The Nāṣirī Generations 294.2

294.2

During this period of several months that fighting went on before the gate of the fortress, every day, according to one statement, by the omnipotence of the Creator, the Most High and Holy, seven horsemen — according to another, six, and according to a third account, less than these — clothed in white garments, and with turbans [on their heads], were wont to sally down from the fortress and attack the Mughal forces. They used to despatch about a hundred or two hundred infidels to hell, while no arrow, sword, or lance of the infidels used to injure those white-clad horsemen, until about 10,000 Mughals had been sent to hell by that band. Hulau despatched Ilka Noyan to the presence of his son, saying: "I captured Baghdad in less than a week [!], and thou art not able to take a small fortress [like this] in this long period of time.” His son sent reply, saying: "Thou didst capture Baghdad through perfidy, whilst here it is necessary to me to wield the sword, and every day so many men are killed. It behoveth not to judge of this place by Baghdad.” When this message reached Hulau he commanded : “ Say ye to my son, ‘ take care to keep out of my sight, otherwise I will undoubtedly slay thee and Hulau took oath and vowed : I will capture this fortress in three days.” Then, with the utmost expedition he proceeded towards Mayyafarikin, and set to to attack the place.