When Islám Sháh became aware of the disagreement which had taken place amongst the chiefs of the enemy, and of the friendly feeling of Khawás Khán, he rejoiced exceedingly, and became confident of success. Meanwhile, news was brought that the Níází troops had advanced to within a very short distance of the royal camp.* Islám Sháh said: “The Afgháns have no sense.” He made an inclosure with all his wheeled carriages, like a fortress, into which he caused the whole of his army to enter, and then went in person to reconnoitre the Níázís from an elevated position. When he beheld the foe, he said, “I shall be disgraced if I do not fight the rebel troops,” and ordered the chains, with which the carriages were fastened together to be removed. At that moment, he ranged his troops in battle array, and made ready for the fight. The war drums were beaten on both sides. Khawás Khán sent to tell 'Azam Humáyún and his brothers to advance when they saw him do so on his elephant with his standard displayed, and not to forsake him. With this intention they turned their faces towards the field. Khawás Khán started from his post, but attacked no one, and succeeded in making his way into the open country. The Níázís fought to the best of their ability, but as no benefit is ever derived from disloyalty, and as it always occasions distress and regret, they were routed, and the victory remained with Islám Sháh.
Whilst these events were occurring, Sa'íd Khán, the brother
of 'Azam Humáyún, came armed to the teeth, under the pretext
of congratulating the King; hoping, as no one knew him,
to find an opportunity of slaying His Majesty.*
He mixed
with the royal guards. Islám Sháh was at the time standing
surrounded by a circle of war elephants, and Sa'íd Khán
was, consequently, unable to reach him immediately. He
was shortly afterwards recognized by one of the elephant-
At this time many of his father's nobles, who had been appointed to different districts, came into the presence. Although Islám Sháh had secretly an ill-feeling towards Shujá' Khán, yet as Daulat Khán Ujíálá, the adopted son of Shujá' Khán, was much beloved by the King, for whom he had done good service, on his account he behaved outwardly with great kindness to Shujá' Khán, and treated him with honour and consideration. He gave him the government of the entire province of Málwá. One day an Afghán, named 'Usmán Khán, came intoxicated into the díwán-kháná of Shujá' Khán, and spat repeatedly on the carpet. When forbidden to do this by the faráshes, he arose and struck them with his fist. There was a great outcry, and the faráshes informed Shujá' Khán of what had taken place. Shujá' Khán said, “He has been guilty of three offences: firstly, he has drunk wine; secondly, he has entered the díwán-kháná; thirdly, he has beaten the faráshes.” He then ordered both 'Usmán Khán's hands to be cut off. 'Usmán Khán went to Gwálior, and complained to the King, who said nothing, on account of the high rank which Shujá' Khán had held in Sher Sháh's time, and of the faithful services of Daulat Khán.
After some time, Shujá' Khán came to Gwálior, and one day 'Usmán Khán again petitioned Islám Sháh concerning the injury which he had suffered. The King, becoming angry with the petitioner, said, “You also are an Afghán, go and revenge yourself on him.” When 'Usmán Khán heard this, he began to take measures to accomplish his wishes. Shujá' Khán was vexed when he heard what the King had said, and made use of unbecoming language. As both 'Usmán Khán's hands had been amputated, he had a hand made of iron. One day, an attendant of Shujá' Khán's told him that 'Usmán Khán was seated in a cutler's shop, causing a knife to be sharpened, and speaking in a violent manner. Shujá' Khan's courage prevented this information from making any impression on him, until one day, as he was going in a litter to pay his respects to the King in the castle of Gwálior, and had reached the Hathyápúl gate, he saw 'Usmán Khán seated in a shop with one hand concealed in his dopatta. Shujá' Khán desired to inquire something concerning him, when 'Usmán Khán suddenly rose up, and running from the shop, wounded Shujá' Khán. He was instantly seized by the armed men who surrounded the litter, who then perceived that he had an iron hand fastened to the stump, by means of which he had inflicted a slight wound in Shujá' Khán's left side, only grazing the skin. He was slain immediately, and they then took Shujá' Khán's litter back to his house. After Shujá' Khán had been wounded, and when 'Usmán Khán had met with his reward, an uproar and disturbance arose amongst the people. When news of this event reached the King, he sent some of his courtiers and men of note to Shujá' Khán, to inquire how he fared, and intended likewise to go in person.
Shujá' Khán being aware that his own friends and con-