The Nāṣirī Generations 258.1.8

258.1.8

The Mughal forces enclosed the city and fortress as in a ring, but, as the missiles from their catapults took no effect upon the fortress, the young men of the city [which, from this remark, must have fallen, although no further mention is made of it] were collected in crowds; and assistance was also brought from other places, near by, which had been subdued, until 50,000 men were assembled together to help the investing force consisting of 20,000 Mughals. The former were divided into gangs of tens wont to style Khwajah Ahmad, the Waki'i, a man of veracity, who related after this manner: “It is narrated by and hundreds, and one Mughal was placed over every ten Tajziks, and, from the hills three farsangs distant, they were compelled to convey stones on foot to the river side [in order to construct a causeway apparently, although this is not specified], and the Mughal horsemen cast them into the river. Timur Malik, who was fertile in expedients, had caused twelve vessels to be constructed, which were covered with felts plastered over with a mixture of fresh clay and vinegar, in such wise that arrows and fire [such things as “stink-pots” in the accounts of this affair are purely ideal: a composition of naptha is here referred to] took no effect upon them, but windows [lit. but loop or port-holes are meant] were left, so that arrows and other missiles could be discharged from them against the Mughals.