The Book of Akbar 252.1

252.1

Turk! “Sit close by.” The right side was pointed out to M. Sulaiman. In like manner the princes and officers sat on the right and left according to their degree. All the intimate courtiers, such as Hasan Quli Muhrdar, Mir Muhammad Munshi, Haidar Muhammad, Maqsud Beg Akhta sat close together (dar dingal). A great festival was held, Qasim Cangi, Kocak Ghicaki, Makhlas Qabuzi, Hafiz Sultan Muhammad Rukhna, Khwaja Kamalu-d-din Husain, Hafiz Muhri and others of this enchanting band took their seats near the festive circle (qūr) and discoursed delightful music. Among the younger men (ikkahā) there were Kakar 'Ali, Shaham Beg Jalair, Tulak Qucin and others standing behind the circle (qūr). Fruits and varied dishes were set out in royal fashion. In this assembly Hasan Quli Muhrdar said to M. Kamran, “I have heard that it was stated before you that some one had said in Pir Muhammad Khan's presence that whoever did not cherish hatred as big as an orange against Murtaza 'Ali was not entitled to be called a Musalman, and that you remarked thereupon that it behoved a servant of God to have such hatred as big as a pumpkin.” The Mirza became very angry and said, “Then it seems people take me for a heretic” (khāriji). There was general conversation (?) and his Majesty Jahanbani scattered pearls of speech. The meeting lasted till the end of day. In this joyful assembly M. 'Askari was made over to M. Kamran, and allowed to go to his quarters.