Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 42.2.2

42.2.2

and the latter was already encamped in the outskirts of the city, when he published, "That whoever was a soldier, would find service in his camp, and ought to come to his standard." The city being full of military men, who breathed nothing but war, his camp was soon filled with a mighty army; and as soon as it was known that there was a perfect concert between the Emperor and him, several Commanders who resided in the country, and some others who had a character, but were accustomed to live by war, came from far and near, and joined his troops; so that the encamped army received daily additions. The Emperor, at the same time, having laid his commands on Nedjef-qhan, the latter sent a body of his own troops to join the Imperial Prince; and by such a step, he gave the expedition an air of concert which in reality it had not. The Minister having by these means furnished himself with feathers and wings, pushed forwards; and in emulation of Nedjef-qhan's boldness he advanced beyond Serhend, where, instead of seeking the enemy, he commenced a negotiation with the principal of the Syc rulers; he made a muster of his power, and exhorted him to a timely submission, but all this while he had not minded the poet's advice : " A wooden sword, engaging like one of steel, " Is not likely to support the comparison. "