The Rashīdī History 199.2

199.2

his immoral conduct could not be checked, and he went so far as to prompt the young Sultan to aspire to sovereignty. The matter was rumoured everywhere and discussed by every one, till at last the Khan saw no remedy, but to banish the young Sultan from the country. [Couplet]. . . . He therefore sent Shah Muhammad Sultan, together with Baba Sayyid and some attendants, to Karatigin. Two of the Amirs, Muhammadi Barlas and Amir Janaka, attended them as an escort. But on the road Amir Janaka showed some hostility and wished to convey the Sultan to some place [other than their destination], on which account Muhammadi Barlas seized him. Thereupon Baba Sayyid incited Shah Muhammad Sultan to attempt the release of Amir Janaka, saying: "It is his fidelity to you that has exposed him to this misfortune. You must save him from the hands of Muhammadi Barlas, by main force. What can Muhammadi do to you?" Shah Muhammad Sultan, deceived by these words, turned back and at midnight approached the party, who being apprehensive [of some such danger] were standing fully armed. [As he approached] he called out : "Release Amir Jánaka!" to which they replied : "Whosoever you may be, retire! otherwise we will smother you in arrows." The Sultan heard this threat, but paid no attention to it. (Has it not been said : at night the king is unjust?) The party then let fly their arrows and, by chance, the Sultan was struck [in the breast]; he retired a short distance and then expired.