The Book of Akbar 372.6

372.6

Thereafter he rose up and bestowed on Bairām Khān a glorious robe which he was wearing over his own breast, and gave him permission to go to the Hijāz. In accordance with vigilance and foresight, which are the basis of every act, especially of acts of sovereignty, he gave him as companions Tarsūn Muhammad Khān and Hājī Muhammad Khān Sīstānī. They were to be his guides to the confines of the empire, and were to conduct him in safety over the dangerous roads. They returned from the territory of Nāgor. One day Bairām Khān reproached Hājī Muhammad Khān Sīstānī, saying, “No one’s opposition and infidelity hurt me so much as yours; you forgot all your old obligations.” Hājī Muhammad Khān replied, “You in spite of all the claims to loyalty which H.M. Jahanbani Jinnat ‘Ashiyani possessed, and all his nurture of you, and all the kindnesses which you had received from H.M. the Shahinshah, showed yourself a rebel and drew the sword, and then occurred what has occurred. If I have left your society, what is there extraordinary? and what have I done?” Bairam Khan felt ashamed, and made no rejoinder. I have heard on good authority that Bairam Khan continually during that journey felt the pain which these forcible words had given him.