all the praiseworthy qualities which should belong to kings. He was well formed and well spoken, modest, cultured and refined, daring and liberal, but success in war is God-given, and it is not in mortals to command it, it was not his fate to win. Accordingly in this space of two years of disorder he must have fought sixteen or seventeen battles, and on every occasion after gaining a success met with a defeat. God preserve us from failure after success. Ibrahim thus defeat, leaving Kalpi made straight for Baiana with all speed, and Himun pursuing him arrived at Baiana. Ibrahim Khan taking a body of the Nuhanis and Afghan cultivators and landholders of Baiana, again went out to meet Himun, and, making a night attack upon him, the following morning fought a fierce battle with him near to the township of Khanwah, ten kurohs distant from Baiana, but could not prevail against his destiny, and Himun said 'It is easy to smite a stricken foe' and rolled him up and inflicted a defeat upon him, so that he was compelled to fortify himself in the fortress of Baiana, which is a fort of exceeding loftiness and strength.