Tarikh-i Iradat Khan 2.2.2

2.2.2

Empire having been decreed to Shah 'Alam, from the agency of destiny, such vanity took possession of the mind of A'zam Shah, that he was convinced his brother, though supported by the myriads of Tur and Sallam, durst not meet him in the field. Hence those who brought intelligence of his approach he would abuse as fools and cowards, so that no one cared to speak the truth; as was formerly the case with the Emperor Humayun during the rebellion of the Afghan Sher Shah. Even his chief officers feared to disclose intelligence; so that he was ignorant of the successful progress of his rival. At length Shah 'Alam, having reached Mattra, sent by a celebrated darwesh the following message to A'zam Shah: "By the divine auspices, we inherit from our ancestors an extensive empire, comprehending many kingdoms. It will be just and glorious not to draw the sword against each other, nor consent to shed the blood of the faithful. Let us equally divide the empire between us. Though I am the elder son, I will leave the choice in your power." A'zam Shah, vain-glorious and haughty, replied that he would answer his brother on the morrow in the field, and upon this the messenger departed. A'zam Shah marched the next morning, and encamped between Jaju and Agra, on a barren plain, void of water, so that the army was much distressed. Intelligence arrived during this day, that Shah 'Alam was encamped seven kos distant, and intended moving on the morrow, but to what quarter was not known.