Muntakhab al-lubab 121: Illness of the Emperor.

121

The Emperor was seized with illness, and had severe pains in his limbs, which caused grave apprehension. But he exerted himself, took his seat in the public hall, and engaged in business, thus giving consolation to the people. But his illness increased, he had fainting fits and lost his senses, so that very alarming rumours spread abroad, and for ten or twelve days the army and camp were in great distress. But by the mercy of God he grew better, and occasionally showed himself to the people in the public hall. The army was in an enemy's country, without house or home; and if the sad calamity (of the Emperor's death) were to happen, not one soul would escape from that land of mountains and raging infidels. Under the advice of his physician, he took China root. Three or four times a week he took medicine, and every day he distributed charity. After his recovery, he richly rewarded his physician, and returned thanks to God. In the middle of Rajab, he commenced his march for Bahadur-garh, otherwise called Bir-ganw, leaving Kulich Khan behind as Subadar. Slowly, and with difficulty, he pursued his march, and reached Bir-ganw at the end of Sha'ban, and ordered a halt of forty days for giving rest to the army during the time of the fast.