History of the Khaljis, A.D. 1290–1320 c5.10

c5.10

Ahmad Chap's harangue pricked the Sultan "like a thorn." In fact he had spoken so frankly 'before any body else had said anything,' that his sincere utterance was misconstrued. The Sultan chid Ahmad saying he had done nothing against 'Alāūddīn to estrange him and he was falsely accusing his son-in-law. Jalāluddīn then addressed other nobles and asked them for advice on the point. Malik Fakhruddīn Kūchī did not like to incur the Sultan's displeasure. He knew that even a word spoken against his nephew was unwelcome to Jalāluddīn. He, therefore, began with what he thought would please the sultan, although he knew that what Ahmad Chap had said was all correct. "No responsible person," began the cunning Fakhruddīn, "on whose word full reliance can be placed has come to the court from 'Alāuddīn's camp. It is not certain whether the rumours are false or true .There is a famous maxim that 'socks should not be doffed till water be sighted.' If we march with an army and intercept him on the way, his men would be frightened to hear of the arrival of the Imperial army. One and all would they run away and hide themselves in the jungle and all the treasure that he is bringing would be lost. We should (only) keep a force in readiness, and until we find anybody refractory it is not justified to march against him. But the month of Ramzān is approaching and melons as (sweet as) sugar-candy have arrived in Delhi. It appears right to me that Your Majesty should return to Delhi with your army and pass the month of Ramzān there."⁶