The history of the late revolution of the empire of the Great Mogol together with the most considerable passages for 5 years following in that empire : to which is added, a letter to the Lord Colbert, touching the extent to Indostan, the circulation of the gold and silver of the world, to discharge it self there, as also the riches, forces, and justice of the same and the principal cause of the decay of the states of Asia / by Mons. F. Bernier ... English'd out of French.

THE HISTORY OF The Late Revolution OF THE DOMINIONS OF THE GREAT MOGOL. (Book 1)

THE desire of seeing the World having made me Travel into Palestina and Egypt, would not let me stop there; it put me upon a resolution to see the Red Sea from one end to the

other. I went from Grand Cairo, after I had staid there above a year; and in two and thirty hours, going the Cara∣van pace, I arrived at Suez, where I embarked in a Galley, which in seventeen days carry'd me, always in sight of land, to the Port of Gidda, which is half a days journey from Mecca. There I was constrained (con∣trary to my hopes, and the promise which the Beig of the Red Sea had made me) to go a shore on that pre∣tended Holy Land of Mahomet, where a Christian, that is not a Slave, dares not set his foot. I staid there four and thirty days; and then I embarked in a small Vessel, which in fifteen days carried me along the Coast of Arabia the Happy to Moka, near the Streight of Babel-mandel. I resolved to pass thence to the Isle of Masowa and Arkiko, to get as far as Gouder, the Capital Town of the Country of Alebech, or the Kingdom of Aethiopia; but I received certain information, that, since the Portugueses had been killed there by the intrigue of the Queen Mother, or ex∣pelled,

together with the Jesuit Pa∣triarch, whom they had brought thi∣ther from Goa, the Roman Catholicks were not safe there; a poor Capuchin having lost his head at Suaken, for having attempted to enter into that Kingdom: That indeed, by going under the name of a Greek or an Ar∣menian I did not run so great hazard, and that even the King himself, when he should know, that I could do him service, would give me Land to Till by Slaves, which I might buy if I had money; but that undoubtedly they would forthwith oblige me to Marry, as they had lately done a certain Frier, who had passed there under the name of a Greek Physitian; and that they would never suffer me to come away again.

These considerations, among others, induced me to change my resolution. I went aboard of an Indian Vessel; I passed those Streights, and in two and twenty days I arrived at Surratte in Indostan, the Empire of the Great Mogol, in the Year 1655. There I found,

that he who then Reigned there, was call'd Chah-Jehan, that is to say, King of the World; who, according to the History of that Countrey, was Son of Jehan-Guyre, which signifieth Conque∣rour of the World, Grandchild of Ekbar, which is Great, and that thus ascending by Hohmayons, or the Fortunate, Father of Ekbar, and his other Predecessors, he was the Tenth of those that were de∣scended from that Timur-Lengue, which signifieth the Lame Prince, commonly and corruptly call'd Tamerlan, so renow∣ned for his Conquests; who Married his near Kinswoman, the only Daugh∣ter of the Prince of the Nations of Great Tartary, call'd Mogols, who have left and communicated their Name to the strangers, that now Govern In∣dostan, the Countrey of the Indians; though those that are employ'd in publick Charges and Offices, and even those that are listed in the Militia, be not all of the Race of the Mogols, but strangers, and Nations gather'd out of all Countries, most of them Per∣sians, some Arabians, and some Turks.

For, to be esteem'd a Mogol, 'tis enough to be a stranger white of Face, and a Mahumetan; in distinction as well to the Indians, who are brown, and Pagans, as to the Christians of Europe, who are call'd Franguis.

I found also at my arrival, that this King of the World, Chah-Jehan, of above seventy years of Age, had four Sons and two Daughters; that, some years since, he had made these four Sons Vice-Kings or Governours of four of his most considerable Provinces or Kingdoms; that it was almost a year that he was fallen into a great sick∣ness, whence it was believed he would never recover: Which had occasioned a great division among these four Bro∣thers (all laying claim to the Empire) and had kindled among them a War which lasted about five years, and which I design here to describe, ha∣ving been present at some of the most considerable Actions, and entertained for the space of eight years at that Court, where Fortune and the small stock of Money (left me after divers

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encounters with Robbers, and the expences of a Voyage of six and forty days from Suratte to Agra and Dehli, the Capital Towns of that Empire) obliged me to take a Salary from the Grand Mogol in the quality of a Physi∣tian, and a little while after from Danech-mend-Kan, the most knowing Man of Asia, who had been Bakchis or Great Master of the Horse, and was one of the most powerful and the most considerable Omrahs or Lords of that Court.

The Eldest of these four Sons of Chah-Jehan was call'd Dara, that is Darius. The Second was call'd Sultan Sujah, that is the Valiant Prince. The Name of the Third was Aurenge-Zebe, which signifies the Ornament of the Throne. That of the Fourth was Mo∣rad-Bakche, as if you should say, De∣sire accomplished. Of the two Daugh∣ters, the eldest was call'd Begum-Saheb, that is the Mistress Princess; and the youngest Rauchenara-Begum, which is as much as Bright Princess, or the Splendour of Princesses.

'Tis the Custom of the Countrey, to give such Names to their Princes and Princesses. Thus the Wife of Chah-Jehan, so renown'd for her Beau∣ty, and for having a Tomb, which much more deserved to be reckon'd among the Wonders of the World, than those unshapen Masses, and those heaps of stones in Egypt, was called Tage-Mehalle, that is to say, the Crown of the Seraglio; and the Wife of Jehan-Guyre, who hath so long Govern'd the State, whilst her Hus∣band minded nothing but Drinking and Divertisements, was first called Nour-Mehalle, and afterwards, Nour-Jehan-Begum, the Light of the Sera∣glio, the Light of the World. The reason, why they give such kind of Names to the Great Ones, and not Names from their Land or Dominion (as is usual in Europe) is, because all the Land being the Kings, there are no Marquisates, Earldoms and Dut∣chies, of which the Grandees might bear their Names; all consists in Pen∣sions either of Land or ready Money,

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which the King giveth, increaseth, retrencheth, and takes away, as seems good unto him: And 'tis even for this reason, that the Omrahs have also no other but such Names; one (for exam∣ple) being called Raz-Audaze-Kan, i. e. a Thunderer; another, Safe Cheken-Kan, a Breaker of Ranks; a third, Bare-Audaze-Kan, a Man of Lighten∣ing; others, Dianet-Kan, or Danech∣mend-Kan, or Fazel-Kan, i. e. the Faith∣ful Lord, the Intelligent, the Perfect, and the like.

Dara, the Eldest Son, wanted not good Qualities. He was Gallant in Conversation, Witty in Reparties, exceeding Civil and Liberal, but en∣tertained too good an opinion of his person, esteeming himself alone ca∣pable of all, and thinking it scarce possible that any Body was able to give him counsel; insomuch, that he would give reproachful Names to those who pretended to advise him in any thing; whereby it came to pass, that even those, who were most affectio∣nate to him, were shie to discover to

him the most secret Intrigues of his Brothers. Besides, he was apt to be transported with passion, to menace, to injure, to affront, even the greatest Omrahs or Lords; but all passed over like a flash of Light. Though he was a Mahumetan, and publickly expressed in the ordinary Exercises of Religion to be so, yet, in private, he was Heathen with the Heathen, and Chri∣stian with the Christians. He had constantly about him of those Heathen Doctors, to whom he gave very con∣siderable Pensions, and who (as was said) had instilled into him Opinions contrary to the Religion of the Land; of which I may touch something hereafter, when I shall come to speak of the Religion of the Indians or Gen∣tiles. He also hearkened of late very willingly to the Reverend Father Buzee a Jesuit, and began very well to relish what he suggested. Yet there are some who say, that at the bottom he was void of all Religion, and that whatever he pretended in it, was only for curiosity, or, as others say, out

of policy, to make himself beloved by the Christians, who are pretty nu∣merous in his Artillery; but above all, to gain the Affection of the Rajas or Soveraign Gentiles, that were Tribu∣tary to the Empire, and to make them of his party upon occasion. Mean time, this hath not mueh furthered his Affairs, on the contrary, it will appear in the sequel of this History, that the pretence used by Aureng-Zebe, his third Brother, to Cut off his Head, was, that he was turned Kafer, that is to say, an Infidel, of no Religion, an Idolater.

Sultan Sujah, the second Brother, was much of the humour of Dara, but he was more close and more settled, and had better Conduct and Dexterity. He was fit to manage an Intrigue well, and he made, under hand, friends by the force of presents, which he heaped upon the great Omrahs, and princi∣pally upon the most powerful Rajas, as Jessomseigne, and some others; but he did somewhat too much indulge his pleasures, in entertaining an extra∣ordinary

number of Women, among whom when he was, he spent whole days and nights in drinking, singing, and dancing. He made them presents of very rich Apparel; and he encreased or lessened their pensions according as the fancy took him: By which kind of Life his Affairs did languish, and the affections of many of his people cooled. He cast himself into the Religion of the Persians, although Chah-Jehan, his Father, and all his Brothers, were of the Turkish. 'Tis known that Mahu∣metanism is divided into several Sects, which made that famous Check-Sady, Author of the Goulistan, say in Verse, which is to this effect in Prose; I am a Dervich Drinker, I seem to be without Religion, and I am known of sixty two Sects. But of all those Sects there are two principal ones, whose Partisans are mortal Enemies to one another. The one is that of the Turks, whom the Persians call Osmantous, that is, Sectators of Osman; they believing that 'tis he that was the true and law∣ful Successor of Mahomet, the Great

Caliph or Soveraign Priest, to whom alone it did appertain to interpret the Alcoran, and to decide the Contro∣versies to be met with in the Law. The other is that of the Persians, whom the Turks call Chias, Rafezys, Aly-Merdans, that is, Sectaries, Here∣ticks, Partisans of Aly, because they believe, contrary to the belief of the Turks, that this succession and pon∣tifical Authority, which I just now intimated, was due only to Aly the Son-in-law of Mahomet. It was by reason of State that Sultan Sujah had embraced this latter Sect, considering that all the Persians being Chias, and most of them, or their Children, ha∣ving the greatest power at the Court of Mogol, and holding the most im∣portant Places of the Empire, he had most reason to hope, that, when occasion served, they would all take his part.

Aureng-Zebe, the third Brother, had not that Gallantry, nor surpri∣sing Presence of Dara, he appeared more serious and melaneholy, and

was indeed much more judicious, un∣derstanding the World very well, and knowing whom to chuse for his ser∣vice and purpose, and where to be∣stow his favour and bounty most for his interest. He was reserved, crafty, and exceedingly versed in dissembling, insomuch that for a long while he made profession to be Fakire, that is, Poor, Dervich, or Devout, renoun∣cing the World, and faining not to pretend at all to the Crown, but to desire to pass his Life in Prayer and other Devotions. In the mean time he failed not to make a party at Court, especially when he was made Vice-King of Decan; but he did it with so much dexterity, art, and secrecy, that it could hardly be perceived. He also had the skill to maintain himself in the Affection of Chah-Jehan his Father, who although he much loved Dara, could yet not forbear to shew that he esteemed Aureng-Zebe, and judged him capable to Reign; which caused jea∣lousie enough in Dara, who began to find it, insomuch that he could not

hold from saying sometimes to his friends in private; Of all my Brothers I apprehend only this Nemazi, that is, this Bigot, this great Praying-man.

Morad-Bakche, the Youngest of all, was the least dextrous, and the least judicious. He cared for nothing but mirth and pastime, to drink, hunt, and shoot. Yet he had some good Qualities; for he was very civil and liberal; he gloried in it, that he kept nothing secret; he despised Cabals; and he bragg'd openly, that he tru∣sted only in his Arm and Sword: In short, he was very Brave, and if this Bravery had been accompanied with some Conduct, he would have carried the Bell from all his Brothers, and been King of Indostan; as will appear in what is to follow.

Concerning the two Daughters, the Eldest, Begum-Saheb, was very Beautiful, and a great Wit, passio∣nately beloved of her Father. It was even rumoured, that he loved her to that degree as is hardly to be imagined, and that he alledged for his excuse,

that, according to the determination of his Mullahs or Doctors of his Law, it was permitted a Man to eat of the Fruit of the Tree he had planted. He had so great a confidence in her, that he had given her charge to watch over his safety, and to have an Eye to all what came to his Table: And she knew perfectly to manage his hu∣mour, and even in the most weighty Affairs to bend him as she pleased. She was exceedingly enriched by great pensions, and by costly presents, which she received from all parts, for such Negotiations as she employed her self in about her Father: And she made also great expences, being of a very liberal and generous disposition. She stuck entirely to Dara, her Eldest Bro∣ther, espoused cordially his part, and declared openly for him; which con∣tributed not a little to make the Affairs of Dara prosper, and to keep him in the affection of his Father; for she supported him in all things, and ad∣vertised him of all occurrences: Yet that was not so much, because he was

the Eldest Son, and she the Eldest Daughter (as the people believed) as because he had promised her, that as soon as he should come to the Crown he would Marry her; which is alto∣gether extraordinary, and almost never practised in Indostan.

I shall not scruple to relate here some of the Amours of this Princess, although shut up in a Seraglio, and well kept, like other Women. Nei∣ther shall I apprehend, that I may be thought to prepare Matter for a Ro∣mancer; for they are not Amours like ours, followed by Gallant and Comical Adventures, but attended with Events dreadful and Tragical.

Now 'tis reported, that this Princess found means to let a young Gallant enter the Seraglio, who was of no great Quality, but proper, and of a good Meen. But among such a num∣ber of jealous and envious persons, she could not carry on her business so pri∣vily, but she was discover'd. Chah-Jehan, her Father, was soon adver∣tised of it, and resolved to surprise

her, under the pretence of giving her a Visit, as he used to do. The Princess seeing him come unexpected, had no more time than to hide this unfortunate Lover in one of the great Chaudrons made to Bath in; which yet could not be so done, but that Chah-Jehan suspected it. Mean time he quarrelled not with his Daughter, but entertained her a pretty while, as he was wont to do; and at length told her, that he found her in a care∣less and less neat posture; that it was convenient she should wash her self, and bath oftner; commanding pre∣sently, with somewhat a stern coun∣tenance, that forthwith a Fire should be made under that Chaudron, and he would not part thence, before the Eunuchs had brought him word, that that unhappy Man was dispatched. Some time after she took other mea∣sures, she chose for her Kane-saman, that is, her Steward, a certain Persian called Nazerkan, who was a young Omrah, the handsomest and most ac∣complished of the whole Court, a

Man of Courage and Ambition, the Darling of all, insomuch that Chah-Hestkan, Uncle of Aureng-Zebe, pro∣posed to Marry him to the Princess: But Chah-Jehan received that propo∣sition very ill, and besides, when he was informed of some of the secret Intrigues that had been formed, he resolved quickly to rid himself of Na∣zerkan. He therefore presented to him, as 'twere to do him honour, a Betele, which he could not refuse to chew presently, after the Custom of the Countrey. Betele is a little knot made up of very delicate leaves, and some other things, with a little Chalk of Sea-Cockles; which maketh the Mouth and Lips of a Vermilion co∣lour, and the Breath sweet and plea∣sing. This young Lord thought of nothing less than being poysoned: He went away from the Company very jocund and content into his Paleky; but the Drug was so strong, that be∣fore he could come to his House, he was no more alive.

