In 997 Subuktigin died, and was succeeded by his son, Mahmud of Ghazni, aged sixteen.

Mahmud in this action acquired great wealth and fame, for round the neck of Jipal alone were found sixteen strings of jewels, each of which was valued at one hundred and eighty thousand rupees.

The Caliph sent him a rich dress of honor, such as he had never before bestowed on any king, and dignified Mahmud with the titles of the Protector of the State and Treasurer of Fortune.

Mahmud at the same time received advices from India, that Zab Sais, the renegade Hindu, had thrown off his allegiance, and, returning to his former religion, expelled all the officers who had been appointed by the King, from their respective departments.

With me along the strip of Herbage strewn That just divides the desert from the sown, Where name of Slave and Sultan is forgot And Peace to Mahmud on his golden Throne!