* THE flocks and herds had so greatly increased, that the plains and hills of Káshghar could no longer provide sufficient pasturage, and therefore, in order to satisfy the wants and demands of his people, the Khán formed the bold project of subduing Moghulistán. Moreover, the Kirghiz, who were for the most part devoid of faith and given over to evil deeds, had thoroughly intimidated the Musulmáns of Turkistán, Shásh and Farghána, by their constant invasions and forays. Although that province* was under the rule of the Uzbeg Shaibán, who were his old enemies, the Khán, on account of his devotion to the faith and out of pity for the Musulmáns, took the matter to heart, and determined that no Musulmán should be molested and no infidel should prosper; but rather that the Musulmáns should thrive and the infidels should be subdued. For these two actions he expected to gain a good reputa­tion in this world and merit in the world to come. May God reward him well! [Three couplets]…

Mirzá Ali Taghái, Khwája Ali Bahádur, and most of the Amirs, supporting the cause of Bábá Sultán, desired that he should be sent in command of the expedition against Moghulistán and the Kirghiz. His father, Sultán Khalil Sultán, had been leader of the Kirghiz, as has been explained; and he therefore had some right in the matter. My uncle alone supported Rashid Sultán, who was the Khán's son, and upon him the conduct of the expedition finally devolved. Active preparations were set on foot [verses]: … and in the course of the year 928, Rashid Sultán set out loaded with favours. Mirzá Ali Taghái was appointed Ulus-beg , and Muhammad Kirghiz being released from confinement, was made Amir of the Kirghiz; while brave warriors and distin­guished Amirs were chosen out of all the Moghul tribes. [Couplet]. … Everything becoming the prince's rank and dignity was made ready; such as banners [tugh], trumpets, mint [zaráb-khána] and all kinds of furniture. Feasts were given to the Amirs and soldiers, who made merry; and favours were bestowed on all. [The Khán] gave his son much good advice. [Verses]… Indeed he lavished sermons and wise counsels on the young prince, who did not heed them, for is it not said: Sermons and advice are as wind to the profligates of this world? Finally, however, the army was despatched.

At the hour of his taking leave of Rashid Sultán, the Khán said to me: “You accoutre him: fasten on his quiver and sword, and mount him on his horse: it may bring good fortune. In respect of what I have told him, let him be your pupil: you shall be his master…*

In short the Khán sent them off in the handsomest manner, and himself returned to Káshghar. [Two couplets] …

With their entrance into Moghulistán, Muhammad Kirghiz marched on in advance. He brought in most of the Kirghiz, though a few fled to the farthest confines of Moghulistán. When winter set in, quarters were taken up at Kuchkár.