The Nāṣirī Generations 291.1.3

291.1.3

The traitor now communicated again with Hulaku, and despatched an agent secretly, expressing his sincerity and loyalty, and urging upon him that he should, on no account, give up the attempt to subdue ’Irak-i-’Arab, and capture Baghdad, which could easily be accomplished, and that his services were at his entire disposal. Notwithstanding the proofs and arguments he gave in his communication, Hulaku, for some time, did not place much faith in the traitor’s words, but, when Ibn ’Alkami continued to send communications, and to importune him on the subject, Hulaku consulted with another traitor—the Khwajah, Nasir-ud-Din, the Tusi, who had, by this time, gained complete ascendancy over him, and a high position in Hulaku’s confidence and service. He, being one of the great ’Ulama of the Shi’ah sect, and having his own private revenge to satisfy by the downfall of the ’Abbasis, entered into the conspiracy with zeal, especially after Ibn ’Alkami had communicated direct with himself also. The Khwajah pretended that it was necessary to consult the aspect of the stars before determining on the campaign, and this he was directed by Hulaku to do. His report may be imagined: he stated that he had carefully carried out his observations, that the result was favourable, and that it was predicted that the time was at hand for the Khalifah, Musta’sim, to be made captive, and that Baghdad and ’Irak-i-’Arab would be subdued by his servants, without much trouble or difficulty.