Halat-i Asad Beg 2: Of my deputation to the army of Ray-rayan to inquire into the conduct of the officers.
Wikáya, of Asad Beg (Elliot & Dowson, extracts) 2
- Language
- English
Of my deputation to the army of Ray-rayan to inquire into the conduct of the officers.
2.1
After two or three months, news came from the army which had been sent under Ray-rayan to chastise Nar Singh. A number of the most distinguished officers had accompanied him, and Ziau-l Mulk Kasi was second in command. All at once despatches came from them to this effect : “We had completely routed Nar Singh, and driven him into the walled fort of Iraj, with a body of 400 Rajputs ; we had invested the fort and made our approaches, and it seemed inevitable that he must fall into our hands the next day. The fort is situated on the banks of a broad deep river, the other three sides being exposed to the land. The general, Ray-rayan, undertook himself to guard the river bank, placing the other officers on the three remaining sides. At midnight, when sleep was heavy upon all, the Rajputs got out. Cutting through the wall on the river-side, they led their horses down the glacis, and mounting upon the river bank, crossed over at a place where there was some kind of a ford, passing through the Ray-rayan’s elephant stable, and by the time your slaves and the other chiefs had discovered what had happened, he had advanced far on his way. By this stratagem he has escaped.”
2.2
When the despatches had been read, the Emperor, who thirsted for the blood of that wretch, fell into the greatest conceivable passion, and turning to Shaikh Farid, said he must go and investigate by whose fault this had happened; for the Ray-rayan reports that Nar Singh escaped through the lines of the Raja of Gwalior, and the Raja, in his turn, writes that he passed through the camp of the general, while the second in command declares that treachery has been at work, as he was completely entrapped. In short, each lays the blame on the other. The Shaikh represented that Shaikh Abu-l Khair, ’Allami’s brother, was very clever in investigations. As soon as he heard that name. His Majesty exclaimed, “I have it: send for Asad.” It chanced that I was on guard that night, and sitting in the guard-room with Aka Mulla.
2.3
About eight o’clock messengers arrived with orders for me to come immediately to the fort. As soon as I was announced, His Majesty called for me. I made my obeisance, and seeing marks of anger and rage in the royal countenance, I feared he was about to put me to death. When His Majesty and the courtiers saw my alarm, they smiled, and throwing me the despatches, bade me read them. I first perused that of the Ray-rayan, and was proceeding with the rest, when he asked me whether I had understood the contents. I replied that I had partly done so. He said, “Now this has happened, do you go to the camp and inquire whose fault it is, and investigate the whole affair, for I am very much annoyed at this accident, and therefore have determined to send you.” I made my obeisance, and replied that I would use my utmost endeavours to fail in nothing. * * * As soon as the Raja and all the officers were assembled, I produced a sheet made of pieces of cloth sewn together, upon which was drawn a plan of the fort of Traj, with the river on one side, and the gates and towers on the other three. The encampment of each chief was marked thereon, with the number of his forces. I then called Ziau-l Mulk, and made him write the name of each chief in the place which his forces had occupied, and made them all attach their seals to it. I also marked the place where Nar Singh had made his exit, and the spot at which he passed the river.
2.4
When the chiefs had all affixed their seals to this sheet, I asked them whether they had thus represented it. After we had eaten betel and received perfumes, I took leave of all. The son of Muhammad Khan Tatar, a near connexion and relative of mine, was appointed to escort me with 1000 horse to Gwalior. * * * I went myself with Musahib to the Court, and reported myself to Ram Das, who conducted me to the foremost railing, where I made my obeisance. His Majesty called me with the greatest impatience; and after presenting a gold mohur and nine rupees, I prostrated myself. His Majesty immediately said, “Whose fault was it?” I bowed, and replied that I would relate all particulars; but he again insisted that I should tell him what fault I thought there had been. Seeing his impatience, I replied, “I cannot say that any one has erred intentionally. There has only been great neglect, and all are alike guilty; that is my humble opinion.” Shaikh Farid said, “Neglect is also a fault.” I answered, “That is a fault which is committed intentionally, and that is carelessness which happens without any ill intention.” I was going to say more to the Shaikh, when His Majesty rose, and said, “Asad is right.” From the way he spoke, it was evident that he was very much pleased, and I saw that my words had been agreeable to him. * *