Later Mughals v1.c6.s6.18

v1.c6.s6.18

As the dust raised first by one and then by the other of the bodies of troops despatched by Bahadur Shah was seen in the distance, Iradat Khan pointed out to Bidar Bakht that their appearance betokened forces of at least fifty thousand horse in each. By the Prince's order, Iradat Khan rode off to inform Azam Shah. He found that Prince some three miles in the rear. Pushing through the crowd, and in obedience to a signal alighting from his horse near the travelling throne (takht-i-rawan) on which Azam Shah was seated, Iradat Khan made his report of the enemy's near approach. With furious looks and rolling eyes, pulling up his sleeves, a gesture usual to him when angry, Azam Shah shouted: "What enemy comes against me!" He called for his war elephant, twirled frantically a crooked staff, and standing upright on his throne said tauntingly "Be not afraid! I am coming to my son." By the time that Iradat Khan reached Bidar Bakht again, the cannonade had begun. [Iradat 33.]