Rauchenara-Begum never passed for so

handsome and spiritual as Begum-Saheb, but she was not less cheerful, and comely enough, and hated pleasures no more than her Sister. But she ad∣dicted her self wholly to Aureng-Zebe, and consequently declared her self an Enemy to Begum-Saheb and Dara. This was the cause, that she had no great Riches, nor any considerable share in the Affairs of the State: Nevertheless as she was in the Seraglio, and wanted no Wit and Spies, she could not but discover many important Matters, of which she gave secret advertisement to Aureng-Zebe.

Chah-Jehan, some years before the Troubles, finding himself charged with these four Princes, all come to Age, all Married, all pretending to the Crown, Enemies to one another, and each of them making secretly a Party, was perplexed enough, as to what was fittest for him to do, fearing dan∣ger to his own Person, and foreseeing what afterwards befell him: For, to shut them up in Goualeor, which is a Fortress where the Princes are ordi∣narily

kept close, and which is held impregnable, it being situated upon an inaccessible Rock, and having within it self good water, and pro∣vision enough for a Garrison; that was not so easie a thing. They were too potent already, each of them having a Princely Train. And again, he could not handsomely remove them far off, without giving them some Government fit for their Birth; wherein he apprehended they would Cantonize themselves, and become little independent Kings; as actually they afterwards did. Nevertheless, fearing lest they should cut one ano∣thers Throat before his Eyes, if he kept them still at Court, he at last con∣cluded to send them away. And so he sent Sultan Sujah, his second Son, into the Kingdom of Bengale; his third, Aureng-Zebe, into Decan; and the youngest, Morad-Bakche, to Gu∣zaratte; giving to Dara, the eldest, Cabal and Multan. The three first went away very well content with their Government; and there they

Acted each the Soveraign, and re∣tained all the Revenues of their re∣spective Countries, entertaining great Troops, under the pretence of bri∣dling their Subjects and Neighbours. As to Dara, because the eldest, and designed to the Crown, he stirred not from the Court; which that he should not do, seemed also to be the inten∣tion of Chah-Jehan, who entertained him in the hopes of succeeding him after his Death. He even permitted then, that Orders were issued out by him, and that he might sit in a kind of Throne, beneath his, among the Omrahs; so that it seemed, as if there were two Kings together. But as 'tis very difficult for two Soveraigns to a∣gree, Chah-Jehan, though Dara shew'd him great Observance and Affection, always harbour'd some diffidence, fea∣ring above all things the Morsel; and besides, for as much as he knew the parts of Aureng-Zebe, and thought him more capable to Reign than any of the rest, he had always (as they say) some particular correspondence with him.

This it is, what I thought fit to premise concerning these four Princes, and their Father Chah-Jehan, because 'tis necessary for the understanding of all that follows. I esteem'd also, that I was not to forget those two Prin∣cesses, as having been the most con∣siderable Actors in the Tragedy; the Women in the Indies taking very of∣ten, as well as at Constantinople and in many other places, the best part in the most important Transactions, though Men take seldom notice of it, and trouble their heads of seeking for other Causes.

But to deliver this History with clearness, we must rise somewhat higher, and relate what passed, some time before the Troubles, between Aureng-Zebe, the King of Golkonda, and his Visier Emir-Jemla; because this will discover to us the Character and Temper of Aureng-Zebe, who is to be the Heros of this Piece, and the King of the Indies. Let us then see, after what manner Emir-Jemla procee∣ded, to lay the first foundation of the Royalty of Aureng-Zebe.

During the time that Aureng-Zebe was in Decan, the King of Golkonda had for his Visier and General of his Ar∣mies this Emir-Jemla, who was a Per∣sian by Nation, and very famous in the Indies. He was not a Man of great Extraction, but beaten in Busiuess, a person of excellent parts, and a great Captain. He had the Wit of amassing great Treasures, not only by the Ad∣ministration of the Affairs of this opu∣lent Kingdom, but also by Naviga∣tion and Trade, sending ships into very many parts, and causing the Diamond Mines, which he alone had farmed under many borrowed names, to be wrought with extraordinary dili∣gence. So that people discoursed al∣most of nothing but of the Riches of Emir-Jemla, and of the plenty of his Diamonds, which were not reckon'd but by Sacks. He had also the skill to render himself very potent and consi∣derable, entertaining, besides the Ar∣mies of the King, very good Troops for his particular, and above all a very good Artillery, with abundance of

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Franguys or Christians to manage it. In a word, he grew so rich, and so puissant, especially after he had found a way to enter into the Kingdom of Karnates, and to pillage all the ancient Churches of the Idols of that Coun∣trey, that the King of Golkonda be∣came jealous of it, and prepared him∣self to unsaddle him; and that the more, because he could not bear what was reported of him, as if he had used too great familiarity with the Queen his Mother, that was yet beau∣teous. Yet he discover'd nothing of his Design to any, having patience, and waiting 'till Emir came to the Court, for he was then in the King∣dom of Karnates with his Army. But one day, when more particular News was brought him of what had passed between his Mother and Him, he had not power enough to dissemble any longer, but was transported by choler to fall to invectives and menaces: Whereof Emir was soon made ac∣quainted, having at the Court abun∣dance of his Wives Kindred, and all

his nearest Relations and best Friends possessing the principal Offices. The Kings Mother also, who did not hate him, had speedy information of the same. Which obliged Emir, without delay, to write to his only Son, Mahmet Emir-Kan, who then was about the King, requiring him to do the best he could to withdraw with all speed from the Court, under some pretence of Hunting, or the like, and to come and joyn with him. Mahmet Emir-Kan failed not to attempt divers ways; but, the King causing him to be nar∣rowly observed, none of them all would succeed. This very much per∣plexed Emir, and made him take a strange resolution, which cast the King in great danger to lose his Crown and Life; so true 'tis; that he who knows not to Dissemble, knows not how to Reign. He writ to Aureng-Zebe, who was then in Daulet-Abad, the Capital of Decan, about fifteen or sixteen days Journey from Golkonda, giving him to under∣stand, that the King of Golkonda did intend to ruin him and his Family,

notwithstanding the signal Services he had done him, as all the World knew; which was an un-exampled Injustice and Ingratitude; that this necessitated him to take his refuge to him, and to intreat him, that he would receive him into his protection; that, for the rest, if he would follow his advice, and confide in him, he would so dispose Affairs, that he would at once put into his hands both the King and Kingdom of Golkonda. This thing he made very easie, using the following Discourse: You need but take four or five thou∣sand Horse, of the best of your Army, and to March with Expedition to Gol∣konda, spreading a rumour by the way, that 'tis an Ambassadour of Chah-Jehan that goes in haste, about considerable Matters, to speak with the King at Bag-naguer. The Dabir, who is he that is first to be addressed unto, to make any thing known unto the King, is allyed to me, and my Creature, and altogether mine; take care of nothing but to March with expedition, and I will so order it, that without making

you known, you shall come to the Gates of Bag-naguer; and when the King shall come out to receive the Letters, according to custome, you may easily seize on him, and after∣wards of all his Family, and do with him what shall seem good to you; in regard that his House of Bag-naguer, where he commonly resides, is unwal∣led and unfortified. He added, that he would make this Enterprise upon his own Charges, offering him fifty thousand Roupies a day (which is about five and twenty thousand Crowns) during the whole time of the March.

Aureng-Zebe, who looked only for some such occasion, had no mind at all to lose so fair an one. He soon un∣dertook the Expedition, and did so fortunately manage his Enterprise, that he arrived at Bag-naguer, without be∣ing otherwise known than as an Am∣bassadour of Chah-Jehan. The King of Golkonda being advertised of the ar∣rival of this pretended Ambassadour, came forth into a Garden, according to custome, received him with ho∣nour,

and having unfortunately put himself into the hands of his Enemy, ten or twelve Slaves, Gurgis, were ready to fall upon and to seize his per∣son, as had been projected; but that a certain Omrah, touched with ten∣derness, could not forbear to cry out, though he was of the party, and a Creature of Emir, Doth not your Ma∣jesty see that this is Aureng-Zebe? A∣way; or you are taken. Whereat the King being affrighted, slips away, and gets hastily on horseback, riding with all his might to the Fortress of Golkonda, which is but a short League from thence.

Aureng-Zebe seeing he was defeated in his Design, yet was not therefore discomposed; but seized at the same time on the Royal House, taketh all the rich and good things he finds there; yet sending to the King all his Wives (which over all the Indies is very religiously observed;) and goeth to Besiege him in his Fortress. But as the Siege, for want of having brought along all Necessaries, held on

long, and lasted above two months, he received Order from Chah-Jehan to raise it, and to retire into Decan again; so that, although the Fortress was re∣duced to extremities, for want of Vi∣ctuals and Ammunition of War, he found himself obliged to abandon his Enterprise. He knew very well, that it was Dara and Begum that had induced Chah-Jehan to send these Orders, from the apprehension they entertained, that he would become too powerful; but in the mean time he never disco∣ver'd any resentment of it, saying only, that he ought to obey the Or∣ders of his Father. Yet he withdrew not, without causing underhand pay∣ment to be made to him of all the Charges of his Expedition: Besides, he Married his Son Sultan Mahmoud to the Eldest Daughter of that King, with a promise, that he would make him his Successor, causing him also to give him for a Dowry the Fortress and the Appurtenances of Bamguyre. He also made the King consent, that all the Silver Money, that should be

Coined for the future in that King∣dom, should bear on one side the Arms of Chah-Jehan; and that Emir-Jemla should withdraw with his whole Fa∣mily, all his Goods, Troops, and Artillery.

These two Great Men were not long together, but they framed great De∣signs: On the way they Besieged and took Bider, one of the strongest and most important Places of Visapour; and thence they went to Daulet-Abad, where they contracted so intimate a Friendship together, that Aureng-Zebe could not live without seeing Emir twice a day, nor Emir without seeing Aureng-Zebe. Their Union began to cause a new Face in all the Affairs of those Parts, and laid the first founda∣tions of the Royalty of Aureng-Zebe.

This Prince having used the Art to make himself to be called to the Court divers times, went with great and rich presents to Agra to Chah-Jehan, presenting him his Service, and indu∣cing him to make War against the

King of Golkonda, and him of Visa∣pour, and against the Portugals. At first he presented to him that great Diamond, which is esteem'd match∣less; giving him to understand, that the precious stones of Golkonda were quite other things, than those Rocks of Kandahar; that there it was, where the War ought to be made, to get the possession thereof, and to go as far as Cape Comory. Chah-Jehan, whether it were that he was dazled by the Dia∣monds of Emir, or whether he thought it fit, as some believe he did, to have an Army in the Field, somewhat to restrain Dara, whom he found active in making himself potent, and who with insolence had ill treated the Vi∣sier Sadullah-Kan (whom Chah-Jehan passionately loved, and considered as the greatest Statesman that had been in the Indies) causing him even to be made away with poyson, as a Man not of his party, but inclined to Sultan Sujah; or rather, because he found him too powerful, and in a condition to be the Umpire of the Crown, if

Chah-Jehan should decease; or lastly, because being neither Persian, nor of Persian Extraction, but an Indian, there were not wanting envious per∣sons, who spread abroad, that he en∣tertained in divers places numerous Troops of Patans, very Gallant Men, and well paid, with a design to make himself King, or his Son; or at least to expel the Mogols, and to restore to the Throne the Nation of the Patans, of whom he had taken his Wife. How∣ever it be, Chah-Jehan resolved to send an Army towards Decan under the Conduct of Emir-Jemla.

Dara, who saw the consequence of this Affair, and that the sending of Troops for those parts, was to give strength to Aureng-Zebe, opposed it exceedingly, and did what he could to hinder it. Nevertheless, when he saw that Chah-Jehan was resolute for it, he at last thought it best to con∣sent; but with this condition, that Aureng-Zebe should keep in Daulet-Abad, as Governour only of the Coun∣trey, without medling at all in the

War, or pretending to Govern the Army; that Emir should be the abso∣lute General, who for a pledge of his Fidelity was to leave his whole Fa∣mily at the Court. Emir struggled enough within himself, whether he should agree to this last condition, but when Chah-Jehan desired him to give that satisfaction to Dara, and promised him, that after a little while he would send him back his Wife and Children, he consented, and Marched into Decan towards Aureng-Zebe with a very Gal∣lant Army, and without any stop en∣tred into Visapour, where he Besieged a strong place called Kaliane.

The Affairs of Indostan were in that condition, as I have been relating, when Chah-Jehan fell dangerously sick. I shall not speak here of his sickness, much less relate the particulars of it. I shall only say this, that it was little sutable to a Man of above seventy years of Age, who should rather think on preserving his strength, than to ruin it, as he did. This sickness did soon allarm and trouble all Indostan.

Mighty Armies were levied in Dehly and Agra, the Capitals of the Em∣pire. Sultan Sujah did the like in Ben∣gale; and Aureng-Zebe in Decan; and Mord-Bakche in Guzaratte: All four assembled to themselves their Allies and Friends; all four write, promise, and form divers Intrigues. Dara ha∣ving surprised some of their Letters, shew'd them to Chah-Jehan, and made great noise about them; and his Sister Begum failed not to make use of this occasion, to animate the King against them. But Chah-Jehan was diffident of Dara, and fearing to be poysoned, gave order, that particular care should be had of what was brought to his Table. 'Twas also said, that he wrote to Aureng-Zebe; and that Dara being advertised thereof, could not forbear to menace, and to break into very passionate expressions. In the mean time the Distemper of Chah-Jehan lin∣gred, and 'twas bruited every where, that he was dead. Whereupon the whole Court was disorder'd, the whole Town allarm'd, the Shops for many

days shut up; and the four Sons of the King made openly great Preparations, each for himself: And to say truth, it was not without reason, that they all made ready for War; for they all very well knew, that there was no hopes of quarter, that there was no other way, than to vanquish or dye, to be King or undone, and that he that should be Conquerour would rid him∣self of all the rest, as formerly Chah-Jehan had done of his Brothers.

Sultan Sujah, who had heaped up great Treasures in that rich Kingdom of Bengale, ruining some of the Rajas or petty Kings that are in those parts, and drawing great Sums from others, took the Field first of all with a puis∣sant Army, and in the confidence he had of all the Persian Omrahs, for the Sect of whom he had declared himself, he boldly Marched towards Agra, gi∣ving out openly that Chah-Jehan was dead, that Dara had poyson'd him, that he would revenge the death of his Father, and in a word, that he would be King. Dara desired Chah-Jehan

to write himself to him, and to forbid him to advance further; which he did, assuring him, that his sick∣ness was not at all dangerous, and that he was already much better. But he having Friends at Court, who assured him that the sickness of Chah-Jehan was mortal, he dissembled, and cea∣sed not to advance, saying still, that he knew very well Chah-Jehan was dead; and if he should be alive, he was desirous to come and kiss his feet, and to receive his Commands.

