The History of Fīrūz Shāh (Baranī) 9.35

9.35

Referring to the benefits derivable from the punishments prescribed by Jamshíd, it has been remarked that kings appoint wazírs, advance them to high dignity, and place the management of their kingdoms in their hands in order that these wazírs may frame regulations and keep the country in such good order that the king may be saved from having to stain himself with the blood of any mortal." The Sultan replied, "Those punishments which Jamshíd prescribed were suited to the early ages of the world, but in these days many wicked and turbulent men are to be found. I visit them with chastisement upon the suspicion or presumption of their rebellious and treacherous designs, and I punish the most trifling act of contumacy with death. This I will do until I die, or until the people act honestly, and give up rebellion and contumacy. I have no such wazír as will make rules to obviate my shedding blood. I punish the people because they have all at once become my enemies and opponents. I have dispensed great wealth among them, but they have not become friendly and loyal. Their temper is well known to me, and I see that they are disaffected and inimical to me." The Sultan marched from Sultanpur towards Gujarat, and when he arrived at Nahrwala he sent Shaikh Mu'izzu-d din, with some officials, into the city, whilst he, leaving it on the left, proceeded into the mountains of Abhu, to which Dihui and Baroda were near.