The Book of Akbar 331.1

331.1

MARCH OF H.M. THE SHAHINSHAH'S ARMY FROM DELHI TOWARDS THE POUNJAB TO PUT DOWN THE SEDITION OF SIKANDAR, THE PURSUIT OF HIM, AND THE SIEGE OF THE FORT OF MANKOT. When it became known that Sikandar had assembled an army, and that the knot of this affair would not be unloosed until the fortune of the Shahinshah turned her reins in that direction, the expedition to the eastern provinces was postponed, and a march to the Panjab was determined on. One of the wonderful omens was that a number of the courtiers took an augury from the diwan of the tongue of mystery (Hafiz) and by chance this verse came up. Verse. No water was vouchsafed to Sikandar, It does not come by might and money. The hearts of the far-seeing loyalists received fresh support, and the minds of the superficial acquired stability. When the world-adorning God is the fortune-increaser of this eternal dominion, the far-seeing ones of the company of reality look to the beauty and glory of the Chosen One of God, and are not concerned about the ordinary course of the world. Those who have not the blessing of lofty views are, at such times of anxiety, comforted in their hearts by enquiries of this kind. A world-obeyed order was issued that the great officers and leaders should make preparations for the expedition and attend on the sublime stirrup.