The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 7.16

7.16

The Sultan was so infatuated, and so strongly desired the presence of Khusrú Khán, that he sent relays of bearers with a litter to bring him with all haste from Deogír in the course of seven or eight days. * * * Khusrú Khán told the Sultan that some maliks, who were his enemies, had charged him with treason, and were weaving a tissue of lies against him. Then he insinuated some counter-charges into the ears of the Sultan, who was so deluded as to believe what he represented. * * * The army afterwards arrived, and Malik Tamar and Malik Talbagha made a report of the designs of the Khán. * * * Fate blinded the Sultan, and he would not believe. * * * He grew angry with the accusers. He ordered Malik Tamar to be degraded, and not to be allowed to enter (the palace); and he took from him the territory of Chanderí, and gave it to the Parwárí boy. Malik Talbagha Yaghda, who had spoken more plainly about the plans of the traitor, was deprived of sight, beaten on the mouth, stripped of his offices, territories, and retainers, and put in prison. Whoever spoke of their fidelity, or testified to the treachery of Khusrú Khán, received condign punishment, and was imprisoned or banished. All the attendants of the court plainly perceived that to speak against him would be to court the same chastisement. The wise men of the court and city saw that the Sultán's end was approaching. * * * After Khusrú Khán had crushed his accusers, he prosecuted his schemes with all his energy.