The Rashīdī History 123.6

123.6

'Thus did I use all the arguments in my power to dissuade the Khan, but as often as my remonstrances reached him, certain base advisers, in their short-sighted ignorance, represented to him that 'Muhammad Husain Mirza does not wish you to go, because lately Shahi Beg Khan has shown him great favour, and he knows that your going would put an end to this.' To absurd representations of this kind they would add: 'It is our firm conviction that if [Shahi Beg Khan has treated Muhammad Husain Mirza well, in return for his services, he will treat a hundred, nay, a thousand, times better, you who have done so much more for him'].' After the expression of all these impossible and absurd ideas, the following answer was sent back: 'Oh! Dâdâ' (that is, oh! Friend, for these two had become 'friends' according to the Moghul custom, in their youth, and called each other by this name up to the end of their days): 'how strange it is that you should be leading such a happy life in Khorasan and Samarkand, in spite of your knowledge of the pitiable state of affairs in Moghulistan! How can you allow me to be exposed to so much suffering?' But taking my words and advice as mixed with evil intentions, he failed to recognise their truth, and came. This instance is not the same as the former one. Certainly Shahi Beg Khan will fill the cup of the Khan's hopes with the fatal wine of martyrdom, and whatever dregs remain he will cause me to drink. I now commit you to the care of God.