Tarikh-i Daʾudi 7.5

7.5

Once on a time Sultán Sikandar appointed Asad Khán for the performance of a particular service, and he proceeded by uninterrupted marches into the district of Chanderí. The backs of all the baggage-animals carrying the treasure were galled. The chiefs informed him of this, saying, "If you give the order, we will distribute the treasure amongst the troops, and afterwards deduct it from their jágírs, and make it over to the government." He approved of this proposal, and seven lacs of tankas were thus distributed, and their receipts shown to the Khán. Asad Khán said, "Have I become a sarráf, that I should lend and then take back?" He tore up the documents with his own hands, and said, "I have given this trifle to the army." May the Most High God shield and cover him with his mercy! Another of the nobles of Sikandar was the Khán-i 'azam Lád Khán, the son of Ahmad Khán. He was a youth of high courage. To every one whom he wished to reward, he presented as much gold and silver as his shield would hold; he never mentioned a tolcha or a dirham, and could only count as far as ten. He knew not what even one and a half was, or two and a half; and it was his custom to make over the presents which were brought to him to the officers on duty at the time. Thus, it is said, that on a Friday he was inspecting the armoury. At that time the Rájá of Bhata sent him an elephant, and some presents of merchandize: he gave all these to Shaikh Muhammad, the keeper of the armoury.