The Book of Akbar 321.6

321.6

So well did he contrive that in spite of total want of stores this clear-sighted ambassador became convinced, contrary to the fact, that there was complete arrangement and plenty of provisions. By this far-seeing plan he carried out an excellent work. After some time Mun‘im Khān dismissed the envoy and sent this message: “God be praised that I am upheld by such a Lord of the Age, and that there are so many brave and loyal men within the fort that I could sally out and give battle. But I am not going to let caution slip. Hundreds of thanks for this that there are provisions and stores for the garrison which will last for years, and that besides this the army of India, which is more numerous than ants or locusts, will soon arrive with a complete equipment. Give up this malign design, and do not make yourself one to be pointed at by high and low as an ingrate, nor put the stain of an evil name on the cheek of good fortune. You could not seduce mere men of courage by promises, how then could you succeed with this noble band who by help of good fortune have left behind this lowest of stages, and attained to the heaven of sincerity? How can you move from their place by deception and deceit this hallowed body of men?” The Mirza who had vain desires in his head from the hope of the inhabitants becoming unfaithful, and of the garrison’s want of supplies, at once fell into despair and sent the Qazi Khan back to the fort.