التاريخ اليميني 19.24

19.24

In the months of the year 390 the Sultan advanced against Khalaf ibn Aḥmad, who had shut himself up in the fortress of Iṣbahbadh—a castle between which and the course of the stars lay but two bow-lengths, nay, two arrow-lengths; eyes fall short of its heights and birds are bewildered before its summits. He besieged him there, barred from freedom of choice, afflicted with dire necessity, robbed of the comfort of rest and the pleasure of sleep, until terror emptied his heart and his spirit bade farewell to ease. Then he resigned himself to submission and obedience, displayed humility and abasement, and asked, as a wretched supplicant asks, that the noose round his throat be loosened and the rope of his oppression slackened, on condition that he ransom himself with a hundred thousand [113a] dinars, together with suitable service, gifts scattered in tribute, rarities and presents. The Sultan granted what he requested, appointed someone to exact the money until he had collected it in full, and left him as he was, in the captivity of the siege and the grip of bondage. He intended to go to Sijistān, but he wished to make a campaign in Hind a prelude to what he had in view, and an alms offered before his private counsel, seeking blessing from what would come about [at his hands] in raising the banner of the faith, widening the domain of certainty, making the word of truth shine forth, and launching the power of the right.