The Rashīdī History 217.1

217.1

It was mentioned above that the Khan had decided to advance against the Dulpa, by way of Khotan, and had sent me forward to Balti. At that time the Emperor of the firmament was in the sign of Leo; the Khan, having marched for one month, took up his summer quarters among the hill pastures of Khotan, until the end of the season of Virgo. Those who had had experience of that region then represented to the Khan: "It is now too late [in the season] to achieve anything: for very soon all the waters and rivers will be frozen over, so that no water will be obtainable: nor is there sufficient firewood to be found to melt the ice, for watering the cattle and horses. It will also be hardly possible to kill enough kutes to make a sufficient supply of soup. It is for these reasons that, on previous occasions, several armies have been dismounted [lost their horses] on this road." The Khan being convinced [of the impracticability of continuing by that route] said: "Were I to give up the holy war in Tibet, I should be disappointed of great recompense hereafter. If this route is too difficult, it will be best for me to follow in the steps of Mirza Haidar, and complete the holy war in that quarter." So saying, he turned back from Khotan and advanced along the road which I had taken.