Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 42.16.1

42.16.1

Thou Morning Zephyr! all this is of thy own bringing. On this afflicting letter, the Prince assembled his best Generals, read the contents in their presence, complained much of the usage he received, and asked their advice about what was to be done next. The General, with most of the Council, being extremely incensed and dispirited, voted against a battle; but Seyd-abdollah, with two or three Radjpoot Radjas, proposed to attack the enemy. Both parties persisting in their opinions, the Council broke up without coming to a determination. After their departure, Seyd-abdollah observed to the Prince privately. that the General being an old friend and acquaintance of the Emperor's, might possibly take the liberty of giving way to his resentment; but that it was neither safe nor decent in him to resist any more the Imperial commands. He added, that as the enemies seemed inclined to a peace, conscious of their weakness, now was the time to fall upon them, and give them a total defeat. If, said he, the General takes the van under his command, I offer to lead the main, and if he chooses to command the main, I offer my services to lead the van; otherwise, let any of the two Imperial Princes take the command of that van, and I offer to lead under him, and to deserve his good opinion. Sultan Muäzzem did not declare his opinion;