The Rashīdī History 146.6

146.6

If you do not accept what I now offer you, I am totally at a loss to know what to give you in its place, in performance of the duties of hospitality. Years must elapse before such an honourable guest as yourself again enters the house of your humble host ; and now I am incapable of entertaining you. How can I make reparation for this ? " So saying he hung down his head with shame, and marks of sorrow appeared upon his face. Thereupon, for his host's sake, the Khan drank the spirit to the dregs, to the great joy of Kásim Khan. Festivities [suhbat] then began, and during twenty days they continued to indulge together in quaffing cups of the spirit kimiz. The summer was just drawing to a close, and the Kazak set out, by Kásim Khan's orders, for winter quarters. Kásim Khan said : " To go and attack the Shaibani, at this time, would involve great difficulties. Men of the desert do not think of winter at this season [without orders]. It is impossible. An expedition is not to be thought of at this time." He then dismissed his army ; and with the utmost courtesy and regard, he bade the Khan farewell. He himself returned to his capital, while the Khan, much pleased with Kásim Khan, returned to Andijan. It was then autumn [tirmah]. A learned man, to commemorate these events, discovered the chronogram ; Ashti-i-Kazák, or " Peace with the Kazak " [919 A.H.]