The Book of Akbar 357.6

357.6

was applying himself to the management of affairs, what better opportunity could he have for carrying into effect his long-cherished wish or for asking leave from the court? In this way perhaps all his desires would be fulfilled. At last having determined upon this plan he turned back Bahādur Khan, who had gone towards Malwah, and gave him leave to kiss the threshold of the sublime Court. In giving men leave he took this into consideration, that if they were disposed to be loyal and of one opinion with himself, it was well that such men should be in the royal forces. And if they wanted to separate from him, his giving them leave, apart from the fact that to have such men with him would not help his affairs, would be a means of his acquiring a good name, and of convincing all that he had the intention of retirement. At last, after much talk and little intent, for he spoke of pilgrimage (haj) but inwardly he thought of crookedness (kaj), he began by sending Iskandar Afghan’s son to Ghazi Khan Tanur, in order that he might go and stir up strife in the imperial territories. He also sent secret letters to various quarters, and hastened towards Alwar in order that he might take his family and proceed to the Panjab. If things did not turn out according to his plan, he would of necessity make preparations for a rule suitable to the time of contest.