The Akbarī Generations 23.4

23.4

When the waters subsided, intelligence was brought that Sikandar Khan, heedless of what was to happen, was still in Lucknow. Thereupon His Majesty left Khwaja Jahan, Muzaffar Khan, and Mu'in Khan in charge of the camp, while he himself started off at midnight with a valiant body of men to march against the rebel with all speed. That night and the next day he struggled through all obstacles without taking rest, and on the following morning came in sight of Sikandar at Lucknow. As soon as Sikandar heard of his approach, he hastily abandoned Lucknow and fled. The horses of the Emperor's force were quite worn out with fatigue, so Sikandar made his escape, and went off unmolested to Khan-zaman and Bahadur Khan. They also were now alarmed, and retreated from before Asaf Khan to Jaunpur. They marched from thence, and sending forward their adherents, they crossed the river at the ferry of Narhan, and halted on the other side of the river. The Emperor sent on Yusuf Muhammad Khan in advance from Lucknow, and himself followed close after him. He encamped in the neighbourhood of Jaunpur, and there Asaf Khan and Majnun Khan came to pay their respects, and were graciously received. Asaf Khan brought with him some costly offerings, which were accepted. Next day his army, which had been got together by means of the treasures of Garha, and numbered five thousand horse, was drawn out in the plain and reviewed by His Majesty, who expressed his royal satisfaction.