The Memoirs of Bābur 906.2.5

906.2.5

Sl. Ḥusain Mīrzā took Harāt[548] as we took Samarkand, by surprise, but to the experienced, and discerning, and just, it will be clear that between his affair and mine there are distinctions and differences, and that his capture and mine are things apart. Firstly there is this;—He had ruled many years, passed through much experience and seen many affairs. Secondly;—He had for opponent, Yādgār Muḥ. Nāṣir Mīrzā, [Sidenote: Fol. 85b.] an inexperienced boy of 17 or 18. Thirdly;—(Yādgār Mīrzā's) Head-equerry, Mīr `Alī, a person well-acquainted with the particulars of the whole position, sent a man out from amongst Sl. Ḥusain Mīrzā's opponents to bring him to surprise them. Fourthly;—His opponent was not in the fort but was in the Ravens'-garden. Moreover Yādgār Muḥ. Nāṣir Mīrzā and his followers are said to have been so prostrate with drink that three men only were in the Gate, they also drunk. Fifthly;—he surprised and captured Harāt the first time he approached it. On the other hand: firstly;—I was 19 when I took Samarkand. Secondly;—I had as my opponent, such a man as Shaibāq Khān, of mature age and an eye-witness of many affairs. Thirdly;—No-one came out of Samarkand to me; though the heart of its people was towards me, no-one could dream of coming, from dread of Shaibāq Khān. Fourthly;—My foe was in the fort; not only was the fort taken but he was driven off.