Aureng-Zebe immediately after, if not at the same time, taketh the Field also in Decan, maketh a great noise, and prepareth to March towards Agra. The same prohibition was made to him also, as well from Chah-Jehan, as from Dara, who threaten'd him. But he dissembleth, for the same reason that Sultan Sujah had done, and giveth the like answer. Mean time, finding that his Treasure was low, and his Souldiery very inconsiderable, he de∣vised two artifices, which succeeded admirably well; the one, in regard

of Morad-Bakche; the other, in re∣spect of Emir-Jemla. To Morad-Bakche he writes with speed a very fair Letter, importing, that he had always been his true and intimate Friend; that, as for himself, he laid no claim at all to the Crown; that he might remember, he had all his Life time made profes∣sion of a Fakire, but that Dara was a person incapable to Govern a King∣dom; that he was a Kafer, an Ido∣later, and hated of all the greatest Omrahs; that Sultan Sujah was a Ra∣fezy, an Heretick, and by consequence an Enemy to Indostan, and unworthy of the Crown: So that, in a word, there was none but he (Morad-Bakche) that could reasonably pretend to the Succession; that the Crown did expect him; that the whole Court, which was not ignorant of his Valour, would be for him; and that for his particular, if he would promise him, that being King, he would give him leave to live quietly in some Corner or other of his Empire, there to serve God the remainder of his days, he

was ready to make a conjunction with him, to assist him with his Coun∣sel and Friends, and to put into his hands his whole Army, to fight Dara and Sultan Sujah; that in the mean time he sent him an hundred thousand Rupies (which make about fifty thou∣sand Crowns of our Money) and prayed him to accept thereof as a pledge of his friendship; and that he would advise him to come with all possible speed to seize on the Castle of Suratte, where he knew to be the Treasure of the Land.

Morad-Bakche, who was neither too rich nor too powerful, received with much joy this proposition of Aureng-Zebe, and the hundred thou∣sand Rupies sent by him; and shew'd Aureng-Zebe's Letter to every body, thereby to oblige the Flower of that Countrey to take up Arms for him, and the substantial Merchants to lend him the more willingly such Sums of Money as he demanded of them. He began in good earnest to Act the King, made large promises to all, and, in

short, did so well, that he set a good Army on foot; of whom he singled out some three thousand, who, under the Conduct of Chah-Abas, one of his Eunuchs, but a Valiant Man, should go to Besiege Suratte.

Aureng-Zebe sent his Eldest Son, Sultan Mahmoud, (him whom he had Married to the Daughter of the King of Golkonda) to Emir-Jemla, who was yet employed in the Siege of Kaliane, to perswade him to come to him to Daulet-Abad, pretending to have mat∣ter of the greatest importance to com∣municate to him. Emir, who soon suspected his intentions, excused him∣self, saying openly that Chah-Jehan was not dead, that he had fresh News of his being alive, and that besides, all his Family being at Agra in the hands of Dara, he could by no means assist Aureng-Zebe, nor declare him∣self for him. Whereupon Sultan Mah∣moud return'd to Daulet-Abad, without effecting any thing, and very much dissatisfied with Emir. But Aureng-Zebe lost no courage for all that, but

sent the second time to Emir, yet not Sultan Mahmoud, but Sultan Mazum his Second Son, who presented to him his Fathers Letter, and handled him with that dexterity, sweetness, and protestation of friendship, that it was not possible to resist him. Emir there∣fore pressed the Siege of Kaliane, for∣ced the Besieged to Surrender upon Composition, took the choice of his Army, and with all diligence went away with Sultan Mazum. At his ar∣rival, Aureng-Zebe courted him in the highest degree, treating him no other∣wise than with the Name of Baba and Babagy, that is, Father, Lord-Father; and after an hundred embraces, he took him somewhat aside, and told him (according to what I could learn from persons who knew of it) That it was not just, that having his Fa∣mily at the Court, he should adven∣ture to do any thing in his behalf that might come to be known; but that, after all, there was nothing so diffi∣cult but an expedient might be found. Give me leave therefore, said he, to

propose to you a Design, which at first will possibly surprise you; but, since you apprehend the danger of your Wife and Children that are in Hostage, the best way of providing for their security would be, to suffer me to seize on your person, and to put you in prison. It is out of doubt, that all the World will believe it done in earnest: For who would imagin, that such a person as you would be content to let your self be laid in pri∣son? In the interim, I could make use of part of your Army, and of your Artillery, as you shall judge most pro∣per and convenient: You also could furnish me with a Sum of Money, as you have frequently offered it; and besides, methinks I might tempt For∣tune further, and we might together take our measures, to see in what manner I had best to demean my self; if you would also permit, that I might cause you to be transported into the Fortress of Daulet-Abad, where you should be Master; and that there I might have you kept by my own Son,

Sultan Mazum, or Sultan Mahmoud; this would yet better palliate the mat∣ter, and I see not, what Dara could justly say of it, nor how he could reaso∣nably treat your Wife and Children ill.

Emir, whether it were by reason of the Friendship he had sworn to Aureng-Zebe, or for the great promises made to him, or the apprehension he had, of seeing near him Sultan Mazum, who stood by, very pensive and well armed, and Sultan Mahmoud, who looked grim upon him for his coming away at the sollicitation of his Brother, not at that of his, and had at his very entrance lift up his Foot as if he would have hit him; whatever of these considera∣tions might induce him, consented to all what Aureng-Zebe desired, and ap∣proved of the Expedient to suffer him∣self to be imprison'd; so that Aureng-Zebe being no sooner gone, but the Great Master of the Artillery was seen to approach with some fierceness to Emir, and to command him in the Name of Aureng-Zebe to follow him, locking him up in a Chamber, and

there giving him very good words, whilst all the Souldiery, that Aureng-Zebe had thereabout, went to their Arms. The report of the detention of Emir-Jemla was no sooner spread, but a great tumult arose; and those, whom he had brought along with him, although astonish'd, yet put themselves into a posture of rescuing him, and with their Swords drawn ran to force the Guards, and the Gate of his Prison; which was easie for them to do: For Aureng-Zebe had not with him sufficient Troops to make good so bold an Enterprise; the only Name of Emir-Jemla made all tremble. But the whole matter being altogether counterfeited, all these Commotions were presently calmed by the intima∣tions that were given to the Chief Officers of Emir's Army, and by the presence of Aureng-Zebe, who there appeared very resolute with his two Sons, and spoke now to one, then to another; and at last by promises and presents, liberally bestowed on those that were concerned. So that all the

Troops of Emir, and even most of those of Chah-Jehan, seeing things troubled, and being without their General, and believing Chah-Jehan to be dead, or, at best, desperately sick; considering also the ample promises made to them of augmenting their Stipend, and of giving them at that very time three months advance, soon listed themselves under Aureng-Zebe; who having seized on all the Equipage of Emir, even his very Camels and Tents, took the Field, resolved to March to the Siege of Suratte, and to hasten the taking it in; where Morad-Bakche was exceedingly embarrassed, because that his best Troops were em∣ployed there, and that he found more resistance in that place than he ima∣gined. But Aureng-Zebe, after some days March, was informed, that the Governour had surrendred the Place; for which he sent Congratulations to Morad-Bakche, acquainting him with∣all of his Transactions with Emir-Jemla, and assuring him, that he had Forces and Money enough, and very

good Intelligence at the Court; that nothing was wanting; that he was directly going to Brampour and Agra; that he had expected him on the way, and therefore desired him to joyn with him.

'Tis true, that Morad-Bakche found not so much Money in the Fortress of Suratte as he had imagined, whether it were that really there was not so much as was reported, or whether the Go∣vernour had diverted a part of it, as some believed: Yet notwithstanding that little he found there was useful to him, to pay the Souldiers that had listed themselves in hopes of the ad∣vantages, they should make of the imagined vast Treasure of Suratte. 'Tis not less true, that he had no greater reason to boast of the taking of this Place, in regard there was not any Regular Fortification about it; and yet his Army had lain before it above a month, and would never have reduced it without the Hollan∣ders, who furnish'd them with the Invention of Springing a Mine,

which ruining a great side of the Wall, cast the Besieged into such a consternation, that it made them im∣mediately surrender. The reduction of this Town did much advance his Design, Fame proclaiming imme∣diately throughout these Countries, that Morad-Bakche had taken Suratte; that he had sprung a Mine, which sounded very big among the Indians, who as yet do little understand that practice; and that there he had found a vast Treasure. Notwithstanding this great noise, and all the first ad∣vantages, joyned to all those frequent Letters and great Promises of Aureng-Zebe, the Eunuch Chah-Abas, a Man of good Sense, of a great Heart, and exceedingly affectionate to the Service of his Master, was not of opinion, that Morad-Bakche should so much tye himself in interest to Aureng-Zebe, or precipitate his conjunction with him, but advised, that he should amuse him with words, and let him advance a∣lone towards Agra; that in the mean time there would come certain News

of the sickness of Chah-Jehan; that he should first see, what Channel Affairs would run in; that he should Fortifie Suratte, as a very good Post, able to render him Master of a very large and rich Countrey; and that perhaps in time he might seize Bram∣pour, which is a very considerable Pas∣sage of a River, and as 'twere a Bar of Decan. But the continual Letters and Protestations of Aureng-Zebe, joy∣ned to the small Forces, Artillery, and Treasure of Morad-Bakche, blin∣ded with an excessive ambition to Reign, made him regardless of all o∣ther considerations; so that he went away from Amadevad, abandon'd Gu∣zaratte, and took his way through the Woods and Mountains, with all ex∣pedition, to be at the Rendevouz, where Aureng-Zebe had looked for him these two or three days.

Great Solemnities of Joy were made at the conjunction of the two Armies, the Princes visited one another, Au∣reng-Zebe made a hundred protesta∣tions and no less promises to Morad-Backche,

assured him afresh, and so∣lemnly, of his not caring for the Crown, as also of his being there for no other end than to assist him against Dara, their Common Enemy, and to place him in the Throne, which ex∣pected him.

Upon this Enterview, and confir∣mation of Friendship, both Armies Marched together, Aureng-Zebe con∣tinuing always, during the March, in the protestations of Friendship, and in his Courtship to Morad-Bakche, treating him never otherwise, whether in publick or private, but with the Title of Hazaret, that is, King and Ma∣jesty: So that Morad-Bakche was fully perswaded, that Aureng-Zebe meant sincerely, from an excess of affection towards him; whence he even wil∣lingly, and without ceremony, suf∣fer'd the submissions and respects he shew'd him; instead of remembring what had lately passed at Golkonda, and of considering, that he, who had thus hazarded himself with so much boldness to usurp a Kingdon, was

not of a temper to live and dye a Fakire-

These two Armies thus joyned made a Body considerable enough; which begot a great noise at Court, and gave cause of thoughtfulness, not only to Dara, but to Chah-Jehan himself, who knew the great parts and subtle Con∣duct of Aureng-Zebe, and the Courage of Morad-Bakche; and who foresaw very well, that a Fire was a kindling, which would be very hard to quench. It was to no purpose to write Letters upon Letters, signifying that he was well, and giving Order that they should turn back to their respective Governments, and expressing also, that he would forget all that had passed hitherto. All his Letters were not able to hinder their advance; and as the sickness of Chah-Jehan did still pass for mortal, there being no per∣sons wanting to bring and spread such News, they still continued to dissem∣ble, giving out, that they were Let∣ters counterfeited by Dara; that Chah-Jehan was dead indeed; but that, in

case he were alive, they would go to kiss his Feet, and deliver him from the hands of Dara.

What then should Chah-Jehan, this unfortunate King, do, who seeth, that his Sons have no regard to his Orders; who is informed at all hours, that they march apace towards Agra in the head of their Armies, and who in this conjuncture finds himself sick to boot in the hands of Dara, that is, of a man who breatheth nothing but War; who prepareth for it with all imaginable earnestness, and with all the marks of an enraged resentment against his Brothers? But what could he do in this extremity? He is con∣strained to abandon to them his Trea∣sures, and to leave them to their dispo∣sal. He is forced to send for his old and most trusty Captains, whom he knows for the most part to be not very affectionate to Dara; he must command them to fight for Dara, a∣gainst his own Blood, his own Chil∣dren, and those, for whom he hath more esteem than for Dara; he is ob∣liged

forthwith to send an Army a∣gainst Sultan Sujah, because 'tis he that is most advanced; and he is to send another against Aureng-Zebe and Mo∣rad-Bakche, who no less are marching towards him.

Soliman Chekouh, the eldest Son of Dara, a young Prince of about Five and twenty years of Age, very proper of Body, and of good Parts and Con∣duct, generous, liberal, and univer∣sally beloved, especially of Chah-Jehan, who had already enriched him, and who considered him rather for his Suc∣cessour than Dara, was he, that was made General of this Army against Sujah. Nevertheless Chah-Jehan, who wished much rather, that Sujah were return'd to Bengale, than that the mat∣ter should be tryed by a bloody Com∣bat, which could not be but very Tragical, and wherein he run the hazard of losing one or other of his Sons, gave him for Companion an Ancient Raja, called Jesseigne, who is at present one of the powerfullest and richest Rajas of all Indostan, and one

the ablest in the whole Kingdom, with a secret Order not to fight, ex∣cept it were altogether unavoidable; as also to endeavour by all means to induce Sujah to retire, and to reserve his Forces for a better occasion; that is to say, after they should have seen the event of the sickness of Chah-Jehan and the success of Aureng-Zebe, and of Morad-Bache. But this young Prince, Soliman Chekouh, full of heat and cou∣rage, breathing after nothing but to signalize himself by some great action, and Sultan Sujah fearing lest Aureng-Zebe gaining a Battel should first make himself Master of the Capital Towns of the Empire, Agra and Dehly; it was impossible for the Raja Jesseigne to keep them from a Combat. The two Armies are no sooner in sight of one another, but they prepare to fall on, and they were not long from giving some Vollies of Cannon. I shall not relate the particulars of this Fight, for, besides that the narration of it would be too long and tedious, in the sequel of this History we shall be ob∣liged

to describe more considerable ones, by which the Reader will be able to judge of this. 'Tis sufficient to know in general, that the first on∣set was very sharp and obstinate on both sides, but that at length Soliman Chekouh did urge Sujah with that force and vigour, that he disorder'd him, and made him fly: So that if Jesseigne, and the Patan Delil-kan, who was one of the first Captains and a valiant Man, but an intimate Friend of the Raja, and did not act but being moved by him, had seconded him in good ear∣nest, 'tis thought that the whole Army of Sujah would have been de∣feated, and himself in danger of being taken: But that was not the Design of the Raja to destroy him, no more than it was that of Chah-Jehan, who had given him order to the contrary. Thus then had Sujah time to retreat, and that without losing any conside∣rable number of his Men; yet because Soliman Chekouh kept the field, and brought away some pieces of Artil∣lery, it was presently bruited at Court,

Sujah had been totally over∣thrown. This Defeat purchased great reputation to Soliman Chekouh, lessen'd much the esteem of Sultan Sujah, and cooled exceedingly all the Persians that had an inclination for him.

After that some days were spent in the pursuit of Sujah, the Prince Soli∣man Chekouh, who every day received News from the Court, and who lear∣ned, that Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche did approach with great reso∣lution, well knowing, that his Fa∣ther Dara had no great stock of pru∣dence, but good store of secret Ene∣mies, resolved to quit the pursuit of Sultan Sujah, and with all speed to return to Agra, where in all appearance Dara was to give Battel against Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche. This was the best counsel he could take, for no man doubts, that if he could have been there in good time, Aureng-Zebe would not have had the advantage; and 'tis even believed, he would never have hazarded the Combat, the party being too unequal; but the bad fortune of Dara did not permit it.

