The emir Muḥyī al-Dīn Abū al-Ḥārith Mahārish ibn Majallī al-ʿUqaylī, governor of ʿĀna and Ḥadītha, said to the Caliph:
“It is expedient that we move to the territory of Badr ibn Muhalhil and observe what becomes of Sultan Ṭughril Beg. If he prevails, we shall enter Baghdad; but if matters turn otherwise, we will look to our own safety, for we fear that al-Basāsirī may return and besiege us inside the city.”
The Caliph replied, “Do whatever serves the common good.” Thus, on the twenty-first of Dhu al-Qaʿdah they set out until they reached the fortress of Tall ʿUqbarā ⦗1⦘. There they were met by messengers from Sultan Ṭughril Beg bearing the gifts he had already dispatched, for the Sultan was longing greatly to meet the Caliph. News then arrived that Ṭughril Beg had entered Baghdad—an unforgettable day—yet the troops plundered the city, sparing only the Caliphal palace. Many merchants were fined and large sums taken from them, and work began on refurbishing the royal residence. The Sultan also sent the Caliph numerous mounts of various breeds, a grand pavilion, sumptuous garments, and every item suited to a Caliph on the road, entrusting them to the vizier ʿAmīd al-Mulk al-Kundurī.
When the delegation reached Mahārish’s camp, they forwarded the equipment ahead and the vizier said to those around him, “Pitch the pavilion and have the Caliph don attire befitting his rank. We shall then come and request permission to enter, and he is to keep us waiting a good while before admitting us.” When the vizier and his party were finally admitted, they kissed the ground, informed the Caliph of the Sultan’s delight at his return to Baghdad, and conveyed his ardent desire to meet him. They also told Mahārish of the Sultan’s gratitude and of his resolve to honour him as his standing deserved ⦗2⦘.
ʿAmīd al-Mulk then drafted a letter to the Sultan describing what had transpired and wished to have the Caliph append his own line at the top, knowing how much this would gladden the ruler’s heart. The Caliph had no inkwell, so the vizier produced his own together with a sword, saying, “This is the service of the pen and the sword.” The Caliph was pleased by the gesture, and two days later they broke camp.
When they reached Nahrawān, Sultan Ṭughril Beg left Baghdad to receive the Caliph. On arriving at the pavilion he kissed the ground before him seven times. The Caliph placed a cushion before him; the Sultan picked it up, kissed it, and sat on it as the Commander of the Faithful directed. He then set before the Caliph the red-ruby neck-cord that had belonged to the Buyids and produced twelve exceptionally large pearls.
He said, “Arslan Khātūn—my wife—offers her service to the Caliph and begs him to glorify Allah with this rosary.” He went on to excuse his late appearance at court: “My brother Ibrāhīm rebelled, so I executed him; then my elder brother Dāwūd died, and I was occupied arranging matters for his sons. I had resolved to go up to al-Ḥadītha to safeguard the noble person, but—praise be to Allah—when I learned of the well-being of my lord, the Commander of the Faithful, I rejoiced. I am thankful to Mahārish for the service he rendered. If Allah wills, I shall pursue that dog al-Basāsirī, seize him, proceed to Syria, and deal with the ruler of Egypt as he deserves for his ill conduct in backing al-Basāsirī here.” The Caliph prayed for him and expressed his thanks. All these exchanges were interpreted by ʿAmīd al-Mulk between the Caliph and Sultan Ṭughril Beg.