The Book of Akbar 254.4

254.4

They did not permit the crossing of the canals and uttered timorous speeches, sometimes alleging the paucity of their men and the number of the enemy; sometimes speaking of M. Kāmrān’s going to Kābul and of their fears lest the soldiers’ families should be made prisoners, and sometimes urging that they ought to wait for M. Kāmrān. Pressing these and other matters, they recommended a retreat. At length, after a thousand struggles with his spirit, it was agreed to proceed to Dara-gaz which is a strong position, and to stay there some days and collect the Aimāqs and other soldiers and so to get together the materials of victory. During that delay accurate news of M. Kāmrān would arrive. In the event of his having marched against Kābul, it was not proper for them to torment themselves (kaftan) in those parts. At a future time, they could with whole heart, conquer Balkh, nay, Transoxiana and, by the help of God, they had been constantly successful up to this day and would continue so. For every reason it was right to withdraw and proceed to Dara-gaz. His Majesty seeing the general feeling, was helpless and ordered a march in that direction. Thus the already captured Balkh was let go on account of the discord of the disloyal. Shaikh Bahlul was sent to turn back the van which had crossed the stream and driven back the Uzbeks and entered the fortifications (shahrbarun). M. Sulaiman and a number of other valiant men were appointed to be the rear-guard.