The Book of Akbar 40.3

40.3

Khan-khanan determined to go and effect the objects in view, although many wise and sagacious persons endeavoured to dissuade him. But he paid no heed to them, and proceeded to Patna on his visit, attended by three hundred chosen men and by several of his officers and their attendants, numbering altogether about one thousand men. Lodi came to meet him, and show him proper respect. Then came Bayazid, eldest son of Sulaiman; and at five kos from Patna, Sulaiman himself came forth to give him a formal state reception. Sulaiman conducted him to his own dwelling, and there gave him a sumptuous entertainment. The Imperial name was read out in the pulpit, coins were struck with it, and suitable tribute (to the Emperor) was presented. But a party of Sulaiman’s turbulent adherents formed the design of seizing Khan-khanan, while the Emperor was engaged at Chitor with his great nobles, and while there was no one left at the capital who could interfere with their designs upon the Khan. When Lodi became acquainted with this conspiracy, he endeavoured to divert them from their purpose. Sulaiman assented to his views, but the fierce Afghans would not listen to his words. Khan-khanan got information of the plot, and, with the advice of Lodi, he got away from his camp by a clever stratagem, and galloped off, attended by a small well-mounted escort. He was a long way off before the Afghans were aware of his escape;