The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) 3.14.2

3.14.2

When the party returned from reconnoitring, it was nearly evening, and on this account they delayed the pursuit of Sher Khan. When Sher Khan had crossed the defile of Ghari, he saw Saif Khan Acha-khail Sarwani, who was taking his family towards Rohtas. Sher Khan said, "Turn, for the Mughal army is near at hand." When Saif Khan was apprised of the actual truth regarding the Emperor's army, he said to Sher Khan, "There are but few men with you, and the distance between the armies is small. The Emperor will pursue you with the utmost expedition, in the hope you may fall into his hands. Do you take my family with you, and go your way. Early to-morrow morning I will occupy the entrance of the pass, and while life remains in my body I will hold the Emperor's army in check, so that an ample distance may be placed between you and the Mughals." Sher Khan said, "It is not right that to preserve myself I should cast you into the whirlpool of destruction." Saif Khan replied: "All men are not equal; a man ought to sacrifice himself for his own household. * * * My life and those of my brethren shall be expended in the service of my lord." Although Sher Khan urged him repeatedly to go along with him, Saif Khan would not consent; so Sher Khan took his family with him, and relieved from all anxiety regarding the pursuit of the Mughals, proceeded on his course with all speed.