The Book of Akbar 205.1

205.1

Since the swift courser of the events-traversing pen has made some strides afield and has borne the words to their goal, let it now return to the track and resume its long journey. A brief account shall now be given of the finally victorious progress to Khurasan and ‘Iraq which came to pass to his Majesty Jahanbani, and of his passing, with Providence for guide, through waterless deserts (fayafi), saharas, and wastes. When his Majesty, in accordance with the ordinance of the Eternal, planted his foot in the valley of resignation and took the path of the perilous wilderness (cul), he honoured the attendants on his auspicious stirrup by the title of Culi. By the infinite goodness of God, Malik Hati Baluc, captain of the banditti, did homage in this howling wilderness (cul-i-pur-haul), and conducting his Majesty to his abode, exerted himself in his service. He also became his guide out of that dread valley and brought him to the territory of Garmsir (i. e., the warm region). Though Mir ‘Abdu-l-hai, the magistrate (kalantar) of that territory, owing to unbefitting cautions, did not himself come forward and obtain the grace of service, yet he was assiduous in the performance of the rites of hospitality. Khwaja Jalalu-d-din Mahmud had come to that quarter to make CHAPTER XXXIII. collections of revenue on behalf of M. 'Askari. His Majesty sent Baba Dost Bakhshi to him to guide him aright and to bring him into his service.