The Nāṣirī Generations 29.6

29.6

In the month of Rabi’-ul-awwal, 385 H., Abu ’Ali-i-Simjur came out of Gurgan, and advanced to Nishapur, with the intention of compelling Mahmud to relinquish it, and the people of the city espoused his cause. Mahmud, after much opposition and hard fighting, was defeated, for he had but a small force with him, and retired again to Hirat. Abu ’Ali-i-Simjur again gained possession of Nishapur, and continued there until Sabuk-Tigin, with a large army, advanced towards that place. Abu ’Ali moved forward towards Tus to oppose his advance, and there they encountered each other, and a severe and sanguinary battle ensued. Amir Mahmud made an attack upon the rear of Abu ’Ali’s army, and broke through his ranks, and overthrew Fayik, who was with him, and completed the defeat of Abu ’Ali’s army. Fayik retired to Bukhara, and there was thrown into confinement, and died. Amir Sabuk-Tigin proceeded to Balkh, and took up his quarters there; and Amir Mahmud returned again to Nishapur. At length, on Friday, the 13th of the month of Rajab, 387 H., Amir Nuh, son of Mansur, departed this life. His reign extended over a period of twenty-one years and nine months; and in this same year Amir Sabuk-Tigin also died.