The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 7.18

7.18

They might then, after the deed was done, call the maliks and amirs together and make them accomplices, or kill them on their refusal. * * * After the Sultan returned from his excursion, the favourite made another request. He said that when he returned home from the palace at early dawn, the doors were locked, and those kinsfolk who had come from Gujarat to enjoy his society could not then see him. If some of his men were entrusted with the key of the postern gate, (dar-i chak), he might bring his friends into the lower apartments and hold converse with them. The Sultan, in his infatuation, did not perceive the design, and the keys were given over. Every night, after the first or second watch, armed Parwaris, to the number of 300, used to enter by the postern, and assemble in the lower apartments. The guards of the palace saw the entry of armed men, and had their suspicions; and men of sense all perceived that this entry of the Parwaris boded evil. * * * But no human being dared to utter a word to the Sultán, even to save his life. * * * Kazi Ziau-d din, generally called Kázi Khan, * * venturing his life, spoke to the Sultan [acquainting him with the facts, and urging him to make an investigation]. The Sultan was incensed at the words of the Kázi, grossly abused him, and spurned his honest counsels. Just then Khusrú came in, and the Sultán [told him what the Kázi had said].