The History of Shēr Shāh (Tārīkh-i Shērshāhī) 3.17.2

3.17.2

or, if he prefer it, I will cross the river, and fight with the Emperor on that side." When the herald came to the Emperor, and reported what Sher Shah had said, the Emperor, in utter contempt of Sher Shah, replied: "Say to Sher Khan that if he will retreat some kos from the waterside, I will cross the river Ganges and give him battle." The herald returned and told Sher Shah what the Emperor had said. Sher Shah retreated several kos from the river bank. The Emperor Humayun, having prepared a bridge, crossed the river Ganges. Hamid Khan Kakar, one of Sher Shah's nobles, said, "You ought to attack the Mughal army before they have all crossed the river." Sher Shah replied: "I have never before had any advantages, and have been compelled to use stratagems in warfare. Now by the favour of the all-powerful, my force is not inferior to the Emperor's. I will not now, notwithstanding my advantages, break my promise in the face of day. With my army arrayed in the open field, I will give battle without fraud or stratagem. God's will, whatever it may be, will be manifested." When Sher Shah understood that the whole force of the Emperor was across the river, he returned towards it, and carefully throwing up, according to his custom, an earthwork embankment opposite the Emperor's army, encamped close by it. After some days Khawas Khan also came ;