196 Translations from the Tdrihh i Firuz Shdhi. [No. 4, 



<( ing, until we discover what they purpose doing, what is going on, 

 " and how matters are likely to turn out ; when if there appear to be 

 " no help for it but fighting, you can do so, As they do not lay their 

 " hands on plunder you might gather together your subjects, and 

 " place them in security within the fortress. Meanwhile how long 

 " can so vast an army as they possess, continue to exist without forage, 

 " considering that they never detach ten horsemen even away from 

 11 their main body, and how will it be possible for them to stand 

 " their ground? Or if a few days are passed in sending envoys back- 

 " wards and forwards, until we have clearly ascertained their precise 

 " aim and object, it will be as well ; so that they may come to want, 

 "and set out on their return, and devote themselves to pillage. If at 

 " that juncture, your Majesty were to march after them a few stages 

 " by way of pursuit, how excellent it would be ! " 



After making this address, 'Alaulmulk went on to say, "I am an 

 " old servant, and have always been in the habit of stating to you 

 " whatever crosses my mind respecting current events, and I have 

 " heretofore ever met with kindness in return. I have therefore, 

 " in the present emergency also, stated all that has occurred to my 

 " mind ; but that alone is right and proper which may have struck 

 " your Majesty's discerning intellect ; for the illustrious sentiments of 

 " a King are superior to those of all his subjects. 



u Several ideas have also passed through my mind, relating to the 

 " prevention of all invasions of the Mughuls, which I purpose pouring 

 " into your auspicious ear at a fitting opportunity. On the present 

 " occasion of these miscreants advancing in such formidable array, 

 " we have, by Grod's grace, numerous forces equipped and ready to 

 " oppose them. Our army, however; is composed principally of the 

 " soldiery of Hindustan, who have spent their lives in warfare with 

 " Hindus only, and have never yet joined in battle with the Mughuls, 

 " and are consequently ignorant of their cunning system of tactics, 

 " their sallies, their ambuscades, and other stratagems. If the Mu- 

 <c ghuls then through good management on our part retire defeated 

 " this time, the soldiery of Delhi will be able to pursue and follow 

 " after them, so that (in future) our troops will long with ardour for an 

 " engagement with these Mughuls." 



Sultan 'Alauddin on hearing this address from the faithful Malik 