Whilst all that was thus transacted toward Elabas, which is the place where the Gemna is joyned to Ganges; the Scene was very different on the side of Agra. At the Court they were much surprised to hear, that Aureng-Zebe had passed the River of Brampour, and all the other passages that were most difficult between the Mountains; so that with all haste they sent away some Troops to dispute with him the passage of the River Eugenes, whilst the whole Army was making ready. For which purpose, there were chosen two of the most considerable and the most powerful of the Kingdom to command it; the one was Kasem-Kan, a renowned Captain and very affectionate to Chah-Jehan, but one that had no great in∣clination to Dara, and who went not but to oblige Chah-Jehan, whom he saw in the hands of Dara: The other was Jessomseigne, a potent Raja, not inferiour to Jesseigne, and Son-in-law to that Raja Rana, who was at the time of Ekbar so puissant, as if he had been the Emperour of the Raja's. Dara

at their farewel expressed to them great kindness, and presented them nobly; but Chah Jehan took his time, before their departure, to charge them in secret, as he had done the Raja Jesseigne, when he went away in the Expedition against Sultan Suiah with Soliman Chekouh. Neither were they wanting, in their March, to send several times to Aureng-Zebe and Mo∣rad-Bakche, to perswade them to turn back: But this was in vain; their Envoys came not again, and the Ar∣my advanced with that diligence, that they saw it much sooner than they thought upon a rising ground, not far remote from the River.

It being then Summer, and the season of the greatest heats, the River was fordable; which was the cause, that at the same time Kasem-Kan and the Raja prepared themselves to give Battel; besides that, they soon knew the resolution of Aureng-Zebe, that he would force them, since that, al∣though his Army was not all come up, he gave them some Vollies of Can∣non;

his design being to amuse them, fearing lest they themselves should pass the River, not only to prevent his passage, but also to hinder his Army from reposing, and from taking an advantageous post; which was indeed in great disorder, and so tired by their March, and so faint by the heat, that if at the very first it had been assaulted, and kept from passing the Water, it would doubtless have been routed without much resistance. [I was not by in this first Encounter, but thus it was generally discoursed of, and it agreeth with the after-relation of many of our French-men, who served Aureng-Zebe in the Artillery.] But they were content to stay at the River-side, to keep Aureng-Zebe from passing it, according to the Order they had re∣ceived.

After that Aureng-Zebe had let his Army rest two or three days, and by amusing the Enemy, had fitted it to pass the River, he made his whole Artillery play, which was very well placed; and he commanded, that under

the favour of the Cannon they should pass the River. Kasem-Kan and the Raja, on their part, discharged theirs also, and did what they could to re∣pulse the Enemy, and to keep him from passing. The Combat was sharp enough at first, and very obstinately maintained by the extraordinary Va∣lour of Jessomseigne. For as to Kasem-Kan, although a great Captain, and a stout Man, he gave no great proof of his Valour in this occasion; yea, some accuse him of Treachery, char∣ging him that he had in the night caused the Bullets and Powder to be hid under the Sand, there being no more of them to be found after two or three discharges. However it be, the Combat for all that was, as I said, very resolutely carried on, and the passage long disputed. There were Rocks in the Bed of the River, which did much embarass, and the Banks in many places were very high and diffi∣cult to climb up. But at last, Morad-Bakche cast himself into the water with so much resolution and force, and

shew'd so much valour and boldness, that there was no resisting of him. He passed over, and with him a good part of the Army, which made Kasem-Kan to give back, and cast Jessomseigne into great danger of his person. For by and by he found the whole Body of the Enemy upon him, and without the extraordinary resolution of his Ra∣gipous, who almost all were killed about him, he had been a dead man. One may judge of the great danger he was in upon this occasion, by this, that after he had disengaged himself as well as he could, and was come back to his own, not daring to return to Agra, because of the great loss he had suffered, of seven or eight thousand Ragipous he had but five or six hundred of them re∣maining.

These Ragipous, who take their name from the Rajas, that is to say, the Children of the Rajas, are from Father to Son such Men as make the Sword their Profession. The Rajas, whose Subjects they are, do assign them Lands for their subsistence, on condition to

be always ready to go to War when summoned. So that one might say, that they were a sort of Pagan Nobles, if the Rajas gave them their Lands in pro∣priety for them and their Children. They are great takers of Opium; and I have sometimes wondred at the quantity I have seen them take: They accustom themselves to it from their youth. On the day of Battel they double the Dose, this Drug animating, or rather inebriating them, and ma∣king them insensible of danger; inso∣much that they cast themselves into the Combat like so many furious Beasts, not knowing what it is to run away, but dying at the feet of their Raja, when he stands to it. They want nothing but Order, Resolution they have enough. 'Tis a pleasure thus to see them, with the fume of Opium in their head, to embrace one another, when the Battel is to begin, and to give their mutual Farewels, as Men resolved to dye. And that they do for this reason; that the Great Mo∣gol, though a Mahumetan, and by con∣sequence

an Enemy of the Heathen, yet for all that entertains always a good number of Rajas in his service, whom he considers as his other Omrahs, and imploys in his Armies as if they were Mahumetans.

I cannot forbear to relate here the fierce reception, which the Daughter of the Rana gave to her Husband Jes∣somseigne, after his defeat and flight. When she heard that he was nigh, and had understood what had passed in the Battel; that he had fought with all possible courage, that he had but four or five hundred Men left; and that at last, not being able to resist any longer the Enemy, he had been obliged to retreat: She, in stead of sending one to receive him, and to console him in his misfortunes, com∣manded in a dry mood to shut the Gates of the Castle, and not to let this infamous Man enter; that he was not her Husband; that she would never see him; that the Son-in-law of the Great Rana, could not have so low a Soul; that he was to remember,

that being grafted into so Illustrious an House, he was to imitate the Vir∣tue of it; and, in a word, that he was either to vanquish or to dye. A moment after she was of another humour; she commands a Pile of Wood to be laid, that she might burn her self, that they abus'd her; that her Husband must needs be dead; that it could not be otherwise. And a little while after this, she was seen to change her countenance, to fall into passion, and to break out into a thou∣sand reproaches against him. In short, she remained thus transported eight or nine days, without being able to resolve to see her Husband, 'till at last her Mo∣ther coming in, brought her in some degree to her self, and comforted her, assuring her, that as soon as the Raja had but a little refresh'd himself, he would raise another Army, to fight Aureng-Zebe, and repair his Honour at any rate.

By which story one may see a pat∣tern of the Courage of the Women in that Countrey: To which I could

add something I have seen some of them do, who burned themselves a∣live after the death of their Husbands; but we must reserve this Discourse for another place, where I shall also shew, that there is nothing which opinion, prepossession, custom, hope, and the point of honour, &c. may not make Men do or suffer.

Dara having understood what had passed at Eugenes, fell into that choler against Kasem-Kan, that it was thought he would have cut off his Head, if he had been upon the place. He was also transported against Emir-Jemla, as the Person that was the first and principal Cause of the Misfortune, and who had furnish'd Aureng-Zebe with Men, Money, and Cannon. He is ready to kill his Son Mahmet Emir-Kan, and will send his Wife and Daughter to Basar, or the Market∣place of prostituted Women; and 'tis past doubt, that he would have done some such thing, if Chah-Jehan, with much art and prudence, had not mo∣derated the excess of his passion, in

remonstrating to him, that Emir-Jemla had not so little conduct, nor so great a Friendship for Aureng-Zebe, as to hazard, and in a manner to sa∣crifice his Family, for the advancing of his Interest; that Aureng-Zebe must needs have gulled and ensnared him, by his usual artifice and cunning.

As for Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bak∣che, the happy success of this first En∣counter did so swell their hearts, and gave such Courage to their whole Army, that henceforth they believed themselves invincible, and capable to compass any thing. Besides, Aureng-Zebe, the more to animate his Soul∣diers, bragged openly, that he had Thirty thousand Mogols at his devotion in the Army of Dara; and there was something in it, as appeared by the sequel. Morad-Bakche was for nothing but fighting, and would march with all diligence. But Aureng-Zebe repre∣sented to him, that it was necessary the Army should refresh themselves for some time upon the Banks of this sweet River; that in the mean time

he would write to all his Friends, and get a full and certain information of the state of the Court, and of the condition of all Affairs. So that he marched not towards Agra, 'till he had rested some days, and after that he marched but slowly, to inform himself of all, and to take his time and measures.

Concerning Chah-Jehan, when he plainly saw the resolution of Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche, and that there was no hope left to make them turn back, he was in such a perplexity, that he knew not what to resolve, and foreseeing some great calamity, he would fain have hindred the last decisive Battel, for which he saw Dara preparing himself with great eagerness. But what could he do to oppose it? He was yet too weak of his sickness, and saw himself still in the hands of Dara, whom, as I have said, he trusted not much: So that he found himself obliged to acquiesce in his Will, and to commit to him all the Forces of the Empire, and to

command all Captains to obey him. Immediately all was in Arms: I know not, whether there was ever a more gallant Army seen in Indostan. 'Tis said, that there were little less than an hundred thousand Horse, and twenty thousand Foot, with four thousand peeces of Cannon, without reckoning the incredible number of Servants, Followers, Victuallers, whom Histori∣ans me thinks do often put into the number of the Combatants, when they speak of those formidable Armies of three or four hundred thousand Men, of which their Books are full. Though this Army was very brave, and strong enough to cut in pieces two or three of such as Aureng-Zebe had, in which there were no more than thirty five or forty thousand Men in all, and these tired and harassed by a very long and irksom March, during the height of the Heats; and but a small number of Cannon, in respect of that of Dara. Mean time (which seems hard to be∣lieve) there was scarce any Body that presaged well for Dara, all knowing,

that most of the chief Omrahs had no affection for him, and that all the good Souldiers that were for him, and whom he might confide in, were in the Army of Soliman Chekouh, his Son. And 'twas for this reason, that the most prudent and the most faith∣ful of his Friends, and Chah-Jehan himself, counselled him, not to hazard a Battel: Chah-Jehan offering, as in∣firm as he was, that he would go into the Field himself, and be carried before Aureng-Zebe, to interpose; which was looked upon as a very good Expedient for Peace, and for accomodating the Affairs of Chah-Jehan. For 'tis cer∣tain, that Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche, would never have had the boldness to fight against their own Father; and if they should have at∣tempted it, they would have smarted for it, because, besides that the match was not equal, and all the great Om∣rahs were so affectionate to Chah-Jehan, that they would not have failed to fight resolutely, if they had seen him in the head of the Army; besides this,

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I say, the Captains themselves of Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche, bore great affection and respect to this Prince, whose Creatures they most were; and the whole Army, in a manner, was his. So that in all ap∣pearance, not one of them would have presumed to draw his Sword a∣gainst him, nor he been at the pains of drawing his.

Then they advised Dara, that if he would not hearken to this Expe∣dient, he should at least not precipi∣tate the business, but delay, 'till Soli∣man Chekouh, who made all haste to joyn, were come in. Which was also very good counsel, in regard that that Prince was beloved of all, and was lately come home victorious, and had the most faithful and the bra∣vest Souldiers with him. But Dara would never hearken to any propo∣sition that could be made to him, and he thought on nothing else but to give Battel presently, and to go against Aureng-Zebe in person. And possibly he did not amiss, as to his own Ho∣nour

and particular Interest, if he could have commanded Fortune, and made things succeed as he contrived them. For the Considerations he had (as he could not forbear now and then to discover) were some such as these:

He looked upon himself as Master of the Person of Chah-Jehan; that he could dispose of him as he pleased; that he was also Possessor of all the Treasures and Forces of the Empire; that Sultan Sujah was half ruined; that his two other Brothers, with a weak and tired Army, were come to cast themselves into his hands; that, if he gained the Battel, they could not escape him; that he should all at once be absolute Master, and at the end of all his troubles, and at the height of his wishes, so as no body could con∣tradict him in any thing, or dispute the Crown with him. Whereas if Chah-Jehan should take the Field, all Affairs would be accommodated, his Brothers would return to their Go∣vernments, Chah-Jehan, who began to recover his health, would resume

the Government as before, and all things would return into their first channel: That, if he should stay for Soliman Chekouh, his Son, Chah-Jehan might take some Design to his disad∣vantage, or contrive something with Aureng-Zebe; that whatever he could do for gaining the Victory, the Repu∣tation, which Soliman Chekouh had pur∣chased, would still give him all the honour of it. And after that, what would not he be capable to undertake, swelled with so much glory and suc∣cess, and especially being supported, as he was, by the favour and affection of Chah-Jehan, and of the greatest part of the Omrahs? What did he know, whether he would keep any modesty, or any respect for him, and whether his Ambition might not carry him?

These Considerations made Dara resolve to stand out against the counsel of all, and to pursue his point. And for that purpose, he commanded im∣mediately the whole Army to take the Field, and thereupon came to take

leave of Chah-Jehan, who was in the Fortress of Agra. This good old Man was ready to melt in tears, when he embraced him; but withall failed not to represent to him, with a very grave countenance: Well, Dara, since thou art resolved to follow thine own will, go, God bless thee, but remember well these few words; If thou losest the Battel, take heed of ever coming into my Presence. But this made no great im∣pression upon him; he goeth forth briskly, taketh horse, and seizeth on the Passage of the River Tchembel, which is about Twenty Miles from Agra; where he fortified himself, ex∣pecting his Enemy. But the subtile and crafty Fakire, who wanted no good Spies, and people that gave him in∣telligence of all, and who knew that the Passage was there very difficult, took good heed to attempt the forcing it. He came to encamp himself near it, so that from the Camp of Dara one might discover his Tents. But what doth he in the mean time? He inveagles a certain Rebel of Raja,

called Chempet, presents him richly, and promiseth him a thousand fine things, if he would let him pass tho∣rough his Territories, that so he might go with speed to gain a certain place, where he knew that the River might be passed on foot with ease. Chempet agreeth, and offers of his own accord, that he would himself attend him, and shew him the way through the Woods and Hills of his Countrey. Aureng-Zebe raised his Camp the same night, without any noise, leaving some of his Tents to amuse Dara, and marching night and day, made such haste, that he was almost as soon on the other side of the River, as Dara could have notice of it. Which ob∣liged Dara to abandon the River there, and to leave all his Fortifications, and to follow his Enemy▪ who, he was told, did advance with great diligence towards Agra, to gain the River of Gemna, and there without trouble, and at his ease, to enjoy the water, to fortifie, and to fix himself well, and so to expect Dara. The place

where he encamped is but five leagues from Agra, it was formerly called Sa∣monguer, and now Fateabad, which is to say, Place of Victory. A little while after, Dara also came to encamp there, nigh the Bank of the same River, between Agra and the Army of Aureng-Zebe,

The two Armies were there be∣tween three and four days in sight of one another, without fighting. Mean time Chah-Jehan wrote several Letters to Dara, that Soliman Chekouh was not far off; that he should not precipitate; that he should come near Agra, and chuse an advantageous place to fortifie himself 'till he came. But Dara an∣swer'd, that before three days were passed, he would bring to him Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche tyed hand and foot, to do with them what he should think fit. And without expecting any longer, he began at that very hour to put his Army in Battel array.

