The History of Humāyūn (Gulbadan Begam) 4.4.7

4.4.7

For nearly three months Kabul believed Humayun dead. Those words cover much feeling, sad and joyful; but there is no one to tell the truth and say whether it was thought by some to offer better hope of peace that Humayun should be dead. There was always a large following of powerful officers ready to join Kamran, and one cannot suppose their changes in allegiance mere folly and fickleness. But no courtly author has told Kamran’s side of the whole matter, nor his view of his own position. With Kabul Akbar came again into his uncle’s hands. He was kept safe through all the vicissitudes of his father’s career, and was well cared for both by Kamran and by 'Askari. It has been said that on one occasion Kamran exposed him on the battlements of Kabul to his father’s guns, and this charge finds support from our princess. She however, it may be observed, makes no mention of the act attributed by some writers to Maham anaga, of interposing her own body to shield the child; indeed, she never once mentions this latterly influential woman. But this incident notwithstanding, it must be admitted that the boy was well treated. 'Askari’s wife, who took charge of him after his capture at Quetta, is said to have been most kind to him. He was entrusted by Kamran to Khanzada, itself an act of surety and kindness. Again and again he fell into his uncle’s hands when Kamran was exasperated by foiled attempts to keep Kabul, and yet he survived. Kamran had a son;