[The twentieth year of the reign commenced on the 10th Jumáda-s sání, 1033 H. (10th March, 1624 A.D.), and the Emperor set out for Kashmír.]
As it has been several times asserted, and is especially mentioned in the Zakhíra Khwárism Sháhí, that laughter arises from eating saffron,—and that if it is taken in large quantities, there is fear of death supervening,—His Majesty determined on making a trial of its effects, and therefore sent for a condemned criminal from the jail, and giving him a quarter of a sír of saffron, equal to forty miskáls, made him eat it in his presence. It did not occasion any change in him. On the next day, he gave him double the quantity, but it did not cause him even to smile, much less to laugh. How then can a man possibly die from eating saffron?*
[Despatches from Asad Khán, bakhshí of the Dakhin, brought intelligence that Sháh Jahán had arrived at Dewalgám; that Yúsuf Habshí had invested Burhánpúr with the forces of Malik 'Ambar; that Sarbuland Ráí had kept close in his fortifications; and that the besiegers had not been able to accomplish anything. The next intelligence was that Sháh Jahán had reached the La'lbágh (before Burhánpúr), and had made several assaults upon the place without success. He had been attacked by sickness, and was compelled to go away to Rohangarh in the Bálághát.* The forces of Malik 'Ambar, finding their efforts unavailing, raised the siege, and returned to their master. Hoshang, son of Prince Dániyál, and 'Abdu-r Rahím Khán-khánán came in to wait upon Prince Parwez. The former was graciously received and liberally provided for. Khán-khánán expressed sorrow and shame for his actions, and the Prince consoled him, and directed that he should be kept in a suitable place.*
Fidáí Khán was sent to Prince Parwez, with orders for Mahá-
On the 19th Muharram, 1035, the Emperor started from Kashmír on his return to Lahore.] * *
Prince Dáwar Bakhsh presented a tiger, which had an extraordinary affection for a goat, which lived in the same cage with it. They used even to couple and consort together, as if they were animals of the same kind. It was ordered that the goat should be taken away to a distance and concealed; upon which the tiger became disconsolate and uneasy. It was then ordered that a goat of precisely the same colour and size should be placed in the cage. The tiger at first began to smell it, and shortly afterwards seized it in his mouth, and broke its back. A sheep was then placed in the cage, when it was immediately torn and devoured. They then brought the old goat back again, when it was received with undiminished regard. The tiger lay on his back, and took the goat upon its breast, and licked its face. Such a thing was never seen, either among tame or wild beasts, as an animal kissing the mouth even of its mate.
[Mahábat Khán had not as yet sent to Court the elephants obtained in Bengal, and he had realized large sums of money due to the State, and also from jágírs. A person called 'Arab Dast-ghaib was therefore sent to collect the elephants, and bring them to Court, also to obtain a settlement of accounts, and to return to Court if the result proved satisfactory.
Intelligence arrived that Khán Jahán had come from Gujarát, and had joined Prince Parwez. A letter arrived simultaneously from Khán Jahán himself, stating that 'Abdu-lla Khán had abandoned Sháh Jahán, and through him had written penitent and submissive letters, begging for forgiveness. Khán Jahán forwarded the letters with his own intercession, and pardon was granted. * *
On the 8th Jumáda-s sání the Emperor began his travels in the direction of Kábul.] * *