1879.] W. Irvine—The Bangash Nawibs of Farrukhabad. 113 
approved, he would seek an interview and turn Ahmad Khan’s mind 
towards peace. The Wazir was highly delighted at this suggestion. 
’Ali Kuli Khan sent off a formal letter stating how desirous he 
was of paying a visit to Ahmad Khan. On receiving it, Ahmad Khan sent 
for Hafiz Rahmat Khan and the other Rohela leader, and informed them 
of its contents. They all agreed that it would be well for the Nawab to 
receive the proposed visit, as ’Ali Kuli Khan was hisfriend. Ahmad Khan 
sent a reply saying, that there had been no need to ask for leave, his house 
might be looked on by ’Ali Kuli Khan as his own, ’Ali Kuli Khan having 
informed the Wazir of this favourable reply, the Wazir made him swear 
by his head that in no way would he let Ahmad Khan know of the desire 
to make peace. ’Ali Kuli Khan said, he might feel quite at rest, for the 
degradation of the Wazir would, in his opinion, be a dishonour to the 
Emperor. 
On ’Ali Kuli Khan approaching the Nawab’s battery, the Nawdb’s son, 
Mahmiid Khan, was sent out to escort him. On their meeting, they 
embraced affectionately, and then mounting the same elephant, they started 
for the Nawab’s tent. The Nawab rising from his seat advanced to the 
edge of the carpet, and there they embraced. Thence hand in hand they 
walked to the masnad. A friendly conversation began and lasted a long 
time. ’Ali Kuli Khan was then conducted to a tent, which had been 
prepared for his repose, where every kind of food was made ready and sent 
to him. In the evening Nawab Ahmad Khan walked to his guest’s tent. 
At first they talked as friends and then they turned to business. The note, 
which the Emperor had written to Ahmad Khan with his own hand, was 
brought out. Taking it in his hand, Ahmad Khan placed it on his head, 
_ rose from his seat, turned his face towards Delhi and made a low obeisance. 
He then read the note. The contents were made known to no one but the 
principal leaders. It was only after a time that, through the commence- 
ment of negotiations, it was seen that the Emperor had recommended peace. 
Ahmad Khan, after he had read the letter, asked what he was expected to do. 
Ali Kuli Khan told him he should send his son, Mahmiid Khan, and Hafiz 
Rahmat Khan back with him, in order that the world might see that, 
although the Wazir had failed, yet as “ wl-amr faut wl-adab’’ (an order super- 
sedes ceremony), he, Nawab Ahmad Khan, had obeyed the Emperor and had 
sent his son and the principal leader under Sa’dullah Khan to negotiate 
with the Wazir. In this way the Wazir’s honour would be saved, and thereby 
the Emperor’s dignity preserved. Ahmad Khan objected that in this mat- 
ter he could not act till he had consulted others. 
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