The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) 3.15.3

3.15.3

Shaikh Khalil, in the presence of the Emperor's men who had accompanied him, debated earnestly and long with Sher Shah, and strongly advised the proposed peace; and during the consultation the following words fell from Shaikh Khalil: "If you do not agree to peace, away with you; declare war, and fight." Sher Khan said, "What you say is a good omen for me; please God, I will fight." After the consultation, Sher Khan gave to Shaikh Khalil money and rich clothes and manufactures of Malda and of Bengal in enormous quantities, and captivated his heart by these presents and favours. Sher Khan then sent for Shaikh Khalil in private, and speaking of the reverence the Afghans entertained for the holy Shaikh Farid Shakar-ganj, and of their mutual fatherland, and making him promises to his heart's content, said, "I wish you to give me advice regarding peace or war with the Emperor Humayun, for the learned have said, 'It behoves one to take counsel with the wise, with the intelligent, and with far-seeing holy men.' Now, in you all these qualifications are united. Tell me, therefore, without diminution or reserve, what your mind, clear as the sun, thinks concerning my well-being. Is peace or war with the Emperor most to my advantage?" After much hesitation, Shaikh Khalil said, "By asking my advice, you have in two ways placed me in a great difficulty: first, since I have come to you as an envoy from the Emperor, it is not right that I should say anything except to his advantage;