The Book of Akbar 328.1.5

328.1.5

and it was made certain that the ill-fated scoundrel was boldly approaching. And before the above-mentioned town was reached, it was currently rumoured that Hemu had sent a large force in advance under the command of Shadi Khan Kakar. The imperial officers did not make much account of this, and having bound their hearts to the daily increasing fortune, proceeded to face him. When it grew certain that Hemū was coming with all that preparation, inasmuch as they had not looked to their real support (i.e., Akbar), perturbation found its way into the hearts of imperial servants, through the instrumentality of empty-headed babblers, from whom no army is ever free, or rather there are armies of such. The brave men of the army of fortune reported the facts to the victory-protecting court, and made themselves ready for sacrificing their lives. There were 10,000 soldiers in this force, but perhaps only 5,000 were men of battle. When the conquering heroes, and the loyal brave knew that the enemy was at hand they, out of wisdom and a large capacity, which on such occasions are greater incitements to victory than thousands of experienced soldiers, did not regard the apparent numerical superiority of the enemy, and their abundant equipment, for it is the way of the happy-fortuned and auspicious not to put off till the morrow the work of the day. Without a semblance of hesitation or delay they drew up their forces and sought for an opportunity to engage.