The Book of Akbar 14.2

14.2

Suddenly a blackness was caused by the hoofs of galloping horses. Mihtar Sumbul, an old slave (ghulám), of his Majesty Jahanbani and who was subsequently raised by the kindnesses of his Majesty, the King of Kings, to the title of Safdar Khan (rank-breaking chief), having perceived that blackness, in which the white sheen of two worlds was enveloped, reported the matter to his Majesty who said, “Should these horsemen bring tidings of the birth of the “light of the eyes of sovereignty, we will make you ruler over a “thousand.” Verse. Kings of the earth might well give the seven climes as a reward for such good news. On that side too, the swift horsemen gave rein to their horses and galloped forward, and the riders of the steeds of auspiciousness, having come near, uttered with loud voices the glad news to the sovereign of the world and to mortals, and proclaimed that the light of glory had risen from the horizon of hope, that the dawn of morning of desire had appeared in consonance with wishes, and that the cypress of the spring of fortune had raised her head on the stratum of hope. At the same instant his Majesty bowed his head in adoration and rubbed his forehead in the dust. Verse. The crown of exaltation over the heavens, The face of submission on the ground, The foot of dominion on the Pisces, The head of praise in prostration.