He placed in the Front all his Can∣non, causing them to be tyed the one to the other with Chains, to shut

the passage to the Cavalry. Behind these Peeces of Cannon, he placed also front-wise a great number of light Ca∣mels, on the forepart of the Bodies whereof they fasten a small Peece, of the bigness of a double Musquet; a Man sitting on the hind-part of the Camel, being able to charge and dis∣charge without lighting. Behind these Camels stood the greatest part of the Musqueteers. Of the rest of the Army, which chiefly consisted in Cavalry, furnish'd with Bows and Arrows, (as ordinarily are the Mogols, that is, at present, white Men, Ma∣humetans, strangers, as Persians, Turks, Arabians, and Usbecks;) or with a Sword, and a kind of Half-pike, as commonly are the Ragipous: Of all these, I say, there were made three different Bodies. The right Wing was committed to Calil-ullah-Kan, with Thirty Thousand Mogols under his Command; for he was made Great Bakchis, that is, Great Master of the Cavalry, in the place of Danechmend-Kan, that was afterwards my Agah,

who voluntarily resigned this Office, seeing that he was not well beloved of Dara, for having always highly maintained against him the Interest and Authority of Chah-Jehan. The left Wing was given to Rustam-Kan Dakny, a very renowned and very va∣liant Captain, together with the Raja Chatresale, and the Raja Ramseigne Routlé.

On the other side, Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche put also their Army almost into the same Order; except that in the midst of the Troops of some Omrahs, they had hid some small Field-Peeces, which was, as was said, after the way and Art of Emir-Jemla, and with no ill effect.

They hardly made use of any more Art, than what hath been now re∣lated; only they placed here and there some Men casting Bannes, which is a kind of Granado fastened to a stick, that may be cast very far through the Cavalry, and which extremely terrifieth Horses, and even hurts and kills sometimes.

All this Cavalry turns about very easily, and they draw their Arrows with marvellous swiftness; one Man being able to draw six of them, before a Musqueteer can twice discharge his Musquet. The same Cavalry keeps also very close in several Troops under their respective Officers, especially when they are going to fight hand to hand. But after all, I see not, that this way of putting an Army in array, is any great matter, in comparison of our Armies, when in good order.

All things being thus disposed, the Artillery began to play on both sides; for 'tis always the Cannon that makes the prelude amongst them; and the Arrows were now seen to fly through the Air, when unexpectedly there hap∣pen'd to fall a Storm of Rain, so vio∣lent, that it interrupted the Combat. The Rain ceasing, the Cannon began afresh to roar; and then it was that Dara appeared, who being mounted upon a proud Elephant of Ceilau, com∣manded that an Onset should be made on all sides; and himself advanced

into the midst of the Body of the Ca∣valry, directly towards the Enemies Artillery, who received him warm∣ly, kill'd store of Men about him, and put into disorder, not only the Main Body which he commanded, but also the other Bodies of the Ca∣valry that followed him. Yet not∣withstanding, because he was seen to keep firm upon his Elephant, with∣out any appearance of giving back, and was observed to look every where about him with an undaunted look, and to make signs with his hands to advance and to follow him, this dis∣order soon ceased, every one resuming his Rank, and advancing in the same pace with Dara. But he could not reach the Enemy, without receiving another Volley of Cannon-shot, which caused a second and great disorder in his Men, and made a good part of them recoyl; yet he, without any change in his countenance, stood to it, encouraging his Troops, and gave still signs, that they should follow him, and advance with speed without any

loss of time. Thus pressing vigorously forward, he forced the Enemies Ar∣tillery, broke the Chains, entred in∣to their Camp, and made a Rout in their Camels and Infantry, and in every thing he met with on that side; open∣ing also a good passage to the Ca∣valry that followed him. Then it was, that the Enemies Cavalry facing him, a sore Combat began. A showre of Arrows fill'd the Air from both sides, Dara himself putting his hand to that work: But, to say truth, these Arrows do but little execution; more of them are lost in the Air, or broken on the ground, than hit. The first Discharges of Arrows being made, they fought hand to hand with their Sables, pesle mesle, and the Combat was stoutly maintain'd on both sides. Dara is still seen to continue firm on his Elephant, encouraging, making a noise, and giving signs on all sides; and at last advancing with so much re∣solution and force, against all that opposed him in his March, that he overthrew the Cavalry, and made them to retire and run away.

Aureng-Zebe, who was not far from thence, and mounted also on an Elephant, seeing this great disorder, was in great trouble, and laboured with all his might to remedy it; but to no purpose. He made the Main Body of his best Cavalry advance, to try whether he could make head against Dara; but it was not long be∣fore this Body also was forced to give back, and to retreat in great disorder, whatever Aureng-Zebe could say or do to hinder it. Mean time let us take notice of his courage and resolution: He saw that almost the whole Body of his Army was disordered, and in a flying posture, in so much that he had not a thousand Men about him that kept their standing; (some told me, that there were scarce five hundred:) He saw, that Dara, notwithstanding the difficulty of the way, which was uneven, and full of holes in divers places, made as if he would rush in upon him: Yet, for all this, he lost no courage, and was so far from being struck with fear, or from retreating,

that he stood firmly to it, and called by name most of his Captains that were about him, crying out to them, Delirane Kodahé, (these are his own words,) that is, Courage my old Friends, God is: What hope is there in flying? Know you not, where is our Decan? Kodahé, Kodahé, God is, God is. And that none might doubt of his being undaunted, and that he thought on nothing less than running away, he commanded before them all (oh strange extremity!) that forthwith Chains should be fastened to the feet of his Elephant; and was going to fasten them in good earnest, but that they all declared their courage and resolu∣tion, to live and dye with him.

Dara in the interim endeavoured to advance upon Aureng-Zebe, though he was yet at a good distance from him, and though the difficulty of the way embarassed and retarded him much; he meeting also with some resistance, even from those disordered Horse of the Enemy, that cover'd all high and low places where he was to March.

And this Encounter with Aureng-Zebe was looked upon as the thing, that was to assure Dara of the Victory, and to decide the Battel. And doubtless, he would have overcome all these dif∣ficulties, and Aureng-Zebe, with the small number left him, would not have been able to bid head to this victorious Army, if Dara had known how to profit of the prise he had in his hands. But here he failed; of which I shall now shew the occasion, and how thereby the Scale was turned to Aureng-Zebe's advantage.

Dara perceived that his left Wing was in great disorder, and he was in∣formed, that Rustam-Kan and Chatre∣sale were killed; that Ramseigne Routlé had too far advanced, that he had indeed forced the Enemy, and made way through the midst of them; but that now he was surrounded every way, and in very great danger. This it was, which made Dara desist from his design of making directly towards Aureng-Zebe, that he might go to succour his left Wing. There at first

the Battel was also very sharp, but Dara at last carried it, forcing and routing all, yet so, as that there still remained something that resisted and stopped him. Mean time, Ramseigne Routlé fought with so much courage and vigour as was possible. He woun∣ded Morad-Bakche, and came so near him, that he began to cut the Girdles of his Elephant, to make him fall down; but the valour and good for∣tune of Morad-Bakche gave not time enough for it. In short, never any Man fought and defended himself more bravely, than Morad-Bakche did on this occasion: All wounded as he was, and pressed by the Ragipous of Ramseigne Routlé, who were round about him▪ he was not daunted, nor gave way in the least, but knew so well to take his time, that, although he was, be∣sides defending himself, to cover with his Shield a Son of his, but of seven or eight years of Age, who was sit¦ting on his side, he made an Arrow shot so luckily at Ramseigne Routlé, that it made him fall dead to the ground.

Dara soon heard the sad News of this Accident; but at the same time he understood also, that Morad-Bakche was in very great danger; the Ragi∣pous fighting furiously, and like Lions, to revenge the death of their Master. And though he saw, on that side the way was very difficult, and that he still found some small Body opposing and retarding him; yet he was de∣termined to rush through to Morad-Bakche: And doubtless this was the best he could do, and that, which was capable to repair the fault he had committed in not doing his business thoroughly with Aureng-Zebe. But his bad fortune kept him from it, or rather, one of the blackest Treache∣ries that ever was imagined, and the greatest oversight that was ever com∣mitted, did cause the entire loss and ruin of Dara.

Calil-ullah-Kan (he that commanded the Thirty Thousand Mogols, which made the right Wing, and were alone able to defeat the whole Army of Aureng-Zebe) did, whilst Dara and

his left Wing fought with so much courage and success, keep off, as idle as if he were not concerned in the fray, not permitting any one of his Horse∣men to shoot an Arrow, with a pre∣tence, that they were for a Reserve, and that he had express order not to fight but in the last extremity. But the true cause was, that he reserved in his breast the rancour of an old Affront, done him by Dara, when he commanded him to be struck. But after all, this Treachery would have done no great mischief, if this infa∣mous Man had contented himself with this first Effect of his Resentment: Behold, how far he carried his rage, and revengefulness! He cut himself off from his Main Body, and taking only a few Men with him, rid with all possible speed towards Dara, at the same time when he was turning to fall on Morad-Bakche, and being come so near as to make himself be heard, cryed out with all his force; Mohba∣reck-bad, Hazaret, Salamet, Elhamd-ul-ellah; God save your Majesty, you

have obtained the Victory; what will you do any longer upon your Ele∣phant? Is it not enough, that you have exposed your self so long? If the least of those shots, that have been made into your Dais, had reached your Person, what would have become of us Are there Traitors wanting in this Army? In the Name of God come down quickly and take Horse. What remains more to be done, than to pursue those Run-aways▪ Let us do so, nor let us suffer, that they should escape our hands!

If Dara had had wit enough to dis∣cover the cheat, and to consider upon a sudden the consequences of his not appearing any more upon the Ele∣phant, and being no more seen by the whole Army, always eying him, or rather, if he had presently com∣manded to cut off the Head of this Parasitical Traitor, he had been Master of all. But the good Prince suffered himself to be blinded by these sweet words: He hearkened to this advice, as if it had been very true and very

sincere; he descended from his Ele∣phant, and took Horse. But I know not, whether there passed one quarter of an hour, but he perceived the Trea∣chery of Calil-ullah-Kan, and repented himself extremely of the great fault he had committed. He looks about him, he seeketh, he asketh where he is; he saith, he is a Traitor, he will kill him. But the perfidious Villain is by this time at a good distance; the occasion is lost. Would it be believed, that as soon as the Army perceived Dara to be no more upon the Ele∣phant, they imagined that there was Treason, that Dara was killed; and all were struck with such a terrour, that every one thought on nothing, but how to escape the hands of Aureng-Zebe, and to save himself. What shall I say? All the Army disbands and flyeth. A sudden and strange revo∣lution! He that saw himself just now victorious, finds himself in a few mo∣ments vanquished, abandoned, and ob∣liged to sly himself to save his life, Aureng-Zebe, by holding out firm a

quarter of an hour upon his Elephant, seeth the Crown of Indostan upon his Head; and Dara, for having come down a little too soon, seeth himself precipitated from the Throne, and the most unfortunate Prince of the World. Thus Fortune taketh plea∣sure, to make the gain or loss of a Battel, and the decision of a great Empire, depend upon a nothing.

These great and prodigious Armies, 'tis true, do sometimes great things; but when once terrour seizeth, and disorder comes among them, what means of stopping the Commotion? 'Tis like a great River broke through its Dams; it must over-run all, with∣out a Remedy. Whence it is, that as often as I consider the condition of sueh Armies, destitute of good order, and marching like flocks of sheep, I perswade my self, that, if in these parts one might see an Army of five and twenty thousand Men, of those old Troops of Flandres, under the con∣duct of Monsieur le Prince, or of Mon∣sieur de Turenne, I doubt not at all,

but they would trample under foot all those Armies, how numerous soever they were. And this it is, that now maketh me not find it any longer strange or incredible, what we are told of ten thousand Greeks; and of fifty thousand Men of Alexander, over∣coming six or seven hundred thousand Men of Darius; (if it be true, that there were so many, and that the Hi∣storian did not reckon the Servants, and all those Numbers of Men, which were to follow the Army, to furnish it with Forage, Cattel, Corn, and all other necessaries.) Bear only the first brunt, which would be no very diffi∣cult thing for us to do; and behold, they are all astonish'd: Or, do like Alexander, set vigorously upon one place, if that hold not out, (which will be very hard of them to do) you may be sure the work is done; all the rest presently take fright and flight toge∣ther.

Aureng-Zebe, encouraged by such a wonderful success, is not wanting to turn every stone, to employ skill,

dexterity, subtilty, craft, courage, to profit by all the advantages, which so favourable an occasion puts into his hands. Calil-ullah-Kan is presently with him, offering him his service, and all the Troops he could be Master of. He, on his side, wants not words of thanks and acknowledgments, nor a thousand fair promises: But he was very cautious to receive him in his own name; he carried him presently and presented him to Morad-Bakche, who, as we may easily think, received him with open arms; Aureng-Zebe in the mean time congratulating and praising Morad-Bakche, for having fought so valiantly, and ascribing to him all the honour of the Victory; treating him with the Title of King and Majesty before Calil-uttah-Kan, gi∣ving him uncommon respect, and do∣ing submissions to him becoming a Subject and Servant. In the interim, he labours night and day for himself, he writeth round about to all the Om∣rahs, making sure to day of one, and next day of another. Chah-hest-Kan,

his Uncle, the great and old Enemy of Dara, by reason of an Affront he had received from him, did the same for him on his part; and as he is the Person who writeth best and subtillest of the Empire of Indostan, so he con∣tributed not a little by his Cabals to the advancement of the Affairs of Aureng-Zebe, making strong Parties every where against Dara.

In the mean time let us still observe the artifice and dissimulation of Au∣reng-Zebe: Nothing of what he doth, treateth, promiseth, is for himself, or in his own Name; he hath still (forsooth) the design of living as a Fakire: All is for Morad-Bakche, 'tis he that commands; Aureng-Zebe doth no∣thing; 'tis Morad-Bakche that doth all, 'tis he that is designed to be King.

As for the unhappy Dara, he comes with all speed to Agra, in a desperate condition, and not daring to go see Chah-Jehan, remembring, doubtless, those severe words which he let fall, when he took leave of him before the Battel, viz. That he should remember

not to come before him, if he were overcome. Yet, for all that, the good old Father sent secretly a trusty Eu∣nuch to him, to comfort him, to as∣sure him of the continuance of his affection, to declare to him his trouble for his misfortune, and to remonstrate to him, that the Case was not yet de∣sperate, considering that there was a good Army with Soliman Chekouh, his Son, that he should go to Dehli, where he should find a thousand Horse in the Royal Stables; and that the Governour of the Fortress had order to furnish him with Money and Elephants; for the rest, that he should not go further than he needs must; that he would often write to him: And lastly, that he very well knew how to find out and chastise Aureng-Zebe.

I have been informed, that Dara was then in such a confusion, and sunk so low, that he had not the power to answer a word to the Eunuch, nor the courage to send any one to Chah-Jehan; but that, after having sent several times to Begum-Saheb, his Sister▪

he went away at mid-night, taking with him his Wife, his Daughters, and his Grand-child Sepe-Chekouh; and that (which is almost incredible) he was attended with not above three or four hundred persons. Let us leave him in his Voyage to Dehli, and stay at Agra, to consider the dexterity and craft, wherewith Aureng-Zebe procee∣ded to manage Affairs.

