The Amír answered, “Khwája, you are my khalífa, and the most trusted of all my servants. I must of necessity consult you in such affairs, and you must give me your advice according to your knowledge. I will listen to it, and after pondering over it to myself, whatever seems to be reasonable, I will direct to be done.” The Khwája replied, “Now I cannot say anything. What I expressed with respect to Ariyáruk on a former occasion was advice applicable to Hindustán. This man had there acted tyrannically and rashly. He had acquired a great name in that country, but spoiled it. The late king summoned him, but he was tardy and remiss in obeying, and made frivolous excuses. Neither did he attend when Amír Muhammad called him, for he answered that Amír Mas'úd was heir-apparent of his father, but that if Mas'úd would acquiesce in the succession of his brother and not march from 'Irák to Ghazní, then he would come to pay his allegiance. When he heard your name and I told him what I had to say, he came with me hither. Up to this time I have never heard that he has been guilty of any presumption or disobedience worthy of notice. It is a very simple matter to make a great display with boundless means, and to drink wine without permission with Ghází and the Turks. In one interview I will set him right, so that you need not speak one word about the matter. Your Majesty's dominions have been extended, and useful men are required. It will be long before you find one like Ariyáruk. I have said what occurs to me, but it is for you to command.”
The Amír said, “I understand. It is just as you say. But you must keep this matter secret, and we will consider it more carefully.” The Khwája expressed his obedience and retired.
The Mahmúdians did not desist from their representations, but went so far as to insinuate to the Amír that Ariyáruk had grown suspicious,—he had proposed to Ghází that they should raise a disturbance, and if they did not meet with support to take their departure. More than this the greater part of the army was willing to obey Ariyáruk.
The Amír one day held a Court, and all men assembled.
When the Court broke up, he said, “Do not go away, but stay
and we will take some wine.” The great Khwája, the 'Áriz,
and the Díwán also sat down, and the dishes were brought in:
one was placed before the Amír on his throne, one before Amír
Ghází and Ariyáruk, one before the 'Áriz Bú Suhal Zauzaní and
Bú Nasr Mishkán, and one before the officers of these two
persons (Ariyáruk and Ghází). Abú-l Kásim Kasír was sitting
there like the courtiers. Various dishes were ordered and
were brought in. When these great men had dined, they arose
and came back into the court-hall (táram), and there sat and
washed their hands. The great Khwája praised both the generals
and spoke very graciously. They said “Our lord is always kind
and gracious, and we are ready to sacrifice our lives in his service;
but people have produced anxiety in our minds, and we do not
know what to do.” The Khwája observed, “This is absurd, and
is a vain fancy which you must banish from your minds. Wait
a little till I am at leisure; I will then call for you.” So he
went in alone, and seeking a private interview with the king, he
brought up this matter, and begged that they might again
receive the royal regard, but it was for his Majesty to decide.
The Amír answered, “I understand:” and then he called all the
party back again, The minstrels came and began to play.
Pleasure was at its height, and everything went on merrily.
When the time of the first prayer arrived, the Amír made a sign
to the singers and they kept silence. He then turned towards
the minister and said, “I have hitherto observed, as I ought,
the obligations I owe to these two generals. As to Ghází, he
rendered me a service at Naishapúr which no man of the army
I had with me did, and he came from Ghaznín. And when
Ariyáruk heard that I had reached Balkh, he hastened thither
with the Khwája and tendered his services. I hear that some
people are jealous of them, and speak ill of them and make their
minds perplexed. They must not be alarmed, but must place
full reliance in my words, for I will not listen to what anyone
may say against them.” The Khwája observed, “Nothing now
remains to be said, for what greater favour can there be than that
which has been expressed by His Majesty's words.” Both the
generals kissed the ground and the throne also, and returning to
their places sat down very happy. The Amír ordered two fine
garments to be brought, both wrought with gold, with two sword-
After they had gone away the Amír ordered two golden cups with bottles of wine, plates of sweetmeats, and vases of flowers to be prepared. He directed one of his courtiers, Bú-l Hasan Karkhí, to go to Ghází, saying that these things should be carried after him, and that three singers should accompany him. He also instructed him to tell Ghází that he had left the Court too early, and that he must now drink wine with his companions and listen to the minstrels. Three singers accordingly went with Bú-l Hasan, and the porters carried the things. Muzaffar, a courtier, was ordered to go with the three singers, and with the same kind of presents to Ariyáruk. The Khwája made many remarks, and said what he deemed right on the subject. About the time of afternoon prayer he returned home, the others also took their leave. The Amír was there till about evening, and then he rose up and went into the palace.
The Mahmúdians were much grieved by what had just passed. Neither they nor any one else knew what the future would bring forth. Time spake with an eloquent tongue, but no one regarded.