The Nāṣirī Generations 287.5.4

287.5.4

As soon as Khur Shah became cognizant of this suspicious proceeding, he sent a person to the Mughals, saying: "Since we have submitted, and are occupied in demolishing our fortresses, what is the object of your advancing into these parts?" By way of mockery they replied: "Because we are friends now, and there is no disagreement between us, we have come into your grazing lands, in order that our horses may enjoy a few days' rest, after which we again depart." On the 10th of Shawwal, the Mughals entered the Rud-barat or Rud-baran [a district and town, between Gilan and Kazwin: it is the plural of rud-bar, and signifies a tract of many streams] by the Yashkal or Bashgal Darah or Pass, on the road to Tal-kan, and commenced plundering and devastating the country round. On the 18th, the audience tent of Hulaku was pitched facing Maimun-dujz on the northern side; and, the next day, he reconnoitred the place preparatory to an attack; and, the following day, the troops completely encircled it, although the mountain, on which it is situated, is six farsakhs in circuit. Hulaku, however, when he beheld that impregnable fortress, saw that, to take it by storm, was utterly impossible, and that nothing else than reduction by famine was possible, and that that might not be effected for many years. He therefore held counsel with the Shah-zadahs and Amirs whether to invest it, or retire, and return next year, as the season was far advanced.