The Afghan History of Khān Jahān 1.1.9

1.1.9

Hamíd Khán asked Malik Bahlol, "Why do they act thus?" He replied, "They are a set of clowns, and have associated but little with men; they only know how to eat and die.'" It became Bahlol's custom to bring some of these men whenever he went to see Hamid Khan; but the greater portion of his attendants remained standing without. On one occasion, when Hamid Khan was feasting Malik Bahlol, the Afghans, in obedience to secret instructions received from Malik Bahlol, beat the door-keepers, and forced their way in, saying, "We are likewise servants of Hamid Khan; why should we be prevented from coming to salute him?" When a tumult and disturbance had arisen, Hamid Khan asked the reason of it. They, as they were entering, abused Malik Bahlol, and said to the minister, "We are just as much your servants as he is; he comes in, and why should not we?" When Hamid Khan directed that they should be admitted, the Afghans crowded in, and two of them placed themselves near every servant of Hamid Khan. When the eating part of the entertainment was over, and many of Hamid Khan's men had gone out, Kutb Khan Lodi drew forth a chain from his bosom, and laid it before Hamid Khan, saying, "The best thing for you will be to retire from public life for a short time. As I have eaten your salt, I do not intend to put you to death." After this he caused Hamid Khan to be seized, and gave him in charge to his officers.