The Book of Akbar 53.9

53.9

A report had reached the camp of Muzaffar Khan that he had been killed, and the men were about to hasten off, when the messenger who had been sent back arrived and revived their drooping spirits. Khudadad Birlas, Mihr ’Ali, and about 200 men boldly dashed across the river, and the messenger who had been sent for them took back the intelligence of their approach. The enemy, notwithstanding their success and the excess of their numbers, were unable to stand against the assault of this gallant band, but took to flight. Defeat was thus turned into victory, and great booty was won. Next day they plundered the camp of the Afghans, and obtained much spoil. The machinations of the enemy were thus defeated. Those who escaped went and sought refuge with Taj Khan Panwar. There they pursued their evil designs, and in the abundance of their wealth, the paucity of their wisdom, and the numbers of adventurers, they again took the offensive. Muzaffar Khan prudently effected his retreat across the Gandak, and took up a position in a spot bounded on three sides by the river, and on the fourth by a great swamp. There he busied himself in collecting men and stores. The enemy, emboldened by this retreat, came up and surrounded the force of Muzaffar Khan; but being unable to make any impression upon it, they were disheartened. In the course of a few days Muzaffar’s men increased in numbers and recovered their spirits.