The Akbarī Generations 32.2

32.2

When Mirza Muhammad Hakim heard that Mirza Sulaiman had gone back to Badakhshan, he made haste to Kabul. It has been related in a former page how Mirza Sulaiman left his daughters in his camp at Kabul, and went off in haste to seize upon Mirza Muhammad Hakim at Karabagh. Next day Muhammad Ma'sum Koka, whom Mirza Muhammad Hakim had left in command at Kabul, sent out a force to attack the besiegers' camp, and defeated them. Muhammad Kuli Shaghali, who was in command, gave up his baggage to plunder, and went off with the daughters of Mirza Sulaiman to Chahar-diwar Bagh, a place in the vicinity, and there entrenched himself. The Kabul forces surrounded the place, and sought to make him and Mirza Sulaiman's daughters their prisoners; but Ma'sum Koka, considering it unseemly to make prisoners of the ladies, recalled his men. Mirza Sulaiman returned unsuccessful from Karabagh, and again laid siege to Kabul, but Ma'sum Koka had grown bold and daring. Every day he sent out parties of men, and sorely troubled the besiegers. The weather grew very cold, so Mirza Sulaiman became desirous of peace. Ma'sum Koka was aware of his distress, and was anxious to fight, so he would not make peace. Finally, Mirza Sulaiman sent in Kazi Khan Badakhshi, who had been tutor of Ma'sum Koka, and prevailed upon him to send the Mirza a small present. Peace was thus made. The Mirzá first sent on his wife, and then followed her to Badakhshán.