The Rashīdī History 112.4.6

112.4.6

The Khan repeatedly related these details to me, and he used to add ; " Those who advised our going to the country of Shahi Beg Khan, did so out of their ignorance of his true character. However strongly those who knew him protested, and pointed out the absurdity and danger of the scheme, which the others had made appear so plausible, they would not be dissuaded. I, for my part, showed my objections and disapproval in a hundred ways; for had I not been a whole year with Shahi Beg Khan ? I well knew and understood his temperament, the ways of his Sultans, and the intentions of his Amirs. I knew very well that he would ill-treat us, which he did, but when I said this to these ignorant men, they replied : ' Then what is to be done ? All our proposals are considered impracticable or impossible! [But in going to Shahi Beg Khán] there is some hope of safety. If anything else suggests itself to your enlightened mind, tell us of it : for in every matter we are willing to follow and obey you, mind and body.' Much as I thought the matter over, I was unable to find a solution of the difficulty, or offer any other suggestion; and finally I, with my eyes open, and in spite of what I knew, became myself a promoter of that very plan for which I had so severely reproved my men. For, in truth, there was no choice left. Knowingly and deliberately I rushed upon calamity!