The Rashīdī History 160.7

160.7

I have something to tell him." Thereupon a man was sent forward, who [however] asked whether Kukildash Mirza Ali Sayyid Bahadur was there, [and if so] had they not better send him [to parley]? [So they sent him.] After a short time Ali Sayyid returned reporting that Amin Darugha had spoken as follows: "Sayyid Muhammad Mirza is Mirza Aba Bakr's brother. For generations past I and my sons have been their servants. In our loyalty we have, during three months, been in peril of our lives, in spite of never having enjoyed during forty years, a moment's security from Mirza Aba Bakr. Those whom he wished to kill he killed, and those who were left alive were all subjected to violent punishments, such as castration — that is to say, depriving of virility — cutting off the hands and feet, putting out eyes, and the like. All were sure to be exposed to some calamity. In spite of all this, I felt it still my duty to remain loyal. Now it has come to a question of life and death; the knife has reached the bone. If Sayyid Muhammad Mirza will forget our enmity, forgive our sins, and spare our lives and our goods, we will deliver the citadel into his hands and become his vassals." When the Khán heard this message he was overjoyed, and sent Ali Sayyid back, saying that their offer was accepted.