'Usmán the Afghán trod in the path of rebellion, and crossing the Brahmaputra river, was in vain opposed by Báz Bahádur, the Imperial thánadár, who retired to Bhowál. Rájá Mán Singh no sooner heard of Báz Bahádur's retreat, than, marching the whole night, he joined him on the following morning, and attacking the enemy put him to flight, and took many guns and much spoil. The Rájá having then again delivered the country to Báz Bahádur, returned to Dacca; but as the officer of the district now formed the idea of crossing the river and seizing upon the country of 'Ísá, and Sarípúr and Bakrampúr, the Afgháns again assumed a posture of defiance, and defended the approaches both with guns and boats. As the contest continued for some time, the Rájá sent a chosen body in advance, with orders to cross the river when they could get the opportunity. But the Afgháns opened a discharge of artillery upon them from their boats, and many of the warriors were killed. The Rájá now opportunely arrived in person, and with his men boldly crossing the river on elephants, the enemy, astonished at their daring, took to flight. The Rájá drew not his rein till he had followed them to Tíra and Mahwarí. Then Ghazní, the chief of the latter place, submitted, and the Rájá pushed on. He took Bakrampúr and Sarípúr, and stationed trusty forces throughout the country. The Afgháns then retreated to Sunárgánw, while the Rájá returned victorious to Dacca.
As Shaikh Abú-l Fazl adorned the garment of the high consideration in which he was held with the embroidery of hearty fidelity, he had reported to His Majesty some of the youthful indiscretions of the Prince Salím Mirzá, the heir-apparent— forgetful that the high road to honour and distinction hath its dangers, and that the branch which wildly ventures to run crookedly must ever bear bitter fruit.
To His Majesty's amiable disposition, therefore, his reports were not entirely acceptable, and, as this soon became current among all classes, Akbar summoned him to Court, and directed him to make over his retinue and command during his absence to his son 'Abdu-r Rahmán. Abú-l Fazl reached Saráí Banga,* two stages from Gwálior, on the 1st Shahryúr. There Bar Singh Deo Bundela, anxious to obtain the favour of the Prince Sultán Salím, planted an ambuscade in his way. Abú-l Fazl's followers apprised him of the danger, and recommended him to retire for protection to Ráí Ráyán and Rájá Ráí Singh, who were with 2000 horse at Antarí, a distance of only two kos. But the Shaikh, whose hour of death was at hand, and the gem of whose discrimination had therefore grown dull, only replied, “The fear of death is vain, for its period cannot be deferred. I have been raised by my gallantry from the position of being son of a darwesh to the rank of nobility, how then shall I basely seek shelter from another?” The Rájpúts soon afterwards placed their rough hands upon his collar, and slew him with his attendants. His head was sent by Bar Singh Deo to the young Prince. His Majesty was much affected on hearing of his death, and he earnestly besought pardon for his sins from the Creator. Orders were issued for bringing Bar Singh Deo to punishment.
Prince Dániyál, with the levity of youth, had forgotten the vow which he had made by the head of his august father to forsake the habit of drinking, and had again addicted himself to wine. Akbar addressed to him a letter of exhortation, bidding him take warning by the fate of Prince Sultán Murád, and entreating him, if only out of regard to his earthly parent, to withdraw his hand from the impurity of this venomous and treacherous poison.
The Sultána Salíma Begam took her departure for Allahábád, in order that she might by her influence bring to the Imperial Court the Prince Sultán Salím, who had been repeatedly reported to have thrown the veil of repentance over his offences. He was therefore pressingly and graciously invited to the presence.