He well knew, that Dara, and those of his Party, could yet place some hopes in the victorious Army of Soli∣man Chekouh, and therefore he resolved to take it from him, or to make it useless to him. To this end, he wrote Letters upon Letters to the Raja Jes∣seigne, and to Delil-Kan, who were the chief Heads of the Army of Soli∣man Chekouh, telling them, that there was no hope left for Dara and his Party▪ that he had lost the Battel; that his whole Army had submitted to him; that all had abandon'd him; that he was fled alone towards Dehli; that he could never escape him, and that Orders were distributed every

where to seize on him. And as for Chah-Jehan, that he was in a condi∣tion hopeless of recovery; that they should take good care of what they had to do; and if they were Men of understanding, and would follow his fortune, and be his Friends, they should seize on Soliman Chekouh, and bring him to him.

Jesseigne found himself perplex'd e∣nough, what he should do, still much apprehending Chah-Jehan and Dara, and more, to lay hands upon a Royal Person, well knowing, that some mis∣chief might therefore fall on him, sooner or later, even from Aureng-Zebe himself. Besides, he knew that Soli∣man Chekouh had too much courage to let himself be taken after that manner, and that he would rather dye in de∣fending himself. Behold therefore, what he at last resolved! After having taken counsel with Delil-Kan, his great Friend, and after they had renew'd to one another the Oath of mutual Fi∣delity, he went directly to the Tent of Soliman Chekouh, who with great

impatience expected him, (for he also had heard the News of the Defeat of Dara his Father) and had already di∣vers times sent for him. To him he frankly discover'd all things, shew'd him the Letter of Aureng-Zebe, told him what course was best for him to take, represented to him the danger he was in; that there was no reason he should trust in Delil-Kan, or in Daoud-Kan, or in the rest of his Army; but that, as soon as he could, he should gain the Mountains of Serenaguer; that that was the best Expedient he could take; that the Raja of that Coun∣trey being in unaccessible places, and not apprehending Aureng-Zebe, would doubtless receive him gladly; and, for the rest, he would soon see how things would go, and be always in a condi∣tion to come down from the Moun∣tains, when he should think good.

The young Prince understood well enough by this kind of discourse, that there was no ground to trust hence∣forth in this Raja, and that there was no more safety for his Person; and

that the rather, because he knew that Delil-Kan was altogether devoted to him, and he saw well enough, that there was a necessity to take this course suggested. Whereupon he soon com∣manded, that his Baggage should be put up to march towards the Moun∣tains. Some of his most affectionate Friends, as a good number of Manseb-Dars, of Sajeds, and others, put them∣selves in order to attend him; the rest of the Army, altogether astonish'd, remain'd with the Raja. But that, which was very mean for a great Raja, and a very sordid barbarousness, was, that he and Delil-Kan sent under hand some to fall upon his Baggage, who also took other things, and among them an Elephant laden with Rupies of Gold, which caused a great dis∣order among those small Troops that follow'd him; and which was an oc∣casion, that many of them return'd and abandon'd him; and invited also the Countrey-people to set upon his Men, pillaging them, and even kil∣ling some of them▪ Yet he made a

shift to gain the Mountains, with his Wife and Children, where the Raja of Serenaguer received him with all the honour and civilities he could de∣sire, assuring him, that he was in safety, as much as if he were King of that Countrey, and that he would pro∣tect and assist him with all his Forces. In the mean time, behold what hap∣pened on Agra's side.

Three or four days after the Battel of Samonguer, the Victorious Aureng-Zebe, together with Morad-Bakche, came directly to the Gate of the Town into a Garden, which may be a little League distant from the Fortress, and sent from thence an able Eunuch, and one of those whom he most confided in, to Chah-Jehan, to salute him with a thousand fair protestations of his affection and submission; that he was exceedingly sorry for what had passed, and for having been obliged, by rea∣son of the ambition and evil designs of Dara, to proceed to all those extremi∣ties; that, for the rest, he rejoyced extremely to hear, that he began to

find himself better, and that he was come thither for no other end than to receive his Commands. Chah-Jehan was not wanting to express to the Eunuch much satisfaction, as to the procee∣dings of Aureng-Zebe, and to receive the submissions of this Son with all possible appearances of joy; though he saw very well, that matters had been carried too far, and sufficiently knew the reserved and crafty humour of Aureng-Zebe, and his secret passion for Reigning; and that therefore he was not much to be trusted, for all his fair words. And yet notwithstanding he suffers himself to be circumvented, and in stead of playing the surest Chart, by using his utmost power, by stirring, by appearing, by causing himself to be carried through the Town, and by assembling all his Om∣rahs, (for it was yet time to do all this) he goes about to out-wit Aureng-Zebe, him that was his Crafts-Master, and attempts to draw him into a snare, wherein he will be found taken him∣self. He then sends also an Eunuch

to this Son, to let him know, that he well understood the ill conduct, and even the incapacity of Dara; that he could not but call to mind the par∣ticular inclination he always had and expressed towards him, that he could not doubt of his affection; and lastly, that he should come to see him, and to advise with him what was fit to be done in these disorders; and that he passionately wished to embrace him.

Aureng-Zebe, on his side, saw also well enough, that he was not to trust too much to the words of Chah-Jehan, knowing especially, that Begum-Saheb, his Enemy as well as Sister, was night and day about him, and that 'twas very probable, he acted nothing but by her motion. And he apprehended, that if he should come into the For∣tress, he might be seized on, and ill treated; as it was said, that the reso∣lution was indeed taken to do so, and several of those lusty Tartarian Wo∣men, which serve in the Seraglio, were armed to set upon him as soon as he should enter. Whatever it be, he

would never hazard himself, and yet spread a rumour abroad, that the next day he would go to see his Father Chah-Jehan. But when the day was come, he put it off 'till another, and so he delayed it from day to day, with∣out ever making the Visit. In the mean time he continued his secret Ne∣gotiations and Cabals, and sounded the mind of all the greatest Omrahs, so far, that at last, after he had well and closely laid his Design, and poli∣tickly disposed all things for the success thereof, all were amazed to see, that one day, when he had sent Sultan Mahmoud, his eldest Son, to the For∣tress, under a pretence of seeing Chah-Jehan in his name; this young Prince, bold and undertaking, falls presently upon the Guards that were at the Gate, and vigorously driveth all before him, whilst a great number of Men appointed, who were there all ready, did enter with fury, and made them∣selves Masters of the Walls.

If ever a Man was astonish'd, Chah-Jehan was, seeing that he was fallen

the snare which he had prepared for others, that himself was impri∣son'd and Aureng-Zebe Master of the Fortress. 'Tis said, that he presently sent to sound the mind of Sultan Mah∣moud, promising him upon his Crown and upon the Alcoran, that if he would be faithful to him, and serve him in this conjuncture, he would make him King; that he should come presently to see him within, and not lose this occasion: Besides, that it would be an action that would accumulate on him the blessings of Heaven, and an immortal Glory; in regard it would be said forever, that Sultan Mahmoud had deliver'd Chah-Jehan his Grand∣father out of Prison.

And certainly, if Sultan Mahmoud had been resolute enough to give this stroke, and Chah-Jehan could have come abroad to shew himself to the Town, and to take the Field, no man doubts, but all his great Omrahs would have followed him; nor would Aureng-Zebe himself have had the boldness nor the savageness to sight against his

own Father in person, especially since he must have apprehended, that all the world would have abandon'd him, and possibly Morad-Bakche himself. And 'tis indeed the great fault which Chah-Jehan is observed to have com∣mitted after the Battel, and the flight of Dara, not to have come out of the Fortress. But yet I have conversed with many, who maintained, that Chah-Jehan did prudently in it. For this hath been a question much agi∣tated among the Politicians, and there are no Reasons wanting to counte∣nance the Sentiment of the latter sort; who also add, that Men almost always judge of things by the Event; that often very foolish Enterprises have been observed to succeed, and which therefore are approv'd by all; that if Chah-Jehan had prosper'd in his De∣sign, he would have been esteem'd the most prudent and the most able Man in the World; but now being taken, he was nothing but a good old Man, that suffer'd himself to be led by a Woman, his Daughter Begum,

which was blinded by her passion, and had the vanity to believe, that Aureng-Zebe would come to see her that the Bird of it self would fly into the Cage, or at least, that he would never be so bold as to attempt the seizure of the Fortress, nor have the power to do so. These same Reaso∣ners maintaining also ftifly, that the greatest fault that Sultan Mahmoud could possibly commit, was, that he knew not how to take the occasion to assure himself of the Crown, by the rarest and the most generous Action that ever was, to put his Grandfather at liberty, and thus to do himself Right and Justice, as the Soveraign Umpire of Affairs; whereas, as things now stand, he must one day go and dye in Goualeor. But Sultan Mahmoud (whe∣ther it was that he fear'd his Grand∣father would not keep his word with him, or that he should be himself de∣tain'd within, or that he durst not play tricks with his Father Aureng-Zebe) would never hearken to any thing, nor enter into the Apartment

of Chah-Jehan, answering very closely, that he had no order from his Father to go and see him, but that he was by him commanded not to return, without bringing him the Keys of all the Gates of the Fortress, that so he might come with all safety to kiss the Feet of his Majesty. There passed al∣most two whole days before he could resolve to surrender the Keys; during which time, Sultan Mahmoud staid there, unalterable in his resolutions, keeping himself upon his Guard night and day, with all his Troops about him; 'till at length Chah-Jehan, seeing that all his People that were upon the Guard at the little Gate, little by little disbanded, and that there was no more safety on his side, gave him the Keys, with an order to tell Aureng-Zebe, that he should come presently if he were wise, and that he had most im∣portant things to discourse with him about. But Aureng-Zebe was too cun∣ning to commit so gross a fault: On the contrary, he made his Eunuch Etbarkan Governour of the Fortress,

who presently shut up Chah-Jehan, together with Begum-Saheb, and all his Women; causing divers Gates to be walled up, that so he might not be able to write or speak to any body, nor go forth out of his Apartment without permission.

Aureng-Zebe in the mean time writ to him a little Note, which he shew'd to every body before he sealed it; in which, among other things, he told him with dry expressions, that he knew from good hands, that notwith∣standing those great protestations of esteem and affection he made to him, and of contempt he made of Dara, he had, for all that, sent to Dara two Elephants charged with Rupies of Gold, to raise him again, and to re∣commence the War; and that there∣fore, in truth, it was not he that im∣prisoned him, but Dara, and that he might thank him for it, as the cause of all these misfortunes; and if it had not been for him, he would have come the very first day to him, and paid him all the most dutiful respects he

could have looked for from a good Son: That, for the rest, he begged his pardon, and a little patience; as soon as he should have disenabled Dara from executing his evil Designs, he would come himself and open the Gates to him.

I have heard it said concerning this Note, that Chah-Jehan in very deed, the same night that Dara departed, had sent to him these Elephants laden with Rupies of Gold, and that it was Rauchenara-Begum that found a way to discover it to Aureng-Zebe; as she also had detected to him that Plot which was laid against him with those Tar∣tarian Women; and that Aureng-Zebe himself had intercepted some Letters of Chah-Jehan to Dara.

I have conversed with others, that maintain there is no such thing, and that this Writing, which Aureng-Zebe shew'd to all, was only to cast Sand into the Eyes of the People, and to labour, in some degree, to justifie himself in so strange an action, and to devolve the Cause of it upon Chah-Jehan

and Dara, as if he had been for∣ced to such proceedings. They are things, which are difficult enough well to discover. However it be, as soon as Chah-Jehan was shut up, almost all the Omrahs were in a manner necessi∣tated to go and make their Court to Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche; and (which is almost incredible) there was not one that had the courage to stir, or to attempt the least in the behalf of his King, and for him that had made them what they were, and raised them from the dust, and perhaps from slavery it self (which is ordinary e∣nough in that Court) to advance them to Riches and Honour. Yet some few there are, as Danechmend-Kan, and some others, that took no side; but all the rest declared for Aureng-Zebe.

'Tis notwithstanding to be noted what I said, that they were necessi∣tated to do what they did. For 'tis not in the Indies, as in France, or other States of Christendom, where the Gran∣dees and Nobles have large Possessions

of Land, and great Revenues, which enables them for a while to subsist of themselves. There they have nothing but Pensions (as I have already touch'd above) which the King can take away from them at all hours, and thus ruin them in an instant; so that they shall be considered no more than if they never had been, nor have any credit to borrow a farthing.

Aureng-Zebe therefore having thus assured himself of Chah-Jehan, and of all the Omrahs, took what Sums of Money he thought fit out of the Trea∣sury; and then having left Chah-hest-Kan, his Uncle, Governour of the Town, he went away with Morad-Bakche to pursue Dara.

The day that the Army was to march out of Agra, the particular Friends of Morad-Bakche, especially his Eunuch Chah-Abas, who knew, that the excess of civility and respect is or∣dinarily a sign of imposture, coun∣selled him, that since he was King, and every body treated him with the Title of Majesty, and Aureng-Zebe

himself acknowledged him for such, he should let him go to pursue Dara, and stay himself with his Troops a∣bout Agra and Dehli. If he had fol∣lowed this counsel, 'tis certain, that he would have embarassed Aureng-Zebe not a little; but 'twas fatal, that he should neglect so good advice: Aureng-Zebe is too fortunate; Morad-Bakche entirely confideth in his pro∣mises, and in the Oaths of Fidelity they had sworn to one another upon the Alcoran. They went away toge∣ther, and went with the same pace towards Dehli.

When they were come to Maturas, three or four small days Journeys from Agra, the Friends of Morad-Bakche, who perceived something, endea∣vour'd again to perswade him, that he should beware; assuring him, that Aureng-Zebe had evil designs, and that beyond all doubt some mischief was upon the Anvil; that they had notice of it from all parts, and that by no means, for that day at least, he should go to see him; that it would be much

better to prevent the stroke the soonest it might be; that he was only to for∣bear going to visit him that day, ex∣cusing himself with some indisposition. But whatsoever could be said to him, he believed nothing of it, his Ears were stopp'd to all the good advice that was given him, and as if he had been enchanted by the Friendship of Aureng-Zebe, he could not hold to go to him that very night, and to stay at Supper with him. As soon as he was come, Aureng-Zebe, who expected him, and had already prepared all things with Mirkan, and three or four of his most intimate Captains, was not wan∣ting in embracements, and in redou∣bling his Courtship, civilities and sub∣missions, in so much as gently to pass his handkerchief over his face, and to wipe off his sweat and dust, treating him still with the Title of King and Majesty. In the mean time, the Table is served, they sup, the con∣versation grows warm, they discourse of various things as they use to do▪ and at last there is brought a huge

Bottle of excellent Chiras Wine, and some other Bottles of Caboul Wine, for a Debauch. Then Aureng-Zebe, as a grave serious Man, and one that would appear a great Mahumetan, and very regular, nimbly riseth from Table, and having with much kind∣ness invited Morad-Bakche, who loved a Glass of Wine very well, and who relish'd the Wine that was served, scrupled not to drink of it to excess. In a word, he made himself drunk, and fell asleep. This was the thing that was wished; for presently some Servants of his that were there, were commanded away, under a pretence, to let him sleep without making any noise; and then his Zable and Ponyard were taken from about him: But Aureng-Zebe was not long, but came himself and waken'd him. He entred into the Chamber, and roughly hit him with his foot, and when he be∣gan to open a little his Eyes, he made to him this short and surprising Repri∣mand: What means this, said he, What shame and what ignominy is

this, that such a King as you are, should have so little temper, as thus to make himself drunk? What will be said both of you and me? Take this infamous Man, this Drunkard, tye him hand and foot, and throw him into that room to sleep out his Wine. No sooner said, but it was executed; notwithstanding all his appeal and out-cry, five or six persons fall upon him, and fetter his hands and feet. The things could not be done, but some of his Men that were thereabout had news of it. They made some noise, and would enter forcibly; but Allah-Couly, one of his chief Officers, and the Master of his Artillery, that had been gained long before, threa∣tened them, and made them draw back. Without any delay, Men were sent through the whole Army to calm this first Commotion, which also might have proved dangerous; they made them believe it was nothing, they having been present, that Morad-Bakche was only drunk, that in that condition he had railed at every body,

and Aureng-Zebe himself, in so much that there had been a necessity, seeing him drunk and furious, to keep him apart; that the next day they would see him abroad, after he had digested his Wine. In the mean time, the Presents walked about all night a∣mongst the chief Officers of the Army, their Pay was forthwith increased, they had great Promises made them; and as there was none, that had not long since apprehended some such thing, there was no great wonder to see almost all things quieted the next morning; so that the very next night this poor Prince was shut up in a little close house, such an one as is wont to be placed on Elephants to carry Wo∣men, and he was carried directly to Dehli into Slimager, which is a little old Fortress in the midst of the River.

