The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) 3.12.8

3.12.8

Khawas Khan arrived at Gaur, and said to Jalal Khan, "My orders from the king are to take the fort of Gaur without delay, as the Emperor is coming up in our rear." Jalal Khan said: "Wait yet to-day." But Khawas Khan replied, "I cannot disobey my orders; we must at once make the attack." Jalal Khan said: "Be it so! go to your post." Khawas Khan, taking his leave of Jalal Khan, came to his brother's post, and encouraged his brother's force, saying, "My orders are these: The instant I arrive to use every endeavour to take the fort and not in any way to delay." He directed the heralds to command the army to prepare themselves with all haste, as there was no time to lose; and arming himself, he sent to Jalal Khan to say, "I am ready with my whole force in obedience to the orders of Sher Khan, and only wait for you. Do you array yourselves also; it is not good to delay. By God's grace we will be victorious." Jalal Khan, Shuja'at Khan, and the rest were displeased, but, nevertheless, got ready. Khawas Khan personally displayed such energy and gallantry, that he succeeded in mastering the fortress even before Jalal Khan arrived. From that day his valour became celebrated, and after that he conquered wherever he went, so that in all Sher Khan's army there was none like him for intrepidity as well as liberality.