The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 3.10

3.10

When Bughrá Khán heard that the Sultán had brought a large army, he understood that Nizámu-d dín had instilled fear into the heart of his son; but he set forth from Lakhnautí with an army and elephants, and arrived at the Sarú, where the two armies encamped on opposite sides of the river, within sight of each other. For two or three days officers passed from both sides, carrying messages between father and son. The order of the interview was at length settled. Bughrá Khán was to pay honour and homage to the king of Dehlí. He was to cross the river to see his son seated on his throne, and to kiss his hands (in token of inferiority). The Khán said, "I have no inclination to pay homage to my own son; but he sits upon the throne of Dehli in my father's seat, and that exceeds in grandeur all the thrones of the earth. * * * If I do not show it due honour, its glory will be shattered, and evil will come both upon me and my son. * * * I will therefore fulfil all the requirements of etiquette." He directed the astrologers to fix upon an auspicious hour for the interview. On the appointed day the Sultan's court was arranged, and he sat upon his throne to hold a levee. Bughra Khan alighted, and came within the privileged circle. He bowed his head to the earth, and three times kissed the ground, as required by the ceremonial of the court. But when he approached the throne, the Sultan could no longer bear the degradation of his father;