CHAPTER IX.

HOW THE BARONS OF ARGON ANSWERED HIS ADDRESS.

<+> (An old Baron, as the spokesman of the rest, expresses their zeal and advises immediate advance.  On coming within ten miles of Acomat, Argon encamps and sends two envoys to his uncle.)

CHAPTER X.

THE MESSAGE SENT BY ARGON TO ACOMAT.

<+> (A remonstrance and summons to surrender the throne.)

CHAPTER XI.

HOW ACOMAT REPLIED TO ARGON’S MESSAGE.

And when Acomat Soldan had heard the message of Argon his nephew, he thus replied:  “Sirs and envoys,” quoth he, “my nephew’s words are vain; for the land is mine, not his, and I helped to conquer it as much as his father did.  So go and tell my nephew that if he will I will make him a great Prince, and give him ample lands, and he shall be as my son, and the greatest lord in the land after myself.  But if he will not, let him be assured that I will do my best to bring him to his death!  That is my answer to my nephew, and nought else of concession or covenant shall you ever have from me!” With that Acomat ceased, and said no word more.  And when the Envoys had heard the Soldan’s words they asked again:  “Is there no hope that we shall find you in different mind?” “Never,” quoth he, “never whilst I live shall ye find my mind changed.”

<+> (Argon’s wrath at the reply.  Both sides prepare for battle.)

CHAPTER XII.

OF THE BATTLE BETWEEN ARGON AND ACOMAT, AND THE CAPTIVITY OF ARGON.

<+> (There is a prolix description of a battle almost identical with those already given in Chapter II. of this Book and previously.  It ends with the rout of Argon’s army, and proceeds:)

And in the pursuit Argon was taken.  As soon as this happened they gave up the chase, and returned to their camp full of joy and exultation.  Acomat first caused his nephew to be shackled and well guarded, and then, being a man of great lechery, said to himself that he would go and enjoy himself among the fair women of his Court.  He left a great Melic[NOTE 1] in command of his host, enjoining him to guard Argon like his own life, and to follow to the Court by short marches, to spare the troops.  And so Acomat departed with a great following, on his way to the royal residence.  Thus then Acomat had left his host in command of that Melic whom I mentioned, whilst Argon remained in irons, and in such bitterness of heart that he desired to die.[NOTE 2]

NOTE 1.—­This is in the original Belic, for Melic, i.e.  Ar. Malik, chief or prince.

NOTE 2.—­In the spring of 1284 Ahmad marched against his nephew Arghun, and they encountered in the plain of Ak Khoja, near Kazwin.  Arghun’s force was very inferior in numbers, and he was defeated.  He fled to the Castle of Kala’at beyond Tus, but was persuaded to surrender.  Ahmad treated him kindly, and though his principal followers urged the execution of the prisoner, he refused, having then, it is said, no thought for anything but the charms of his new wife Tudai.