Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 18.12.6

18.12.6

By this time Mohon-lal, who had advanced with Mir-meden, was closely engaged with the enemy; his cannon was served with effect; and his infantry having availed themselves of some covers and other grounds, were pouring a quantity of bullets in the enemy's ranks. It was at this moment he received the order of falling back, and of retreating. He answered: "That this was not a time to retreat; that the action was so far advanced, that whatever might happen, would happen now; and that should he turn his head, to march back to camp, his people would disperse, and perhaps abandon themselves to an open flight." Seradj-ed-doulah, on this answer, turned towards Mir-djaafer-qhan, and the latter coldly answered: "That the advice he had proposed was the best in his power; and that as to the rest, His Highness was the master of taking his own resolutions." Seradj-ed-doulah intimidated by his General's coldness, and overcome by his own fears and apprehensions, renounced his own natural sense, and submitted to Mir-djaafer-qhan's pleasure; he sent repeated orders, with pressing messages, to Mohon-lal; who at last obeyed, and retreated from the post to which he had advanced. Verses: "When the times become dark, and unprosperous for a man, "He never fails to do precisely what he ought not to have done." This retreat of Mohon-lal's made a full impression on his troops. The sight of their General's retreat damped their courage;