The History of Fīrūz Shāh (ʿAfīf) 29: Eleventh Mukaddama.—Sultán Sikandar takes refuge in his fortress.—Fall of a bastion of the fort.

29

The Sultán having blockaded the islands of Ikdála, as above stated, 'arrádas (small balistas) and manjaníks were erected on both sides, arrows and darts were discharged, the business of the siege went on, and conflicts occurred every day. The besieged were unable to come out of their fortress, and strict guard was kept on both sides by night and day. Suddenly one of the principal bastions of the fort of Sikandariya fell down, because it was unable to bear the men and the immense weight placed upon it. A great cry arose from the besiegers before the place and the besieged within, and both sides prepared for battle. When the alarm reached the ears of the Sultán, he looked inquiringly upon his attendants, and Prince Fath Khán suggested that the Bengal army had made a sally from Ikdála. The Sultán immediately called for his dress, and, girding on his arms, he rode to the scene of the uproar. There he was met by the impetuous Hisámu-l Mulk, who told him that the chief tower had fallen under the pressure of the crowds placed upon it, and urged him to make an immediate assault and capture the place. The Sultán thought over the proposition, and after serious reflection he replied to Hisámu-d dín, that although it was very desirable that the place should be captured, still, if it were taken by sudden assault, thousands of worthy and respectable women would be subjected to violence and indignity at the hands of graceless men, and he was therefore resolved to wait awhile and trust in Providence. All the army expected the order for the assault, but accepted patiently the royal decision.
During the night "the King of the Blacks" mounted "the eastern roof," and urging his Bengálís to work energetically, they laboured all nights and, restoring the ruined fort, were again prepared for the attack. The author has been informed by trustworthy people that the fort of Ikdala was built of mud, so that it was soon repaired and made ready for action. Fighting recommenced and went on, of which no description can be given. Provisions at length grew short in the fort, which made the Bengalis anxious, and both parties being heartily tired of fighting, the Almighty disposed the two kings for peace.