Page:HMElliotHistVol1.djvu/173

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CHACH-NA′MA.

139

The fourth at the great city of Multán and Sikka, and Brahmapúr[1] and Karúr, and Ashahár and Kumba, as far as the borders of Kashmír, were under his government. He (the king) himself dwelt at the capital, Alor, and kept under his own rule Kardán,[2] and Kaikánán and Banarhás.[3] He enjoined upon every one of his princes the necessity of being prepared for war, by keeping the implements of warfare, arms, and horses ready. He also ordered them to attend to the security of the country, the conciliation of the subjects, and the reparation of the buildings, so that they might keep their districts and dependencies safe. Throughout his dominions there was no disaffected person who could make any pretensions against the specification of his frontiers. Suddenly, by the decree of God, the army of the king of Nímroz marched from Fárs to Makrán.[4] When Síharas heard this he went forth from the fort of Alor,[5] haughty in mind and careless in heart, with the main part of his army to encounter him. They joined battle, and when many brave men and tried warriors, on both sides, had been slain, the Persian army, placing their whole trust in the Almighty, made an assault, and broke and put to flight the army of Ráí Síharas. He himself stood firm, fighting for his name and honour, until he was killed. The king of Fárs then returned to Nímroz, and Ráí Sáhasí, son of Síharas, sat upon the throne of his father. He established his authority in the country, and the four princes who had been appointed by his father submitted and assented to him, exhibiting every mark of obedience, placing their wealth at his disposal, and supporting him with honesty and energy. The whole country was thus safely secured in the power of Ráí Sáhasí; and the people lived happily under his just and equitable rule. He had a chamberlain named Rám, son of Abi (?), a man of science and wisdom.[6] This man had full and general authority over all parts of the dominions of Ráí Sáhasí; no person could enter or leave the king’s service but through him. The duties of chief secretary were entrusted to him, and Ráí Sáhasí had faith in his eloquent pen, and never doubted his rectitude.

  1. [So in MS. B, but Budhpúr in A.]
  2. [Or Karwán.]
  3. [Or Barhás.]
  4. [The Text adds in Arab fashion?]
  5. [MS. B. says “Ráwar.“]
  6. [Some words including the name are omitted in MS. A.]