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Sykes' History of Persia Vol 2 (pdf) - Heritage Institute

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THE GHILZAIS OF KANDAHAR 309<br />

false security,<br />

sent him a handsome girl<br />

whom he passed<br />

<strong>of</strong>f as his daughter. The Prince was entirely duped, and<br />

finding the Chief apparently submissive, relented and<br />

ii to treat him with kindness. This gave the crafty<br />

Ghil/.ai the opportunity he desired. He invited Gurgin<br />

Khan to an entertainment in a garden some distance from<br />

Kandahar. There the guest and his attendants were set<br />

upon and murdered, and the Afghans came at dusk in<br />

their stead to the fort, Mir Vais wearing the clothes<br />

and riding the horse <strong>of</strong> his victim. Admitted without<br />

suspicion, they surprised the garrison, and, supported by<br />

a preconcerted attack <strong>of</strong> their fellow-countrymen, they<br />

cut <strong>of</strong>f the <strong>Persia</strong>ns almost to a man. A body <strong>of</strong> Georgian<br />

cavalry, six hundred strong, which happened to be absent<br />

from Kandahar, was attacked on its return three days<br />

later.<br />

Performing prodigies <strong>of</strong> valour, this band <strong>of</strong> heroes<br />

made good<br />

its retreat into Khorasan and confirmed the<br />

news <strong>of</strong> the disaster to the <strong>Persia</strong>n arms, which had already<br />

1<br />

thrown the country into a state <strong>of</strong> panic.<br />

The Consolidation <strong>of</strong> Power by Mir Vais. After his<br />

success Mir Vais showed energy and capacity<br />

in consolidating<br />

his power. He rallied various tribes to his aid<br />

by proclaiming independence, and even more by publishing<br />

the documents obtained at Mecca. The contemptible<br />

Court at Isfahan, instead <strong>of</strong> wiping out the disaster by<br />

force <strong>of</strong> arms, attempted to treat, but Mir Vais detained<br />

the<br />

" envoy. Be assured," he told him, " that the hour<br />

<strong>of</strong> vengeance<br />

is at hand ;<br />

and that the brave Afghans are<br />

the chosen instruments <strong>of</strong> God for the punishment <strong>of</strong> the<br />

heretical <strong>Persia</strong>ns."<br />

The councillors <strong>of</strong> Shah Husayn realized at last<br />

that there was no alternative to war. But at the outset no<br />

serious efforts were made, and the Governor <strong>of</strong> Khorasan,<br />

who was directed to subdue the rebels, was defeated again<br />

and again. These successes increased the prestige <strong>of</strong> Mir<br />

Vais and gave him time to strengthen his position.<br />

His Two Victories over <strong>Persia</strong>n Armies. Goaded finally<br />

into more vigorous action, the <strong>Persia</strong>n Government<br />

1<br />

A somewhat different account <strong>of</strong> this disaster is given<br />

Georgie by M. Brosset.<br />

in vol. iv. <strong>of</strong> Histoire de la

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