The History of Fīrūz Shāh (ʿAfīf) 21.2

21.2

all he could now do was to resign himself to the decrees of fate. The fight began with the left wing under Hisámu-d dín Nawá, and was stoutly maintained. The right wing also under Malik Dílán became hotly engaged. * * * When the time for shooting arrows was past, they used their spears and swords, and when the conflict became even yet closer, the brave warriors seized each other by the waistbands, and grappled in deadly strife. * * * After much fighting and slaughter, Shamsu-d dín retreated and fled towards his own city. Tátár Khán, with the centre of the Sultán's army, strongly reinforced from both wings, pursued; and the Bengalí army having abandoned Pandwah, continued its flight to Ikdála. Tátár Khán cried, "O Shams-i siyáh (Black Sun), whither art thou running? A man ought to show his face, not turn his back: stop for a moment and feel the strength of Fíroz Sháh's lads!" Shamsu-d dín, however, pursued his flight, heedless of everything. Forty-eight elephants were taken, and three were slain. The King of Bengal, out of all his enormous force, fled with seven horsemen, and his whole army was scattered. The place where Fíroz Sháh had taken his position on the river was seven kos from Ikdála. * * * Sultán Shamsu-d dín took refuge in the fort of Ikdála, and by dint of great exertion the commander succeeded in closing the gate, but Fíroz Sháh's forces occupied the town.