History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v5.c74.s9.2

v5.c74.s9.2

This general's father Asad Khan, the wazir, who had been sent from the Court in November 1690 into the country south of the Krishna, had after many successes encamped at Kadapa. He now received orders to hasten to his son's aid. Prince Kam Bakhsh, then at Wagingera,[*] was ordered by the Emperor (20th July, 1691) to proceed to the Karnatak and support the wazir from behind. But Asad Khan wasted months without moving. He had often expressed an eager desire to see his son, but now that the son was in sore straits he was in no hurry to go to his side. He had also frequently taunted the other imperial generals with failure against the Marathas and bragged of what he could have done, saying, "His Majesty has not charged me with any enterprise. When he does so, he will see what 'Turk' means." This speech had been reported to the Emperor, and now on hearing of Asad Khan's supine inactivity, Aurangzib turned to his librarian and said, "His Turkship is over. How runs the proverb?" And then they both recited it,—'Don't brag again, as your boast (Turki) has come to an end!' This verse was embodied in a despatch now sent to Asad Khan. [M. A. 353, letter in Ruqaat No. 153.]