The Rashīdī History 99.3

99.3

Up to this point I have heard the story of Rashid Sultan from reliable sources in Hindustan and Kashmir, and have committed it to writing. After his victory over the Uzbeg he marched on Andijan and Turfan. But the sources from which I derived the details of this matter not being trustworthy, I have not thought fit to enter them, and have therefore drawn in the reins of my pen from [writing] of these things.
All those unworthy acts with which people have reproached Rashid Khan, were committed either for the sake, or through the efforts, of Muhammadi Barlas. The origin of this man's influence is not evident, for neither had he rendered such service as to merit elevation in rank, nor had he ever displayed such great bravery or good qualities, as to gain for himself distinction. Rashid Khan was led, mounted, [blank] by him in all his affairs. If I were to relate all, the reader, who has not himself witnessed these things, would regard them as incredible. The epithet of "Himar" [Ass] which is applied to the tribe of Barlas, was, indeed, fully applicable to that particular Barlas. It would be quite out of place for me to relate how he urged Rashid Khan on to kill, or banish, his uncles and mothers and Amirs, and to change his haram; therefore I have thought it better to avoid this matter altogether.
At the present time the Most High God has delivered Abdur Rashid Khan from that calamity, and has carried off the ass [himar] with the drunkenness [khimar] of death. It is to be hoped that, this time, the reins of power may become united in the hands of intelligence, and that trouble may be kept at a distance. Also that the Khan may follow in the approved ways of his honoured father and distinguished ancestors; that his mind may be enlightened, and that he may not, for the sake of an ass, engage in the extirpation of meritorious persons.
May the Most High God, of His gracious favour, cause justice to issue from the throne of the Khanate for many years to come! May the Khan avoid all that is displeasing in the sight of God and His Prophet, and may he repent him of his former deeds! Amen! Oh Lord of the worlds!
Though Abdur Rashid Khan's powers of discrimination were faulty, he was strong of body, sound of limb, and without an equal in the art of conversation. Excepting his father, I have rarely seen an archer like him. He was brave even to rashness. In elegant conversation he was as a peerless pearl; and he had also written several letters to a great personage. He played several instruments to perfection, and had great aptitude for all arts and crafts. Once, for example, he cut a tree out of paper, and painted all the branches, the leaves, and the trunk in their proper colours; he did it so skilfully that even the masters of that craft were astounded. Since the time of my absence has been protracted, I cannot answer for all his acquirements. But in those arts which I was myself cognisant of, I know him to have excelled. Not being a musician, I cannot praise his performance on instruments with justice, nor can I say anything of what he acquired during my absence. He was, besides, a good Musulman and inclined to justice and equity. But, by allowing himself to be influenced by the violent Muhammadi, he performed many unjust acts. Please God that he may now persist in the path of justice!