TIMUR BEG. 
87 
of his army, whom he had especially distinguished 
with the title of “ courageous.” The infantry stood 
before the cavalry covered with their bucklers. The 
main body was commanded by the emperor’s son, 
Mohammed Sultan ; Timur taking his station at the 
head of twenty-seven chosen divisions which formed 
a strong body of reserve. These divisions were com- 
posed of his choicest troops. 
The battle commenced with a discharge of arrows 
on both sides ; after which a detachment from the 
enemy’s right wing attacking Timur’s left, the em- 
peror brought up his reserve and forced them to re- 
treat in confusion ; but being pursued, they rallied 
under the support of their main body, commanded by 
Toktamish in person, and compelled their pursuers 
in turn to retire. These falling back upon the divi- 
sions of the reserve, broke and confused their ranks, 
which, being thrown into disorder, began to retreat. 
The troops of Kipchak seeing their advantage, pushed 
boldly forward, thus increasing the confusion, and 
advanced to where Timur was posted. Attacking 
him with fierce resolution, the Jagatay hero was 
nearly overpowered, when one of his amyrs dis- 
mounting with fifty archers, they surrounded their 
beloved general and kept off the enemy by a vigorous 
discharge of arrows. Timur’s danger soon brought 
others to his assistance ; but not until the right wing 
of the enemy had been routed by the Prince Mo- 
hammed Sultan, was his royal parent released from 
jeopardy. 
The van of the Jagatay army’s right wing being 
enclosed by the enemy’s left, a terrible struggle en- 
