The prince and army having entered Balkh,
He wrote on silk with spicery and musk
In fitting style a letter to the Sháh,

Beginning with the praise of the Almighty:—
“From Him are triumph and success Who is
The Lord of sun and circling moon, and giveth
Crown, throne, and casque their lustre, whom He will
Exalting or dejecting, ordering
Without a why or wherefore, though 'tis wise
To acquiesce. From that just Judge who made
The world, who made the seen and the unseen,
May every blessing be upon the Sháh,
All good attend him to the last. I came
To Balkh with joy and triumph through the Grace
Of him who hath the crown and throne—the world-
lord.
We fought three days, the fourth God favoured us;
Bármán and Sipahram fled toward Tirmid,
Like arrows from the bow. I am encamped
On the Jíhún, my glorious helm prevaileth.
Afrásiyáb is with his host at Sughd,
While we are still upon the Íránian side;
But, if the Sháh shall bid me, I will go
Across the river and attack the foe.”