The Book of Akbar 181: CHAPTER XXV.

181

the abode of Maldeo, and stopped at the Kul-i-jogi (pond). Rai Mal Soni's courier arrived there, and made finger. This signal explained the state of matters, and afterwards it clearly appeared that the thoughts of this black-hearted scoundrel were deceit and perfidy, and that he had an evil intention in sending a large body of men under pretence of setting off the welcome. His Majesty turned his reins towards Phalodi. Yet many people are of opinion that Maldeo was in the first instance well-intentioned, and desirous of doing service, and that afterwards he was diverted from the right path either by learning the distressed condition of the troops and their small numbers, or by the false promises of Sher Khan and by perceiving his ascendency. Or he was withheld from help and service by his (Sher Khan's) threats. In any case he abandoned the path of counsel and auspiciousness and turned the page of loyalty. The general opinion, however, is that from beginning to end his protestations of service and his sending petitions of obedience were all based upon hypocrisy and hostility.
In short, as at that time the adorners of the pinakothek of fate were engaged in decoration of another sort, nothing that his Majesty undertook came to any result, and trouble and wickedness appeared in every place when there was a prospect of good and of welfare. When the gilding of those counterfeit troops was subjected to the test, and the perfidy of Maldeo's unrighteous thoughts had been revealed in the ante-chamber of his Majesty's sacred heart, he ordered Tardi Beg Khan, Mun'im Khan and a number of his other servants to go out and stop the advance of the evil-minded ones and prevent them from putting foot in the sublime camp. After thus keeping them in check, they were to return but if an opportunity offered, they should defeat them. His Majesty marched on with a few devoted followers and with his veiled ladies. Among the soldiers were Shaikh 'Ali Beg Jalair, Tarsun Beg, son of Baba Jalair, Fazil Beg and others, the total number being . There were also some domestic slaves and some . Of learned men there were present Mulla Taju-d-din and the astrologer.
When the camp had left Phaludi and arrived at Satalmir, Maldeo’s army appeared in sight, whilst the officers who had been despatched to check them, had lost their way and gone off in another direction, so that there was a passage for the enemy to the royal standards. His Majesty, who was a rock of power and a world of courage, placed the foot of steadfastness on the skirt of resolution and dignity, and turned against them with God-given reason and innate understanding. Many of the ladies were dismounted and their horses given to fighting men, and the troops having been distributed into three bands, were sent against the foe. Shaikh ‘Ali Beg with three or four trusty brethren advanced and attacked the enemy, who were huddled together in a defile. To attack them and to put them to flight was one and the same thing. A large number of them were killed, and by the Divine aid the king’s servants obtained the victory. His Majesty Jahanbani after returning thanks to God proceeded towards Jesalmir, where he encamped in the beginning of Jumada’l-awwal. At this stage the officers who had lost their way and whose minds had been distressed by agitations experienced the blessing of service, and made the dust of the royal camp the collyrium of fortune’s eye. The Rai of Jesalmir, who was