The Rashīdī History 37.2

37.2

For when the winter (during which he had devoted his time to the peaceful administration of the affairs of his State) had passed, and spring at length arrived ; (When the warrior spring had raised the standards of the tulips and had led out his army of green plants into the plains of gardens and meadows, [Verses]: The morning breeze led out his army towards the fertile plains And made ready the weapons and arms of war. He made spears of the buds and shields of the roses, The spearpoints he made from sharpened thorns; [When spring set in] news came that the hosts of Jatah were again on their way towards this country [i.e., Mavara-un-Nahr]. Amir Timur began at once to collect his army together, and sent to inform Amir Husain of the report. The latter ordered Pulad Bugha and Zinda Hasham, son of Muhammad Aperdi, and Malik Bahadur to collect their forces and set out with all possible speed to join Amir Timur. They met, and at once marched together against the enemy. On their arrival at Akar, they inspected the cavalry and beasts of burden, and remained there several days to take advantage of the excellence of the pasturage. Departing thence, they crossed the River Sihun and encamped [on the opposite side]. Amir Husain hastened on in the direction of the enemy, with a large body of men, till he came to the banks of the river, where he caught sight of some of their outposts.