ʿIbrat-namah 5.1.3

5.1.3

Having obtained the Emperor's consent, the Nazir placed the gates of the palace in charge of Ghulam Kadir's men. * * Four thousand horse were posted in and about the palace, * * and all the environs were in the possession of the men of Ghulam Kadir and the Mirza (Bedar Bakht). They took possession of the doors of the female apartments, beat the eunuchs with stones and sticks, seized upon the goods and furniture, and took the wardrobe and the store-rooms out of the hands of the royal servants. A few personal attendants and eunuchs were all that remained with the Emperor. No one was left who could go out to ascertain what was passing, and the Emperor was in great trouble and anxiety. At that moment Prince Akbar said, "One choice is yet left : if you will allow us, we brothers will all fall upon those traitors, and will bravely encounter martyrdom." He replied, "No one can escape the decrees of the Almighty, there is no contending against doom ; the power is now in the hands of others." Prince Akbar raised a great cry, drew his sword, and placed it to his throat to kill himself. The Emperor snatched the sword from his hand, and put it to his own throat. A cry arose from all who were present, and the noise spread through the palace. Ghulam Kadir came in alarmed.