The Book of Akbar 343.3

343.3

Akbar), and converted the subject-matter of the fear and terror of the superficial creature-worshippers into current coin, so that they might not break the chain binding them to this spiritual and temporal Khedive, and that they might not indulge in vain thoughts and might not proceed beyond their measure. For the adepts in this art and the teachers thereof were unable to tame the ferocity (of the elephant), while this Divine athlete subdued it by his courage. Evidently it was proper to take notice of him! This also was for the wise and the pious the beginning of the perceiving and understanding of the works of this chosen one of God. For deeds which could not come within the mould of speech, and which could not be weighed in the balance of reason were displayed by this enthroned one. Ridings upon mast, men-killing, driver-throwing elephants, the sight of whom melted the gall-bladder of the iron-livered ones of this art were exhibited by this holy personality. When a mast and vicious elephant had killed its driver, and committed several other murders, so that it was a terror to the city, this assisted of heaven and protected by God came, as he was walking between the garden and the courtyard, placed his foot on the elephant’s tusk and smilingly took his seat and set the elephant to fight with mast and quarrelsome elephants.