Takmilah i Akbar-namah 6: Death of Shaikh Abu-l Fazl.

6

As Shaikh Abu-l Fazl adorned the garment of the high consideration in which he was held with the embroidery of hearty fidelity, he had reported to His Majesty some of the youthful indiscretions of the Prince Salim Mirza, the heir-apparent — forgetful that the high road to honour and distinction hath its dangers, and that the branch which wildly ventures to run crookedly must ever bear bitter fruit.
To His Majesty’s amiable disposition, therefore, his reports were not entirely acceptable, and, as this soon became current among all classes, Akbar summoned him to Court, and directed him to make over his retinue and command during his absence to his son ’Abdu-r Rahman. Abu-l Fazl reached Sarai Banga, two stages from Gwalior, on the 1st Shahryur. There Bar Singh Deo Bundela, anxious to obtain the favour of the Prince Sultan Salim, planted an ambuscade in his way. Abu-l Fazl's followers apprised him of the danger, and recommended him to retire for protection to Rai Rayan and Raja Rai Singh, who were with 2000 horse at Antari, a distance of only two kos. But the Shaikh, whose hour of death was at hand, and the gem of whose discrimination had therefore grown dull, only replied, “The fear of death is vain, for its period cannot be deferred. I have been raised by my gallantry from the position of being son of a darwesh to the rank of nobility, how then shall I basely seek shelter from another?” The Rajputs soon afterwards placed their rough hands upon his collar, and slew him with his attendants. His head was sent by Bar Singh Deo to the young Prince. His Majesty was much affected on hearing of his death, and he earnestly besought pardon for his sins from the Creator. Orders were issued for bringing Bar Singh Deo to punishment.