The Rashīdī History 244.3

244.3

First of all the Emperor, pointing to me, said : "You must tell us what you consider the most suitable line of action to pursue at this moment." I represented: "When Sultan Husain Mirza of Khorasan departed this life, his seventeen sons, in consequence of their disunion, abandoned Khorasan to Shahi Beg Khan, so that to the present day they are objects of reproach to the people, and rejected of all mankind. To add to this disgrace they have all been extinguished; insomuch that within the space of one year, excepting Badi-uz-Zaman who went to Rum, not one remains alive. The late Emperor, Babar, conquered this far-stretching land of Hindustan with much exertion and toil, and on leaving this world, transmitted [the empire] to you. Would you suffer a country like Hindustan to be seized by such a man as Shir Khan? Consider what a difference there is between Hindustan with all its revenues, and Khorasan; and how inferior is Shir Khan to Shahi Beg Khan! Also remember the degree of censure you will incur from mankind! Now is the moment for you to consider your condition, and having removed your head from the collar of envy, to place it in the pocket of meditation, that you may acquire the esteem of the people. Formerly, when matters could have been arranged with ease, you put obstacles in the way, by your want of constancy and of purpose. At present it is impossible to achieve anything, without encountering untold difficulties.'