The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 4.8

4.8

The Sultán replied, "Oh Ahmad, I am aware of what you say. I have seen the punishment of rebellion before you saw it, but what can I do? I have grown old among Musulmáns, and am not accustomed to spill their blood. My age exceeds seventy, and I have never caused one to be killed; shall I now, in my old days, for the short life that remains, which has never continued to others and will not be prolonged for me, act against the principles of the law and bring Muhammadans to the block? * * * As regards these nobles who have been made prisoners, I have reflected, and have come to the conclusion that if I look over their rebellion and spare their lives, they are men, and will be ashamed before God and man for the course they have pursued. I am sure they will feel their obligation to me, and will never again form designs against my throne or excite rebellion. * * * If I go to Multán, I will, like Sher Khán, fight against and give a good account of the Mughals, because they have invaded Musulmán territory; but if I cannot reign without shedding the blood of Musulmáns, I renounce the throne, for I could not endure the wrath of God."