The Rashīdī History 35.4

35.4

Since the father of Amir Haidar was on the most friendly terms with Amir Timur, he was invited to the feast; for his intelligence had received brightness from the polish of experience of long years. With him and Amir Husain, he discussed the advisability of setting Amir Hamid and Iskandar Oghlan at liberty ; and Amir Hosain (in spite of the words [Verses] : When your enemy falls into your hands Keep him at a distance, lest he hurt you again and you will repent) out of consideration for the noble-mindedness of Amir Timur, did not refuse his entreaty, but gave sanction for the two prisoners to be released. As soon as Amir Husain had set out for Sâli-Sarâi, his residence in his own province, Amir Timur sent Amir Dâud and Amir Saifuddin to release the two prisoners, and to bring them back with all respect and honour; but Báyázid and Aiman, who had the custody of Amir Hamid and Iskandar Oghlan, on seeing the two messengers, thought they had come to kill Amir Hamid, and therefore hastened to put him to death, one giving him a blow with a mace and the other striking him with a sword. Such was the end of Amir Hamid. When Amir Husain heard of this, he said : "The work of the servant was better than the work of the master," and at once sent a messenger in search of Iskandar Oghlan, to kill him. [Verse] : Against the arrow of destiny there is no shield.