The Rashīdī History 1.5

1.5

and the gunners, nearly 5000 in number, must be stationed with the guns. If he does come out to attack us, there is no time or place more suitable than this for battle. If he does not come out of his entrenchments, we must remain drawn up till about mid-day, and then return to our position. Next day we must act just in the same way. Then the baggage must move to the new position, and we must follow and occupy the place. This scheme of mine met with general approbation. On the 10th Muharram, 948 H., we mounted to carry the plan into effect, and formed our array. As had been determined, the carriages (gardun) and mortars (deg) and small guns (topakchiyan) were placed in the centre. The command of the guns was given to Muhammad Khán Rúmi, the sons of Ustád 'Ali Kuli, Ustád Ahmad Rúmi, and Husain Khalifa. They placed the carriages and mortars (deg) in their proper positions, and stretched chains between them. In other divisions there were amírs of no repute, men who were amírs only in name. They had got possession of the country, but they had not a tincture of prudence or knowledge, or energy or emulation, or nobility of mind or generosity—qualities from which nobility draws its name. The Emperor had posted the author of this work upon his left, so that his right flank should be on the Emperor's left. In the same position he had placed a force of chosen troops. On my left, all my retainers were stationed.