So long as winter lasted these had to be held in the Bala Hissar, where
a sound of music and a ripple of laughter was to be heard day and night;
but as spring began once more to carpet the barren hills with millions
of flowers, Humayon's amusements went further afield. One day he and his
Court, a glittering cohort of merry men, flashing with diamonds, and
prepared to enjoy everything, would ride out many miles to see the great
groves of Judas trees flushed with their pink blossoms; ride out to find
a magnificent camp awaiting them, a magnificent repast prepared, and all
the best singers and dancers in Kabul ready to amuse them. Then the next
day, mayhap, they would all go a-hawking, and at each and all of these
diversions Humayon's little son was part of his father's enjoyment, and
so naturally, became more and more of a man every day.
He used to ride on Horse-chestnut, and Tumbu was always of the party,
getting in consequence rather too fat, by reason of the rich food which
was given him.
But despite all this fun and jollity little Prince Akbar was not quite
satisfied.
"You took my mother away with you to the hills," he would say to his
father. "Why didn't you bring her back with you? I want to see her."
Then King Humayon would laugh--for he was always merry--and bid his
little son be patient. His mother would come with the spring. At present
she was in Persia, but so soon as the passes were open she would start
for Kabul.
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