The Memoirs of Bābur 912.2.2

912.2.2

There was a wine-party (_chāghīr-majlisī_) once when I went after the Mid-day Prayer to Badī`u'z-zamān Mīrzā's presence. At that time I drank no wine. The party was altogether elegant; every sort of relish to wine (_gazak_) was set out on the napery, with brochettes of fowl and goose, and all sorts of viands. The Mīrzā's entertainments were much renowned; truly was this one free from the pang of thirst (_bī ghall_), reposeful and tranquil. I was at two or three of his wine-parties while we were on the bank of the Murgh-āb; once it was known I did not drink, no pressure to do so was put on me. I went to one wine-party of Muz̤affar Mīrzā's. Ḥusain of `Alī _Jalāīr_ and Mīr Badr were both there, they being in his service. When Mīr Badr had had enough (_kaifīyat_), he danced, [Sidenote: Fol. 187b.] and danced well what seemed to be his own invention. (_h. Comments on the Mīrzās._) Three months it took the Mīrzās to get out of Herī, agree amongst themselves, collect troops, and reach Murgh-āb. Meantime Sl. Qul-i-nachāq (?), reduced to extremity, had surrendered Balkh to the Aūzbeg but that Aūzbeg, hearing of our alliance against him, had hurried back to Samarkand. The Mīrzās were good enough as company and in social matters, in conversation and parties, but they were strangers to war, strategy, equipment, bold fight and encounter. (_i. Winter plans._)