The Nāṣirī Generations 66.8

66.8

Sultan Sanjar [then] turned his face towards the Amir-i-Cha-ush who was also Marshal of his retinue, and said : — “ Cha-ush what is it advisable to do ?” The Cha-ush dismounted from his horse, and, bowing his head to the ground, repeated the following lines : — “ Great monarch ! we ought to give battle ; We should close with the foe. All the fierce lions of the forest Must be brought into the field, All the huge elephants of war Should doubtless be brought into the fray. It is the day of battle : it is meet to engage. It is the hour for action : it is well to be doing. If thou wouldst render the kingdom stable, It is essential that the sword should be plied.” The Sultan replied : — It is necessary to act as the Cha-ush advises and at once, without any further delay, with as many cavalry as had come up, Sultan Sanjar dashed upon the rebel forces. Karajah, the cup-bearer, and Mas’ud of Irak were both taken prisoners, and the forces of this gathering were defeated and put to the rout, and the countries of Irak and Azarbaijan were recovered anew. The Sultan returned to Khurasan ; and it was a constant practice with him to pass the hot season at Bukhara, and the winter at Marw of Shah-i-Jahan. It so happened, one year, that he remained longer than was his wont at Marw.