The Book of Akbar 212.3

212.3

Mulla Qutbu-d-dīn Jalanju of Bagdad waited upon him in this illustrious city and attended him as far as Holy Mashhad. The exquisite and magical Khwāja ‘Abdu-s-samad shīrīnqalam (sweet pen) also entered into service in this city, and was much esteemed by that connoisseur of excellence. But from the hindrances of fate he could not accompany him. One of the wonderful good omens was this that when his Majesty came to Tabriz, as he was very keen about astrolabes, spheres (kura) and other instruments of observation, he bade his equerry Paik Muhammad search diligently in the city for spheres (kura). That simpleton brought some colts (kurra) with their mothers! His Majesty was pleased and purchased them as a good omen. After leaving Tabriz he went to Ardabil. When he arrived at Shammasi all the Shaikhzadas and the other grandees and nobles came and paid their respects. He stayed a week in Ardabil and then went to Khalkhal and from thence to Taram and from thence to Kharazbil. As the air and fruits of that place were remarkably excellent, especially the seedless pomegranates, he remained there three days. In Sabzawar he rejoined his camp. Here her Majesty Maryam-Makani gave birth to a daughter. From the beginning of his march towards Kabul and Qandahar, at every stage that he came to, the rulers and grandees tendered presents and exercised hospitality.