[His Majesty, in his good nature and gentleness, had now become reconciled to Mahábat Khán, and showed him great favour and kindness, so that Mahábat felt quite secure on that side. * * Whatever Núr Jahán Begam said to the Emperor in private, he unreservedly repeated to Mahábat Khán, and he bade him beware, for the Begam had a design against him. He also told him that the daughter of Sháh-nawáz Khán, who was married to Sháyastah Khán, son of Ásaf, had threatened to shoot him whenever she got an opportunity. By these means he set Mahábat's heart at rest, and removed that doubt and suspicion with which Mahábat had at first regarded him. Mahábat became less watchful, the guard of Rájpúts which he used to bring with him to surround the palace was diminished, and the bands of control were relaxed. Besides, he had lost some of his best men in the fight with the ahadís in Kábul.
Núr Jahán Begam worked against him both in private and in public. She maintained a number of followers, and attached them to herself by money and promises. In time Hushiyár Khán, her eunuch, in compliance with her letters, got together about 2000 men in Lahore, and proceeded to meet her. A considerable number of men had also been got together round the royal escort. When he was one march distant from Rohtás His Majesty determined to hold a review of the cavalry. He gave orders that all the soldiers, old and new, should form in two lines from the royal abode as far as they would extend. He then directed Buland Khán, one of his attendants, to go to Mahábat Khán, and tell him that His Majesty was holding a review of the Begam's troops that day. It would be better therefore for him to postpone the usual parade of the first day, lest words should pass between the two parties and strife ensue.* After Buland Khán, he sent Khwája Abú-l Hasan to enforce his wish more strongly, and to urge Mahábat to go on a stage. The Khwája, by cogent reasons, prevailed upon him; and, casting off all insolence and improper exercise of power, he went on first. His Majesty followed close after, and making no stay at the first stage, he made two stages into one, and passed over the river to Rohtás, where he found a Court ready to receive him.
The Emperor now sent four written orders to Mahábat Khán. 1. That as Sháh Jahán had gone to Thatta, he was to follow and assist in settling matters there. 2. To send Ásaf Khán and his son Abú Tálib to Court. 3. To send Tahmúras and Hoshang, sons of the late Prince Dániyál, who had been placed in his charge. 4. To send also Lashkarí, son of Mukhlis Khán, who was his surety, and had not yet come to Court. He was warned that if he made any delay in sending Ásaf Khán, an army should be sent after him.
Afzal Khán brought the sons of Prince Dániyál; but in the matter of Ásaf Khán, he brought a message from Mahábat, saying that he was going to Thatta, but that he was not safe as regarded Núr Jahán. He was afraid that if he let Ásaf Khán go, an army would be sent after him. Therefore, with all due submission, he would keep Ásaf Khán till he had passed Lahore, and would then set him at liberty. This answer greatly enraged the Begam, who sent Afzal Khán back to report what he had seen and heard, to say that there must be no delay in sending Ásaf Khán, and to beware of giving further provocation. Mahábat Khán was overawed by this message. He sent for Ásaf Khán, apologized, and bound him by an oath and promise. Then having shown him much attention, he sent him to Court. But, for the reason above stated, he detained Ásaf's son, Abú Tálib, for some days. He then marched as if it was his intention to proceed to Thatta. * *
When the Court arrived at Lahore, Ásaf Khán received the súbadárí of the Panjáb. He was also appointed prime minister, and the order was given for him to preside permanently over the administration of all affairs, revenue and political. * *
Mahábat Khán did not proceed far in the direction of Thatta, but turned off, and went towards Hindústán to push his fortune. Information came in that twenty-two lacs of rupees was coming to him from Bengal, and that the convoy had arrived near Dehlí. A party was sent out to seize upon this treasure, and they fell in with it near Sháhábád. The men in charge with their cart loads of money took refuge in a saráí, barricaded it, and showed a determination of holding out to the last. After a good deal of fighting, the royal troops set fire to the saráí, and got possession of it, when its defenders fled.] * *
[Prince Parwez died on the 6th Safar, 1035 A.H. His age was thirty-eight solar years.
Intelligence arrived from the Dakhin that Ya'kúb Khán, the Abyssinian, who, in that country, was next in rank to Malik 'Ambar, and during his life even had held important commands, had now determined to make his submission to the Imperial throne. * * Khán Jahán wrote to Ya'kúb in warm and assuring terms, and directed the amírs to receive him with all hospitality and respect, and to bring him to Burhánpúr.]