After that all was thus appeased, except the Eunuch Chah-Abas, who caused difficulty enough, Aureng-Zebe received the whole Army of Morad-Bakche into his Service, and went after Dara, who marched apace towards

Lahor, with an intention well to for∣tifie himself in that place, and thither to draw his Friends. But Aureng-Zebe followed him with so much speed, that he had not time to do any great matter, finding himself necessitated to retreat, and to take the way of Multan, where also he could do no∣thing considerable, because that Au∣reng-Zebe, notwithstanding the great heat, marched night and day; in so much, that to encourage all to make haste, he sometimes advanced almost all alone two or three leagues before the whole Army, finding himself of∣ten obliged to drink ill water like others, to be content with a crust of dry bread, and to sleep under a Tree, staying for his Army in the midst of the high-way, laying his Head on his Shield like a common Souldier. So that Dara found himself constrained to abandon Multan also, that he might avoid being near Aureng-Zebe, whom he was not able to encounter. Here 'tis that the Statesmen of this Country have reasoned very diversly: For 'tis

said, that if Dara, when he went out of Lahor, had cast himself into the Kingdom of Caboul, as he was advised, he would there have found above ten thousand warlike Men, designed a∣gainst the Augans, the Persians, and the Usbecs, and for a Guard to that Country, the Governour whereof was Mohabet-Kan, one of the most potent and the most ancient of Indostan, and that had never been Aureng-Zebe's Friend; that, besides, he would have been there at the Gate of Persia and Usbec; that it was likely, that there being no want of Money, all that Militia, and Mohabet-Kan himself, would have embraced his Party, and that further he might have drawn assistance, not only from Usbec, but also from Persia, as well as from Hou∣mayon, whom the Persians had restored to his Country against Zaher-Kan, King of the Patans, who had driven him thence. But Dara was too unfortu∣nate to follow so good advice. Instead of that he went towards Scimdy, to cast himself into the Fortress of Tata∣bakar,

that strong and famous place, seated in the midst of the River Indus.

Aureng-Zebe seeing him take this way, found it not fit to follow him further off, being extremely glad that he had not taken the way to Caboul. He contented himself to send after him seven or eight thousand Men, under the Conduct of Mir-baba, his Foster-brother, and turned back with the same expedition to the place whence he was come, much appre∣hending left any thing should fall out about Agra; lest some or other of those potent Raja's, as Jesseigne, or Jessom∣seigne, should make an attempt in his absence, to free Chah-Jehan out of Prison; or lest Soliman Chekouh, together with the Raja of Serenaguer, should de∣scend from the Hills; or lest also Sultan Sujah should approach too near Agra. Behold a little accident, which one day befel him, for too great precipi∣tation.

When he thus returned from Mul∣tan towards Lahor, and marched his ordinary swift pace, he saw the Raja

Jesseigne come against him, accom∣panied with four or five thousand of his Ragipous, in a very good equipage; Aureng-Zebe, who had left his Army behind, and who also knew that this Raja was very affectionate to Chah-Jehan, was sufficiently surprised, as may easily be imagined, fearing left this Raja should make use of this occa∣sion, and do a Master-piece of State, by seizing on him, to draw Chah-Jehan out of Prison, which at that time was very easie to do. Neither is it known, whether this Raja had not some such design; for he had marched with ex∣traordinary speed, in so much that Aureng-Zebe had no news of it, be∣lieving him yet to be at Dehli. But what may not resolution and presence of mind do? Aureng-Zebe, without any alteration of his countenance, marched directly towards the Raja, and as far off as he could see him, ma∣keth signs to him with his hands, im∣porting that he should make hast to a nearer approach, crying out to him with a loud voice, Salamed Bached Ra∣jagi,

Salamed Bached Babagi, treating him with the Titles of Lord Raja and Lord Father. When the Raja was come to him; I expected you, said he, with great impatience; the Work is done, Dara is lost, he is all alone; I have sent Mir-baba after him, from whom he cannot escape: And for an excess of kindness to him, he took off his Neck∣lace of Pearls, and put it about the Neck of this Raja: And the sooner to rid himself handsomely of him, (for he wish'd him far enough) Go, saith he, with all the expedition you can to Lahor, my Army is somewhat tyred; go quickly to attend me there; I ap∣prehend that else something sinister might fall out there; I make you Go∣vernour of that place, and put all things into your hands. For the rest, I am exceedingly obliged to you for what you have done with Soliman Chekouh: Where have you left Delil-Kan? I shall find my revenge of him. Make all possible dispatch, Salamed Bached, Farewell.

Dara being arrived at Tata-bakar,

made Governour of that place a very understanding, gallant, and generous Eunuch, with a very good Garrison of Patans and Sayeds; and for Canno∣neers, a good number of Franguis, Portugals, English, French, and Ger∣mans, who had follow'd him out of great hopes he had given them, (for, if his Affairs had prospered, and he were become King, we must all have resolved to be Omrahs, as many Fran∣guis as we were.) He there left also the greatest part of his Treasure; he wanted as yet no Gold nor Silver; and staying there but a very few days, he marched away with two or three thousand Men only, descending along the River Indus towards Scindy, and from thence crossing with an incre∣dible celerity all those Territories of the Raja Katche, he arrived in Guza∣ratte, and came to the Gates of Ama∣devat. The Father-in-law of Aureng-Zebe, called Chah-Navaze-Kan, was Governour there, with a very good Garrison, able to resist. Yet not∣withstanding, whether it was that

he was surprised, or that he wanted courage, (for although he was of those ancient Princes of Machate, yet he was no great Souldier, though a Man of a very obliging and civil con∣versation) he did not oppose Dara, but rather received him very honourably, and even managed him afterwards with so much dexterity, that Dara was so simple as to trust himself with him, and to communicate to him his Designs; in so much as that he shew'd him the Letters which he received from the Raja Jessomseigne, and of many other of his Friends, which prepared themselves to come to him; although it proved too true, what every body told him, and his Friends confirmed by Letters, that certainly this Chah-Navaze-Kan would betray him.

Never was any Man more surprised than Aureng-Zebe, when he heard that Dara was in Amadevat: For he well knew, that he▪wanted no Money, and that all his Friends, and all the discon∣tented Party, which was numerous, would not fail to betake themselves by

little and little to him: And on the other side, he found it not safe to go and find him out himself in that place, by removing himself so far from Agra and Chah-Jehan, to go and embarass himself in all those Countries of the Raja's, Jesseigne, Jessomseigne, and o∣thers, that are in those Provinces. Besides he apprehended, lest Sultan Sujah should advance with a strong Army, which was already about Ela∣bas, and lest the Raja of Serenaguer should descend from the Hills with Soliman Chekouh: So that he was suf∣ficiently perplexed and troubled, not knowing which way to turn. At last he believed it best, to leave Dara for a time quiet where he was, and to go thither where his presence and Army was most necessary, which was to∣wards Sultan Sujah, who had already passed the River Ganges at Elabas.

This Sultan Sujah was come to en∣camp in a little Village called Kadjoue, and had conveniently seized himself of a great Talab, or Reservatory of Water, which is there in the way;

and Aureng-Zebe came to place him∣self on the side of a small Torrent, at the distance of a mile and an half from thence, on Agra's side. Between both was a very fair Campagne, very pro∣per for a Battel. Aureng-Zebe was no sooner arrived, but being impatient to end this War, at break of day he went to face Sujah, leaving his Bag∣gage on the other side of the Torrent. He fell upon Sujah with an effort un∣imaginable. Emir-Jemla, Prisoner of of Decan, and who arrived just on the day of the Combat, fearing Dara no more, because his Family was more in safety, did there also lay out all his force, courage, and dexterity. But seeing that Sultan Sujah had well for∣tified himself, and was accompanied with a very good Artillery, advan∣tagiously placed, it was not possible for Aureng-Zebe to force him, nor to make him retreat from thence, so as to make him lose those Waters. On the contrary, he was obliged himself to draw back several times, so vigo∣rously was he repulsed, in so much

that he found himself in great per∣plexity. Sultan Sujah not being wil∣ling to advance too far into the Cam∣pagne, nor to remove from that ad∣vantagious place where he was, pre∣tending only to defend himself; which was very prudently done. For he foresaw, that Aureng-Zebe could not stay there long, and that in that hot season he would be absolutely obliged to turn back towards the Torrent for the Water; and that, when he should do so, he would fall upon his Rear. Aureng-Zebe also foresaw well enough the same thing, and that was the reason why he was so forward and pressing; but behold another more troublesome accident.

In this very time he receiveth intel∣ligence, that the Raja Jessomseigne, who in appearance had accommodated himself with him, was fallen upon his Rear, and plunder'd his Baggage and Treasure. This News astonished him much, and the more, because he perceived that his Army which had heard of it was thereby frighted, and

fallen into disorder. Yet he loses not his judgment for all this; and being well aware, that to turn back was to hazard all, he resolved, as in the Bat∣tel of Dara, to bear up the best he could, and to expect with a steady foot all Events. In the mean time, the disorder grew worse and worse in his Army: Sujah, who was resolved to profit of the occasion, taketh his time, and presseth him vigorously. He that led Aureng-Zebe's Elephant is killed with the shot of an Arrow; he leads the Beast as well as he can him∣self, 'till another could be had in that Leaders place. Arrows rain upon him; he returns many himself, his Elephant begins to be frighted, and to go back. Behold him now in great extremity, and brought to that point, that one foot of his was out of the seat, as if he meant to cast himself to the ground; and no Man knows what in that trouble he had not done, if Emir-Jemla, being nigh, and perfor∣ming, like a Great Man as he was, beyond imagination, called to him,

in holding up his hand, Decan-kou, Decan-kou, where is Decan? This seems to have been the greatest extremity, to which Aureng-Zebe could be redu∣ced. One would have said, 'twas now and here that Fortune had aban∣don'd him, and there is almost no ap∣pearance of a possibility to escape. But his good Fortune is stronger than all that: Sultan Sujah must be routed, and take flight, like Dara, to save his life: Aureng-Zebe must remain victo∣rious, carry away the Bell, and be King of the Indies.

We are to remember the Battel of Samonguer, and that, in appearance, slight accident which ruined Dara: 'Tis the same over-sight, or rather the same Treason, which is now de∣stroying Sultan Sujah. One of his chief Captains, Allah-verdi-Kan, who (as some say) had been gained, useth the same Artifice that Calil-ullah-Kan had employ'd towards Dara; though there were some who believed, that there was no malice in the case, and that it was a meer piece of flattery.

For seeing that the whole Army of Aureng-Zebe was in disorder, he ran towards Sultan Sujah, telling him the same thing, that Calil-ullah-Kan did to Dara, and begging of him with folded hands, that he would stay no longer in so great danger upon his Elephant. Come down, said he, in the Name of God, mount on Horse-back, God hath made you Soveraign of the Indies, let us pursue those Fugitives, let not Aureng-Zebe escape us.

But not to stay long from declaring the strange Fortune of Aureng-Zebe, and the incredible conjuncture that re∣covers his desperate condition; Sultan Sujah, not more considerate than Dara, commits the same Fault; and he was no sooner come down from his Ele∣phant, but his Army seeing him no more, was struck with a terrour, be∣lieving there was Treason, and that he was either taken or slain. Where∣upon they disbanded without any more ado, as Dara's Army did in the Bat∣tel of Samonguer; and the Defeat was so great, that the Sultan was

fortunate in that he could save him∣self.

Jessomseigne hearing this unexpected news, and perceiving it was not very safe for him to tarry there, contented himself with the Spoil he had got, and with all diligence marched streight to Agra, thence to pass to his Countrey. The noise was already in Agra, that Aureng-Zebe had lost the Battel, that he was taken, together with Emir-Jemla, and that Sultan Su∣jah brought them both Prisoners. In so much, that Chah-hest-Kan, who was Governour of the Town, and Uncle to Aureng-Zebe, seeing Jessomseigne, whose Treachery he had heard of, at the Gates, and despairing of his Life, had taken into his hand a Cup of Poy∣son to make himself away, and had, as they say, in very deed swallowed it, if his Women had not fallen upon him and hindred him: So that 'tis thought, if Jessomseigne had had the wit and courage to stay longer in Agra, if he had threatened boldly, and promised and acted vigorously for

the freedom of Chah-Jehan, he might have drawn him out of prison; so much the more easily, because all Agra was for two whole days in that belief, that Aureng-Zebe was overcome. But Jessomseigne, who knew how all things went, and who durst not long stay there, nor attempt any thing, did no∣thing but pass, returning with all speed homewards.

Aureng-Zebe, who apprehended mis∣chief from Agra, and fear'd left Jes∣somseigne should undertake something for Chah-Jehan, was not long in the pursuit after Sultan Sujah; he turn'd short for Agra with his whole Army, where he staid a good while, giving order for all things. Mean time he received intelligence, that Sultan Su∣jah had not lost many Men in his being routed, for want of farther pursuit; that also from the Lands of the Raja's, which are in those quarters, on the right and left of Ganges, he raised great Forces, upon the score of the repu∣tation he had of being very rich, and very liberal, and that he fortified him∣self

in Elabas, that important and fa∣mous Passage of Ganges, which with its Fortress is the first In-let into Ben∣gale. And then he considered also, that he had about him two Persons, which indeed were very capable to serve him, Sultan Mahmoud his Eldest Son, and Emir-Jemla; but he well knew, that those who have done good service to their Prince, grow often insolent, in the belief, that all is due to them, and that they cannot be re∣compenced enough. He perceived al∣ready, that the former of them began very much to emancipate himself, and that every day he became more arro∣gant, for having seized on the Fortress of Agra, and by that means had bro∣ken all the Designs which Chah-Jehan could have formed. And as to the Latter, he knew indeed the force of his Understanding, his Conduct, and Valour; but that was the very thing which made him apprehend him the more: For knowing that he was very rich, that his reputation was great, that he passed for the First Mover in

Affairs, and for the ablest Man in all the Indies, he doubted not, but that after the Example of Sultan Mahmoud, he entertain'd himself with big hopes. All this certainly would have been able to perplex an ordinary Spirit, but Aureng-Zebe found a Remedy to all. He knew to remove them both with so much prudence, and even with so much handsomness, that neither of them found any cause to complain of it. He sent them both against Sultan Sujah with a puissant Army, letting Emir secretly know, that the Govern∣ment of Bengale, which is the best quarter of Indostan, was design'd for him, to hold it during his life, and for his Son after his decease; and that thereby he would begin to express to him his acknowledgments for the great Services he had done him; and that therefore it belonged only to him to defeat Sujah, and that as soon as he should have compassed it, he would make him Mir-ul Omrahs, which is the first and the most honourable place of Indostan, and no less than the Prince of the Omrahs.

