The Book of Akbar 368.5

368.5

The Atka Khan in his foresight and courage perceived Bairam Khan’s maneuvre, and prepared to make the attack himself before it was carried out. Yūsuf Muhammad Khan said, “Most of our men have thrown the dust of disgrace on their heads and gone off, where is the time for fighting?” The Atka Khan replied, “Though men are few, the Shāhinshāh’s fortune is on our side, and besides we do not think of flying: this is a day of killing or being killed (jān-fishānī yā jān sitānī).” He sent on Yūsuf Muhammad Khan with a body of brave men, and made ready to fight himself with another body of courageous combatants. At the time when Bairām Khān turned back in order to execute his maneuvre, those seekers of renown drew the sword of vengeance from the scabbard of resolution and attacked Bairām Khan’s force. His men thought his retreat was a flight, and fell into confusion, and Bairām Khan was obliged to withdraw, and to retreat in disgrace. By the Divine aid a victory which might be the embroidery of other victories, showed her face in spite of the want of harmony, and the discouragement and the disgrace of so many men. The black-fated foe, whether those who had pursued the fugitives, or those who with Bairam Khan were determined on fighting, was dispersed. The victorious troops pursued the retreating army and made many the repast of the blood-drinking blade. A number of the wounded and half-dead were levelled with the dust.