IV.D7.LXXXVIII. OF THE SUDAN 369

LXXXI Now as soon as ever they had resolved upon rebellion the news thereof had reached Sheikh Badi, but he had not bothered

himself until he heard that Sheikh el Ami'n walad 'Agib was privy to the plot, but hearing this he said "Now it is war," for he knew

that Sheikh el Ami'n was a match for him in bravery and strength ; and he started at once and crossed the Nile and paused not, not even at Sennar, in his eagerness against them, until they met in battle.

LXXXII The commander of his troops was his son, and after a fierce battle his army and his son fled ; and when he saw that he drew

his sword and plunged into the [enemies'] army alone, and he asked every man he met [his name], and he would reply " So and so," and Badi would pass on, until finally there met him Sheikh el Amin, and

when questioned [as to his name] the latter replied "Muhammad el Amin" ; and when Badi had made sure of this he struck him three blows, but they did him no hurt because his mail was strong and Sheikh Badi struck blindly from the excitement of his anger.

LXXXIII Then Sheikh el Amin struck Badi a single and surer blow, for his sword was sharp and his knowledge of warfare complete, and

Sheikh Badi tried to keep his balance upon his horse's back but could not, and fell to the earth.

LXXXIV And lying thus he called for his uncle's sons, Ragab and Nasir and Idris and 'Adlan and their other brothers, that he might give them his last instructions. Then Sheikh Ahmad walad 'Ali said to him "Are you even yet alive?" and smote him on the mouth with his sword, and he died,

LXXXV But when the sons of his uncle Abu el Kaylak came up

they were exceedingly wroth with Sheikh Ahmad walad 'Ali for striking their brother as he lay on the ground, and thus were laid the foundations of the enmity between the sons of Abu el Kaylak and those of Ahmad.

LXXXVI The death of Sheikh Badi was in 1194^, and he was suc-

ceeded as Sheikh and vizier by Sheikh Ragab walad Muhammad, and

the king, if he could be so called, was 'Adlan.

LXXXVI I And Sheikh Ragab went to Kordofan and remained there besieging the mountains, and he sent his brother. Sheikh Nasir, with about 700 horsemen to the Gezira to give battle to Sheikh el Amin at el Hilalia, which lies east of the Blue Nile.

LXXXVIII And when they came upon Sheikh el Amin he had with him only sixteen horsemen of his own family and slaves, but a fierce engagement took place and the troops of Sheikh Nasir were routed and driven into the river.

1 1780 A.D.

M.S. II 24