The Book of Akbar 347.7

347.7

Shaham Beg for a time enjoyed his lust, and then when his heart grew cold he in his folly made over that wanton whom he had adulterously carried off, to ‘Abdu-r-rahman Beg in the same way that he had received her. ‘Abdu-r-rahman made her his wife, and kept her secluded. When Shaham Beg was his guest, he remembered in his drunkenness and infatuation that Aram Jan and showed restlessness (be-arami). Judging of ‘Abdu-r-rahman as of ‘Ali Quli Khan he expected that Aram Jan would be returned to him. ‘Abdu-r-rahman Beg had self-respect and refused to do this. Shaham Beg who was inflamed with wine, and was habituated to insolence and despotism, got angry. He at once forgot the claims of friendship. Such is the degree of stability of a connexion founded upon lust! In fine, Shaham Beg proceeded to violence and bound ‘Abdu-r-rahman Beg and took the prostitute away from his house to a neighbouring garden and there celebrated a singing and drinking party. Meanwhile Maziad Beg, the brother of ‘Abdu-r-rahman Beg, heard of this, and having armed himself went to the door of the garden where that low wretch was. The men tried to stop him and a fight took place. Suddenly, in the confusion, an arrow reached that miscreant and the bird of his soul was released from the narrow cage of his body. ‘Abdu-r-rahman obtained deliverance from his bonds, and turning to flee he with all haste betook himself to the world-protecting Court. There he put up to sale this proper action,