In the beginning of the month Djemaziul-Evvel we left the river Nilab
and turned toward Kabul. For fear of the Afghans under Adam Khan, we
made a quick march through the night, and at daybreak we arrived at
the foot of the mountain. So far the Afghans had not seen us, but by
the time we had reached the top there were thousands of them gathered
together. We seized our guns, and with God's help managed to get out
of their way, and came to the town of Pershuer, _i.e._, Peshawur.
Soon after, we crossed the Khaiber Pass, and reached Djushai. In the
mountains we saw two rhinoceroses (_Kerkedans_),[156] each the size
of a small elephant; they have a horn on their nose about two inches
long. In Abyssinia these animals are much more plentiful.
Presently we reached Laghman,[157] and after a very toilsome journey
through Hezareland,[158] we entered Kabulistan and its capital Kabul.
Here I visited the two sons of Humayun, Mehemmed Hekim Mirza and
Perrukk Fal Mirza; I also saw Mun'im Khan, and, after presenting the
_ferman_ from Humayun, I was treated with much honor. Kabul itself
is a beautiful city, surrounded by mountains covered with snow, and
pleasure-gardens with running brooks. Pleasure and merriment prevailed
everywhere, feasting and banqueting were the order of the day. In every
corner were gaily dressed, slender _Lulis_[159] enticing one with music
and song to join the merry crowd; the populace, in fact, seemed to have
no thought for anything but for pleasure and enjoyment.
"Who would long for houris and the Paradise whose good fortune has
brought him amongst the _Lulis_ of Kabul?"
We, however, had no time for such frivolities, our only aim and object
was to reach home as soon as possible. Mun'im Khan remarked that the
roads were snowed up, that the Hindu Kush could not possibly be passed,
and that it would be far better for us to wait a few days in Kabul;
but I quickly replied that men could overcome mountains, if they had
the mind to do so. Thereupon the Governor commanded Mir Nezri, the
Chief of the Perashi and Peshai, to accompany me, and his men were
to conduct our horses and goods safely across the mountain pass. We
left accordingly in the beginning of Djemazi ul Evvel and came to
Karabag,[160] and from there to Tcharikar and Pervane or Mervan.
This was Nezri's native country. He collected his men, and they took
us across to the other side of the mountain. It was a very difficult
passage, but we accomplished it that day, and spent the night in a
village at the foot of the pass.