The Akbarī Generations 9.10

9.10

A party of adventurous soldiers dashed forward into the hills, and surrounding the place put many of the defenders to the sword. Sultan Husain Jalair was killed in the action. When they brought his head into the presence of the Khan-khanan, in a burst of feeling he exclaimed, "This life of mine is not worth so much, that a man like this should be killed in my defence." Depressed and anxious, the Khan instantly sent one of his followers, Jamal Khan, to the Emperor with this message: "I deeply repent my deeds, which have not been entirely under my own control; but if I am favoured with the royal clemency, I will throw the veil of oblivion over my misdeeds, and will present myself in your presence, and hope for your forgiveness." When this message was brought to the ears of the Emperor, the recollection of old services rose up in his memory, and he gave orders that Maulana 'Abdu-lla Sultanpuri, who had received the title of Makhdumu-l Mulk, should proceed, with several other attendants of the Court, to Khan-khanan, and having assured him of the Emperor's kindly feeling, should bring him to his presence. When the Khan-khanan approached the royal camp, all the amirs and khans went out, by the Emperor's order, to meet him, and conducted him to the Emperor with every mark of honour. On his coming into the royal presence, the Khan placed his sad countenance upon the ground of supplication, and craved forgiveness for his offences.