Muntakhab al-lubab 78.3

78.3

One of the enemy's generals then sent two officers to the royal army to represent that the combatants on both sides were Musulmans, and therefore the honour and safety of the women should be regarded. They asked for a truce of three or four hours to remove the women to a place of safety, and after that they would be ready to fight again. * * So the fighting and plundering was stayed. The enemy sent their women to a fort which was near, and at the end of three hours the fighting recommenced on every side. * * The enemy kept up the fight till evening, but then they retreated. The Prince sent a message to the enemy, to the effect that in battles numbers of Musulmans on both sides are killed; it would therefore be better if two or three chiefs from both sides should meet and fight it out. This would be a real trial of strength, skill and courage, and it would be seen which side had the favour of God. * * Next day messengers brought the news that the enemy's horse had fled towards Haidarabad. The Prince marched in pursuit, and came near to Haidarabad.