The History of Humāyūn (Gulbadan Begam) 4.6.3

4.6.3

But he had other acquirements than those which ring well the change of words and obtained him his sobriquet of 'book-man,' and these others he used to bring about an agreement between the Emperor and his own former host, Sultan Mahmud Bhakkari. An official paper was drawn up, to which Humayun, literally, set his fist, for he dipped his clenched hand in saffron and laid it on the deed. Mahmud was much pleased, and both he and his vizier wrote their thanks to the mediator. This incident, and others too, gave occasion for other Türki ghazels and higher praise. Sidi 'Ali was constantly in the royal circle, and there were contests in verse-making and dilettante amusements which reveal the true and newly-risen Huma once more at ease in untranquillized India. The traveller had not much to coax court favour with in the way of gifts, and this plumed his poetic flights; when he was wearied by his detention, he carried two ghazels to the royal seal-bearer and let them plead for his departure. They were heard, and he got ‘leave to go,’ with gifts and passport.