The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c13.58

v4.c13.58

Some latent pettiness of nature would cause him as much anger when the ladies of the court were late for a pleasure excursion as the revolt of a brother which threatened his sovereignty and life. In the one case he would insist on letters of apology, while in the other the appearance of the culprit with professions of regret was sufficient to dispel his anger and cause tears of joy at the reconciliation. Humanity carried to an extreme brought misery not only to him but to the people who looked to him as a ruler. With rare exceptions his best generals deserted him again and again, confident that they would be forgiven if the tide changed in his favour and they offered to serve him once more. There is a well-known story that the water-carrier, who saved his life in the crossing of the Ganges after the battle of Chausa, was allowed to occupy the throne at Āgra for a day and to exercise all imperial power, which illustrates Humāyūn’s lack of proportion.