Later Mughals v1.c9.s15.13

v1.c9.s15.13

Muhammad Amin Khan, who had learnt the inmost secrets of the plot, and was also disheartened by the shifting moods of Farrukh-siyar, was far from ready to accept the office. He said that he had no wish to be Wazir; he was a plain soldier unaccustomed to such duties. If fighting men were wanted and the Emperor would head the troops in person, he would perform the obligations of a loyal servant and give his life for his master. But in the absence of His Majesty, his own troops and those of his relations were unequal to an attack on the Sayyids. The imperial and Wala-shahi troops had been warned for service under him; but he had no proof of their fighting quality. How could he feel any confidence in them? Besides, they were all of them near death's door from poverty and hunger, having neither good horses nor effective arms. In the Wala-shahi corps they had enlisted many townsmen, who neither respected others nor were themselves respected. Indeed, many low-caste men and mere artisans held commands. He could not rely on such troops. Finding this lack of zeal among his partisans, Farrukh-siyar began to lose heart. The men of the haft chauki, or personal guard, were ordered into the palace; and the unity and firm resolve of the Sayyids having been fully ascertained, it was decided to resume friendly relations with them.