The Rashīdī History 227.1

227.1

Before entering upon the description of Kashmir, I had brought the thread of my story down to the point where, after passing the defile of Lar without difficulty, we entered the city. The army of Kashmir was dispersed, and the townspeople, forsaking their city and homes, fled towards the hills and glens, leaving their property in their dwellings. I took up my quarters in the Rajdan, which has been mentioned, and entrenched my men within its walls. During many days no trace of any one was visible. For twenty-four days we remained there, by which time the horses and cattle had quite recovered their strength. The army of Kashmir was stationed in the middle of some swamps at about two farsakhs to the south of the city, where they could be seen. Wise men were of opinion that we ought not to remain within the city, but thought that we should march out and watch for an opportunity to give them battle. For, though the enemy were far stronger than we, both in arms and numbers, we might yet defeat them by strategy. [Couplet] .... So, sallying forth from the city, we passed, in line, in sight of the enemy, and went and encamped at a place called Baklata on the east side of Kashmir. In a word, from that date of Jamad II.