The Akbarī Generations 9.2

9.2

This statement distressed the Emperor, and he determined to go on to Dehli. Shahabu-d din came out in state to meet His Majesty, and was graciously received. Maham Anka, in agreement with Shahabu-d din, seized every opportunity of saying something to set the mind of the Emperor against Bairam Khan. Thus, she insinuated that so long as Bairam Khan was in power, the Emperor would have no will of his own over the affairs of State, — that the whole power was in the Khan's hands, and His Majesty was under his control. At length she said that when Khan-khanan discovered that she had been the cause of the Emperor's proceeding to Dehli, he would have a grudge against her, and that she was quite unable to contend against his animosity. She therefore begged His Majesty to give her leave to proceed to Mecca, so that at the holy city she might offer up prayers for His Majesty in absence, instead of serving him in presence. The assiduous attention of Maham Anka had won the regard of the Emperor, and he would not listen to the suggestion of separation from her. He said he would request Khan-khanan to overlook her offence, and he sent a message to the Khan to this effect : " As I have come all this way without consulting you, my attendants have fallen under your suspicion. Now you must make yourself quite at ease about them, so that you may continue to serve me with a tranquil mind." Shahabu-d din Ahmad was very vigilant and cautious in his proceedings.