that all his
work was cut out to complete the conquest in the sense he attributed
to that word. Henceforth the title of King of Kabul {38} was to be
subjected to the higher title of Emperor of Hindustan. For him there
was no turning back.

[Footnote 1: Babar's _Memoirs_, pp. 312 to 335.]

He had noted all the difficulties, and he had resolved how to meet
them. A thoroughly practical man, he proceeded first to take up that
which he rightly regarded as the greatest--the discontent in the
army. Assembling a council of his nobles, he laid before them the
actual position: told them how, after many toilsome marches and
bloody fights, they had won numerous rich and extensive provinces. To
abandon these and to return to Kabul would be shame indeed. 'Let not
anyone who calls himself my friend,' he concluded, 'henceforward make
such a proposal. But if there is any among you who cannot bring
himself to stay, or to give up his purpose of returning back, let him
depart.' The address produced the desired effect, and when the words
were followed by action, by new encounters and by new successes,
enthusiasm succeeded discontent.[2]

[Footnote 2: To one of his friends, who found the heat unsupportable,
and whom he therefore made Governor of Ghazni, Babar, when he was
firm in the saddle, sent the distich, of which the following is the
translation:

'Return a hundred thanks, O Babar, for the bounty of the merciful God
Has given you Sind, Hind, and numerous kingdoms;
If, unable to stand the heat, you long for cold,
You have only to recollect the frost and cold of Ghazni.']

The firmness of the conqueror was soon rewarded in a different
manner. No sooner did the inhabitants, Muhammadan settlers and Hindu
landowners and traders, recognise that Babar intended his occupancy
to {39} be permanent, than their fears subsided. Many proofs,
meanwhile, of his generous and noble nature had affected public
opinion regarding him. Every day then brought accessions to his
standard. Villagers and shopkeepers returned to their homes, and
abundance soon reigned in camp. A little later, and the army which
had been employed by Ibrahim Lodi to put down rebellion in Jaunpur
and Oudh, acknowledged Babar as their sovereign. In the interval,
judiciously employing his troops, he conquered a great part of
Rohilkhand; occupied the important post of Raberi, on the Jumna; and
laid siege to Itawa and Dholpur. But troubles were preparing for him
in Central Ind