The Rashīdī History 126.9

126.9

If you throw yourselves upon him for support and protection, he will be able to convey you to Mirza Khan." The Maulana, having left me in the house of some person, went to see Nik Pai Khan, to whom he explained that he was the preceptor of Mirza Khan, and that, having escaped the tyranny of the Uzbeg, he was desirous of repairing to the foot of the throne of Mirza Khan. "If," he continued, "you will help me in this matter, your reward shall be great; I shall, moreover, be able to represent your loyalty in the most favourable light to Mirza Khan." Nik Pai Shah received the Maulana with great respect and honour, and instructed five of his most trusted men to escort him across the river to Rustak, which, though in ruins, was at least a place of security from the violence of the Chiragh Kush. At about the hour of midday prayer, those five men came and conveyed us across the river Amu, whence we advanced towards Rustak. When the blazing torch of the sun descended into the oven of the West, and the sparks of the stars were scattered over the smoke-streaked vault of heaven, fire fell upon the souls of those five men, and they began to brawl and wrangle. Three other poor men, who carried a little merchandise, were of our party, being bound for Kala-i-Zafar, where they hoped to realise a small profit. These [five men] said to us: "You must pay duty [baj]"; and what was demanded was accordingly handed over. Again they said: "To each of us, separate payment is due";