The Book of Akbar 278: CHAPTER LV.
The Akbarnama (H. Beveridge), vols. I–II 278
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CHAPTER LV.
278.1
Wretched rebels slipped their necks from the collar of obedience and were killed fighting with the heroes of victory. Khw. Qāsim Mahdī and others of the army of fortune attained the glory of martyrdom. His mind being at rest about this affair, His Majesty resolved to go to Kashmir, an intention he had cherished for years. His officers thought it inadvisable and abused Kashmir, likening it to a well or prison, in order to induce the holy heart to renounce the enterprise, for, they said, “The noise of the march of the army of fortune has caused commotion in India and Salīm Khān is coming to the Panjab with great preparation; whilst on our side, there has been no due preparation.” “If we go forward and the Afghan army approach us, how can we pass it and go on to Kashmir? Perhaps the Kashmiri affair will be a long one and if so and black-hearted Afghans secure the passes, what will be the end of it? The proper thing is to give up the idea of the expedition and to return to Kabul now that the traitor has been removed from our midst. When military preparations have been made, we will set the foot of courage in the stirrup of energy and by the might of daily-waxing success, shall easily destroy the Afghans.” His Majesty heard these words, and gave them no heed but despatched His Majesty the Shāhinshāh with many officers to protect Kabul and turned his own rein towards Kashmir and desired to set forth.
278.2
Acting on the evil teaching of their huckster-natured officers,—who looked to nothing but their own profit,—most of the servants and soldiers left their masters and set out for Kabul. Except officers, none remained to serve His Majesty. By this shameful conduct,—far removed from the path of loyalty and obedience,—the composure of the noble soul was disturbed. He ordered the trusty by all means to turn back the men and not to hesitate, if necessary, to put any to death. Meanwhile he sought an omen from the glorious Koran. It chanced that the story of the faithful Joseph came up. These who had leave to speak, set themselves to explain this and considered it carefully. Khw. Husain of Merv submitted that what had been said about Kashmir,—viz., that it was like a well or a prison,—was true; for the story of Joseph names both these things. When disunion showed itself amongst those with him, His Majesty, being compelled to abandon his intention, moved towards Kabul. When he was encamped on the Indus, M. Kamran petitioned to be allowed to go to the Hijaz. As His Majesty was now desirous of giving him pleasure, he consented. On the night of dismissing the Mirza on his journey, he went with a number of chosen followers to his quarters. After paying due respects, the Mirza recited this verse. The fold of the poor man's turban brushes the sky, When the shadow of a monarch like thee falls on his head. Later on, this verse was on his tongue;—
278.3
Whatever comes on my life from thee is cause for thanks,— Be it shaft of cruelty or dagger of tyranny. Although the second couplet inclines to thanks, a critic can see that it runs over with censure. His Majesty who was a world of compassion and gentleness, took no heed of this but expressed commiseration. With his inspired tongue he said, “He who knoweth secrets and things hidden, is aware how much ashamed I am of this thing which did not come about with my goodwill. Would that you had done it to me ere this happened.” The Mirza woke from the slumber of negligence and comprehended both the measure of his crimes and the extent of the princely mercies. He fell into a state of shame and supplication and asked Haji Yusuf what persons were present. Haji Yusuf named them, viz., Tardi Beg Khan, Mun‘im Khan, Babus Beg, Khw. Husain of Merv, Mir ‘Abdal-hai, Mir ‘Abdu-l-lah, Khanjar Beg and ‘Arif Beg. The Mirza said, “Friends, be ye all witnesses that if I knew myself innocent, I would assert the fact at this time of distinction when His Majesty visits me; but I am certain I was worthy of death. He has granted me life and has given me leave to depart to the Hijaz. For the beneficence and favour of His Majesty, I offer a thousand thanks because he has not exacted retribution commensurate with my wickedness and misconduct.” After this he passed on to recommendations for his children. His Majesty gladly promised to care for them.
278.4
Having encompassed the Mirza with kingly favours, he bade him adieu. It had been stipulated that the Mirza should not lament in the presence and he therefore restrained himself, but, as soon as His Majesty had gone towards his own tent, he wept and lamented. Next day an order was issued that any of the Mirza’s servants who wished to accompany him, might do so. No one came forward. Those who had boasted of their affection, abandoned it. Calma kuka,—(who by his perfect loyalty and fidelity to His Majesty the Shahinshah obtained the title of Khan ‘Alam and who gave his life for his benefactor and the master of mortals, as will be told in its place),—was standing there. He was His Majesty's table-servant (safarci) and the recipient of royal favour. His Majesty Jahanbani asked him whether he would go with the Mirza, or stay with him. The excellence of Court service and the abundance of royal favour notwithstanding, he preferred the path of fidelity to temporal delights and answered, “I see that it befits my position to serve the Mirza in his dark days of helplessness and black nights of loneliness.”
278.5
His Majesty who was the touch-stone of knowledge of men and their accurate balance, highly approved of his faithfulness and though he set value on his services, he let him go. He made over to him the money and goods fixed upon for the expenses of the journey and sent him to the Mirza. Beg Muluk, notwithstanding his close connection with the Mirza went with him some stages only and then returned,—a proceeding exceedingly disapproved by His Majesty and, notwithstanding external agreeableness, he became disregarded. The Mirza went by the Indus to Tatta and thence to his destination (Mecca). He performed the pilgrimage three times, and on the 11th Zi'l-hijja, 964 (5th. Oct., 1557), at Mecca, he was borne away to non-existence, uttering these words, in response to the Divine call, “Here I am for Thee.”
278.6
As the series of words about M. Kamran has now been folded up, I hasten to my proper subject, and record that, as the evil Afghans had destroyed the fort at Bikram, known as Peshawur, where His Majesty was encamped, he determined to rebuild it and leaving a body of his well-wishers in it, to proceed to Kabul:—for the completion of this fort would be the beginning of the conquest of India. The officers wanted to get back to Kabul and were unwilling on any account soever to delay in this place. His Majesty Jahanbani set himself energetically to the task and in a short time, had the fort rebuilt. Pahlwan Dost mir barr divided the work, according to orders, amongst the officers and it was soon finished. Sikandar Khan Uzbak was left in charge and His Majesty moved towards Kabul.
278.7
Later on, the Afghans made a great attack on the fort but Sikandar Khan defended it manfully, and they were repulsed. In the beginning of 961 (Dec., 1553), Kabul was made glorious by the arrival of His Majesty. The ladies came to wait upon him and offered congratulations. He however said that congratulations had their proper place and that the affair of M. Kamran was not one for congratulation because it was as if he had struck at his own eyes. Gracious letters were issued to the officers. One was sent also to 'Abdu-r-rashīd, ruler of Kashghar, who had all along been mindful of kinship and amicably disposed. The letter told what had occurred and was sent by prudent hands. While His Majesty was superintending affairs of state and distributing rewards and punishments, a son was born to him from the chaste womb of Mah Jujak Begam, in this year, on the night of Wednesday, 15th Jumāda'l-awwal (19th April, 1554), and after the passing of two dang of the sign Sagittarius. His Majesty named him Muhammad Hakim. As the chronograms of his birth were both Abu'l-mafākhir and Abu'l-fazāil, he received both patronymics (kanyat). The gates of joy were opened and thanks were rendered to God. At about the same time, Khanish Begam, daughter of Jujuq M. of Khwarizm, gave birth to a son whom they named Ibrahim Sl. He soon went to the blessed country (‘ālam-i-qads). Verse. He was a flash from high heaven : Birth and death touched.