The Nāṣirī Generations 169.6

169.6

At this time when not more than ten leagues intervened between them, Saif-ud-Din, Suri, having received information of it, held consultation with the Ghaznawis — who had been talking of their friendship and attachment — as to fighting, or retreating towards Ghur. They, making hypocrisy their garment, did not give him just counsel, and excited and stimulated him to fight. Saif-ud-Din, Suri, placing faith in the counsel given by them, issued from the city with a body of the men of Ghaznin, and a few of the men of Ghur, and marshalled his ranks opposite [those of] Bahram Shah. As yet the preparations for battle were not completed, when the Ghaznawis seized Saif-ud-Din, Suri, and, in high spirits, delivered him over to Bahram Shah. He commanded that the face of Saif-ud-Din, Suri, should be blackened; and, having placed him on an emaciated and weak bullock, which put one foot before the other with a hundred thousand shakings, they paraded him throughout the whole city. [There is not a word about with his face to the tail — which is an Indian bazar term.] . . . When this terror-striking news came to the hearing of ’Ala-ud-Din, the fervour of his nature burst out, and, with the determination of avenging his brother, with a furious and relentless army, he set out towards Ghaznin.” This is a literal translation of Firishtah’s words.