Vol, IV, No. 10.} The Later Mughals. . 523 
[N.S.] 
‘Ali Khan wasin character a mere soldier, who, as soon - he 
hears anything unfavourable, burns with ange d becomes at 
once anenemy. In that case, ‘the Lord be our keeper,” There 
is nothing for it but to make ready to fight. 
W the advance of Sayyid Dilawar ‘Ali Khan was 
announced, Niz&ém-ul-mulk cuentas his most trusted officer, 
Muhammad Ghiyas Khan. is man said there was no use in 
i ead, the matter could easily be carried through. 
Fortune had always been favourable, and to resist was best. The 
awab rejoined: “‘ Why speak thus! Still, I-am in perplexity ; 
as that I have done no wrong is plain, nor need I feel ashamed. I 
“T have lived respected from the days of the late ‘Alamgir until 
now, and for the few more days that may be vouchsafed me, 
“trast I may be saved from dishonour. Why do these parvenus 
“try to harm me, me Pigion omer they are puffed bi by their sud- 
“den elevation. "Such ttitude is becoming in ror; i 
“others gain a little rise in life, why need they “se their heads. 
“ Thanks to God on High, who is there that shall not es receive 
. " What he has done to others. But it is not for me to 
‘in spite of my quiescence they attack me, there is no pat for it. 
. « After all, lam human. What man is there holding my high 
“ station who would not defend his honour ? Victory lies hidden 
“from us, it is the gift of the Most High, and is not gained by the 
st ‘* greatness of a host. I swear by the God that made me, that 
ey may bring all Hindistan against me and I will still resist 
“undaunted. If longer life has been decreed me, no harm will 
y arrive 5 if the hour of departure is at hand, nothing can avail 
“ce me.’ 
Ghiyas Khan approved these words, pointing out that he had 
only meant to suggest that preparation was necessary, “a blow 
after the fight ”! meant mere dishonour. The Nawab’s kinsmen 
approved, wn preparation was decided on. ahi Khan pro- 
lowed by a march bigads the ae If car were to fight, 
they could i as — there as here; nay, at court the 
was better. When men have once resolved on death can 
account were they Pez The Sayyids were not — oe wings 
, can be r ached Right was on their si If a ous God 
sbialded nin Right would triumph. If, or they elated the 
pictnaty of Sironj, things took another turn, what would it mat- 
ter? On hearing of their ostensible return to the capital, would 
not their opponents be forthwith put off their guard. Muham- 
mad Amin Khan, Hamid Khan and others at court should be 
addressed, as also ‘Iwaz Khan and others in the Dakhin. The 
commandant of Peoria should ce gained over; nent See be 




“1 Musht ba‘d as jang. 3 
