The Akbarī Generations 7.3

7.3

When Pir Muhammad was informed of what had passed, he rushed out, and made many apologies to the Khan-khanan, who told him how the slave had refused him admission. The Pir made the excuse that the slave did not know him. Khan-khanan asked him how he knew what the slave thought. But for all that had passed, when the Khan-khanan went in, his servants were not permitted to attend him, excepting Tahir Muhammad Sultan, Mir-i faraghat, who made his way in to look after his master. The Khan-khanan sat for a while; but when he came out, he thought over this conduct of Pir Muhammad. After a few days he sent Khwaja Aminu-d daula Mahmud, subsequently Khwaja-i Jahan, Mir 'Abdu-lla Bakhshi, Khwaja Muhammad Husain Bakhshi, and several other of his followers, to Pir Muhammad Khan, with this message: "Formerly you were a poor student, and came to Kandahar in a needy, forlorn condition; but I perceived some signs of excellence in you, and remembered some old services. I therefore advanced you to the dignity of Khan and Sultan. But your nature is unable to bear this great advancement, and the bad points in your character get the mastery of you. I therefore think it advisable to deprive you for a time of royal distinctions and dignity, so that you may come to your proper senses. You must return your banner, kettle-drum, and all other marks of honour." So all signs of dignity were immediately taken away from him, and he became simple Pir Muhammad.