mpletely routed
and dispersed. On the occasion of the fourth defeat Abbas-Quli _Kh_an of
Larijan was captain of the forces and Prince Mihdi-Quli Mirza commander in
the camp. The _Kh_an above mentioned used at nights to conceal and hide
himself in disguise amongst the trees of the forest outside the camp,
while during the day he was present in the encampment. The last battle
took place at night and the army was routed. The Babis fired the tents and
huts, and night became bright as day. The foot of Mulla Husayn's horse
caught in a noose, for he was riding, the others being on foot. Abbas-Quli
_Kh_an recognized him from the top of a tree afar off, and with his own
hand discharged several bullets. At the third shot he threw him from his
feet. He was borne by his followers to the fort, and there they buried
him. Notwithstanding this event [the troops] could not prevail by superior
force. At length the Prince made a treaty and covenant, and swore by the
Holy Imams, confirming his oath by vows plighted on the glorious Qur'an,
to this effect: "You shall not be molested; return to your own places."
Since their provisions had for some time been exhausted, so that even of
the skins and bones of horses naught remained, and they had subsisted for
several days on pure water, they agreed. When they arrived at the army
food was prepared for them in a place outside the camp. They were engaged
in eating, having laid aside their weapons and armor, when the soldiers
fell on them on all sides and slew them all. Some have accounted this
valor displayed by these people as a thing miraculous, but when a band of
men are besieged in some place where all avenues and roads are stopped and
all hope of deliverance is cut off they will assuredly defend themselves
desperately and display bravery and courage.

In Zanjan and Nayriz likewise at the decree of erudite doctors and notable
lawyers a bloodthirsty military force attacked and besieged. In Zanjan the
chief was Mulla Muhammad-'Ali the mujtahid, while in Nayriz Siyyid Yahya
of Darab was the leader and arbiter. At first they sought to bring about a
reconciliation, but, meeting with cruel ferocity, they reached the pitch
of desperation; and, the overpowering force of the victorious troops
having cut off every passage of flight, they unclosed their hands in
resistance. But although they were very strong in battle and amazed the
chiefs of the army by their steadfastness and endurance, the overwhelming