Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 17.5.2

17.5.2

I answered that I had seen his elephants, and that they were numerous and of uncommon bigness and beauty. Well then, added he, you must look over them again, and choose any one you please, as I intend to compliment you with it. I, the poor man, on this compliment, got up, made a profound bow, and answered, "that the expressions with which he had been pleased to usher his noble present, were in my opinion worth a gift of his whole elephant-office; but that the riding on such an animal, required a certain state and a suitable retinue; and although I had been by the special favour of His Highness amply provided with an honourable subsistence, and was perfectly satisfied with it, nevertheless I did not think that my time for riding on an elephant was come as yet; and that when that time should be brought forth by his favour, it would be time then to think of elephants." The turn I gave to my excuse was taken much notice of, and he smiled, but said nothing. Some time after there came intelligence that Abul-mansur-qhan, Viceroy of Aud, was arrived at Banares, probably with a view to invade Bengal. Aaly-verdy-qhan upon this intelligence wrote to his nephew at Puraniah to march out with his army, whilst himself should set out on his side in his way to Azim-abad. Sayd-ahmed-qhan intent on his preparatives, commanded me to raise a good body of infantry and cavalry.