To Sultan Mahmoud, his Son, he said only these few words: Remember that thou art the Eldest of my Chil∣dren, that 'tis for thy self thou goest forth to fight; that thou hast done much, but yet nothing, if thou over∣comest not Sujah, who is our greatest and powerfullest Enemy; I hope, God assisting me, to be soon Master of the rest.

With these words he dismissed them both, with ordinary honours, that is, with rich Vests, some Horses and Ele∣phants gallantly harnessed; making in the mean time Emir-Jemla to consent, that his only Son, Mahmet-Emir-Kan, should stay with him for a good Edu∣cation, or rather for a Pledge of his Fidelity; and Sultan Mahmoud, that his Wife should remain in Agra (which was the Daughter of the above-men∣tion'd King of Golkonda) as too trou∣blesome a thing in an Army, and in such an Expedition.

Sultan Sujah, who was always in the apprehension, lest the Raja's of the lower Bengale, which he had ill treated,

should be raised against him, and who feared nothing more than to have to do with Emir-Jemla, had no sooner received this News, but apprehen∣ding that the passage to Bengale would be obstructed, and that Emir would pass in some other place the River Ganges, either lower or higher than Elabas, raised his Camp, and went down to Benares and Patna, whence he betook himself to Mogiere, a small Town seated upon the Ganges, a place commonly call'd the Key of the King∣dom of Bengale, being a kind of Streight between the Mountains and the Woods, which are not far from thence. He thought fit to stay in that place, and there to fortifie himself; and for greater safety, he caused a great Trench to be made, which I have seen, passing that way some years after, from the Town and River unto the Mountain, being well resolved there to attend Emir-Jemla, and to dispute that passage with him. But he was sufficiently astonish'd, when he was told, that the Troops of Emir,

which slowly descended along the Ri∣ver Ganges, were certainly for nothing but to amuse him; that himself was not there; that he had gained the Raja's of those Mountains, which are on the right hand of the River; and that he and Sultan Mahmoud marched apace over their Lands with all the Flower of the Army, drawing straight to Rage-Mehalle, to intercept him: So that he was constrained to quit, as soon as he could, his Fortifications; yet notwithstanding he made so much haste, that though he was obliged to follow those windings, which the River Ganges on that side maketh to∣ward the left hand, he prevented Emir by some days, and arrived first at Rage-Mehalle, where he had time to fortifie himself; because Emir having heard this News, took his March to the left hand towards Ganges, through very ill ways, there to expect his Troops, which came down with the Body of the Artillery and the Baggage along the River. As soon as all was come, he went to attaque Sultan Sujah, who

defended himself very well for five or six days; but seeing that the Artillery of Emir, which played incessantly, ruined all his Fortifications, which were made but of sandy Earth and Faggots, and that he could not but with much difficulty make resistance in that place, besides that the Season of the Rain began, he retired himself, at the favour of the night, leaving behind two great Peeces of Cannon. Emir durst not follow him in the night, for fear of some Ambush, putting off the pursuit 'till the next morning: But Sujah had the good luck, that at the break of day there began to fall a Rain, which lasted above three days; so that Emir could not only not stir out of Rage-Mehalle, but saw himself obliged to pass the Winter there, by reason of the excessive Rains in that Country, which render the ways so troublesome for more than four months, viz. July, August, September, and October, that the Armies cannot possibly march. And hereby Sultan Sujah had the means to retire himself, and to chuse what

place he would, having time enough to fortifie his Army, and to send out of the inferiour Bengale for many Pee∣ces of Cannon, and a good number of Portugals, that were retired thither, because of the great fertility of the Countrey: For he much courted all those Portugal Fathers, Missionaries, that are in that Province, promising them no less than that he would make them all rich, and build Churches for them wheresoever they would. And they were indeed capable to serve him, it being certain, that in the Kingdom of Bengale there are to be found no less than eight or nine thousand Families of Franguis, Portugals, and these either Natives or Mesticks.

But Sultan Mahmoud, who for the reason above-mentioned was grown fierce, and aspired perhaps to greater things than at that time he ought, did pretend to command the Army abso∣lutely, and that Emir-Jemla should follow his Orders, letting also from time to time fall insolent words in re∣ference to his Father Aureng-Zebe, as

if he were obliged to him for the Crown, and uttering Expressions of contempt and threat against Emir-Jemla; which caused great coldness betwixt them two, which lasted a pretty while, until Sultan Mahmoud understood, that his Father was very much dissatisfied with his conduct: And apprehending, lest Emir had order to seize on his person, he went away to Sultan Sujah, accompanied with a very small number, and to him he made great promises, and swore fi∣delity. But Sujah, who feared Au∣reng-Zebe and Emir-Jemla's snares, could not trust him, having always an Eye upon his Actions, without giving him any considerable Com∣mand; which he so disgusted, that some months after, not knowing what would become of him, he left Sultan Sujah, and returned to Emir, who re∣ceived him well enough, assuring him, that he would write in his behalf to Aureng-Zebe, and do his utmost to make him forget that fault.

I think fit here to take notice, on

the by, of what many have told me, viz. That this Escape of Sultan Mah∣moud was altogether made by the Ar∣tifices of Aureng-Zebe, who cared not much to hazard this Son of his to try to destroy Sujah, and who was glad enough, that whatever the Event were, he might have a specious pre∣tence to put him in a place of surety. However it be, he afterwards shew'd himself much dissatisfied with him, and wrote to him a severe Letter, in which he enjoyn'd him to return to Dehli, but giving order in the mean time, that he should not come so far: For he no sooner had passed the River Ganges, but he met with Troops that stopp'd him, and put him up in a small Chair, (as was done to Morad-Bakche) and carried him to Goualeor, whence 'tis thought he will never be set at liberty: Aureng-Zebe by this means freeing himself from great perplexity; who then also let his second Son, Sultan Mazum, know, that the point of Reigning is so delicate a thing, that Kings must be jealous even of their

own shadow; adding, that if he be not discreet, the like may befall him what had befallen his Brother, and that he ought to think Aureng-Zebe was not a Man, that would suffer that to be done to himself, what Chah-Jehan did to his Father Jehan-Guyre, and what he had also lately seen done to Chah-Jehan.

And indeed we may on this occasion say, that if this Son continue to be∣have himself as he hath done hitherto, Aureng-Zebe will have no cause to suspect him, and to be dissatisfied with him: For no Slave can be more tra∣ctable, and Aureng-Zebe himself never appear'd more careless of Greatness, nor more given to Devotion than he: Yet I have known Men of Parts, who believed, that he is not so in good earnest, but by superlative policy and craft, like that of his Father, which we may have the proof of in time.

Whilst all these things were thus transacted in Bengale, and that Sultan Sujah resisted the best he could the Forces of Emir-Jemla, passing now

on one side of the River Ganges, of a Channel, or some other River, (for that Countrey is full of them) then on the other; Aureng-Zebe kept him∣self about Agra, going to and fro; and at length, after he had also sent Morad-Bakche to Goualeor, he came to Dehli, where in good earnest he took upon him publickly to act the King, giving order for all Affairs of the Kingdom, and especially thinking on means to catch Dara, and to get him out of Guzaratte, which was a very hard thing, for the Reasons already mentioned. But the great good For∣tune, and the singular dexterity of Aureng-Zebe soon drew him thence; which now follows next to be re∣lated.

Jessomseigne, who had retired him∣self to his Countrey, and made the best of what he had taken in the Battel of Kadjoue, raised a strong Army, and wrote to Dara, that he should come to Agra as soon as he could, and that he would joyn with his Forces. Dara, who had by this time set on foot a

pretty numerous Army (though it con∣sisted, for the most part, but of ga∣thered people) and who hoped, that approaching to Agra, many of his old Friends, seeing him with Jessom∣seigne, would not fail to joyn with him also, immediately leaveth Ama∣devad, and marcheth with great speed to Asmire, seven or eight days journey from Agra. But Jessomseigne kept not his word with him: The Raja Jesseigne interposed to make his peace with Aureng-Zebe, and to fasten him to his Party; or, at least, to hinder his Design, which was capable to ruin himself, and to make all the Raja's rise; and wrote to him several Letters, gi∣ving him to understand the great dan∣ger he went to expose himself to, by espousing a Party in that extremity, as that of Dara's was; that he should well consider what he was going to do; that he went about wholly to de∣stroy himself, and all his whole Fa∣mily; that Aureng-Zebe would never forgive him; that he was a Raja as himself; that he should think on spa∣ring

the blood of the Ragipous; that if he thought to draw the Raja's to his Party, he would find those that would hinder him from it. In a word, that it was a business which concern'd all the Gentry of Indostan, and exposed them to danger, if way were given to kindle a Fire, which would not be extinguish'd at pleasure. And lastly, if he would leave Dara to himself, Aureng-Zebe would forget all that had passed, and present him with all he had taken, and give him that very instant the Government of Guzaratte, which would be very convenient for him, that Countrey being near his Lands; that he could be there in full liberty and safety, and as long as he pleased, and that himself would be Caution for all. In a word, this Raja acted his part so well, that he made Jessomseigne return to his Land, whilst Aureng-Zebe approached with his whole Army to Asmire, and encamped in the sight of that of Dara.

And now what could this poor Prince Dara do? He seeth himself

abandoned, and frustrated of his hopes. He considers, that to turn back safe to Amadevad was impossible, in regard that it was a March of thirty and five days; that it was in the heart of Summer; that water would fail him; that they were all the Lands of Raja's, Friends or Allies of Jesseigne or Jessom∣seigne; that the Army of Aureng-Zebe, which was not harassed like his, would not fail to follow him. 'Tis as good, saith he, to perish here; and al∣though the Match be altogether un∣equal, let us venture all, and give Battel once more. But alas! what does he mean to do? He is not only abandoned by all, but he hath yet with him Chab-Navaze-Kan, whom he trusts, and who betrays him, and discovers all his Designs to Aureng-Zebe. 'Tis true, that Chah-Navaze-Kan was punish'd for his perfidiousness, and killed in the Battel, whether it was by the hands of Dara himself, as many told me, or (which is more pro∣bable) by some of Aureng-Zebe's Army, who being secret Partisans of Dara,

found means to get to him, and to dispatch him, fearing lest he should discover them, and have some know∣ledge of the Letters they had written to Dara. But what did it benefit him at that time, that Chah-Navaze-Kan was dead? Dara should have sooner follow'd the advice of his Friends, and never have confided in him.

The Fight began between Nine and Ten of the Clock in the morning▪ Dara's Artillery, which was very well placed on a little eminency, was loud enough; but, as was said, most of the Peeces without Bullets; so was he be∣tray'd by all! 'Tis needless to relate the other particulars of this Battel; it was properly not a Battel, but a Rout. I shall only say, that hardly the On∣set was begun, but Jesseigna was near and in sight of Dara, to whom he sent word, that he should fly presently, unless he would be taken. So that this poor Prince, being altogether surpri∣sed, was constrained to run away in∣stantly, and with so much disorder and precipitation, that he had not

leisure to put up his Baggage. It was no small matter, that he was able to get away with his Wife, and the rest of his Family. And 'tis eertain, that if the Raja Jesseigne would have done what he could, he could never have escaped; but he always had a respect to the Royal Family; or rather, he was too crafty and politick, and had too great forecast, to venture to lay hands on a Prince of the Blood.

This unfortunate Prince, deserted by almost all, and finding himself ac∣companied but of two thousand Men at most, was forced in the hottest of Summer to cross, without Tents or Baggage, all those Countries of the Raja's, that are almost from Asmire to Amadevad. Mean time the Koullis, which are the Countrey People, and the worst of all the Indies, and the greatest Robbers, follow him night and day, rifle and kill his Souldiers, with so much cruelty, that no Man could stay two hundred paces behind the Body, but he was presently stripp'd naked, or butcher'd upon the least

resistance. Yet notwithstanding, Dara made shift to get near Amadevad, when he hoped, that the next day, or soon after, he should enter into the Town to refresh himself, and to try once more to gather again some Forces: But all things fall out contrary to vanquished and unfortunate Men.

The Governour, whom he had left in the Castle of Amadevad, had al∣ready received both menacing and promising Letters from Aureng-Zebe, which made him lose courage, and incline to that side; in so much that he wrote to Dara, forbidding him to come nearer, if he did, he would find the Gates shut, and all in Arms.

Three days before I met this un∣happy Prince, by a strange accident, when he obliged me to follow him; having no Physitian about him; and the night before that he received this News from the Governour of Amade∣vad, he did me the favour to make me come into the Karavan-Serrak where he was, fearing lest the Koullis should assassinate me; And (what is hard

enough to believe in Indostan, where the Crandees especially are so jealous of their Wives) I was so near to the Wife of this Prince, that the Cords of the Kanates, or Wind-screen, which enclosed them (for they had not so much as a poor Tent) were fastened to the Wheels of my Chariot. I relate this circumstance by the by only, to shew the extremity Dara was redu∣ced to.

When these Women heard this sad news (which was at the break of day, as I well remember) they broke out upon a sudden into such strange cryes and la∣mentations, that they forced tears from ones Eyes. And now behold all was in an unexpressible confusion: Every one looks upon his neighbour, and no body knows what to do, or what will be∣come of him. Soon after we saw Dara come forth, half dead, now speaking to one, then another, even to the meanest Souldiers. He seeth all astonish'd, and ready to abandon him. What counsel? whither can be go? he must be gone instantly. You

may judge of the extremity he must needs be in, by this small accident I am going to mention. Of three great Oxen of Guzaratte, which I had for my Chariot, one died the night be∣fore, another was dying, and the third was tyred out (for we had been forced to march for three days toge∣ther, almost night and day, in an in∣tolerable heat and dust:) Whatever Dara could say or command, whether he alledged it was for himself, or for one of his Women that was hurt in her Leg, or for me; he could not pos∣sibly procure for me, whether Oxe, or Camel, or Horse: So that he was obliged, to my good fortune, to leave me there. I saw him march away, and that with tears in his Eyes, ac∣companied with four or five hundred Cavaliers at most, and with two Ele∣phants, that were said to be laden with Gold and Silver; and I heard them say, that they were to take their march towards Tatabakar; for he had no other Game to play, though even that seem'd in a manner impossible,

considering the small number of people left him, and the great sandy Desarts to be waded through in the hottest season, most of them without water fit to drink. And indeed most of those that follow'd him, and even divers of his Women, did there perish, either of drought, or the nnwholesome wa∣ters, or the tiresome ways and ill food, or lastly, because stripped by the Koul∣lis above-mention'd. Yet notwith∣standing all this, Dara made hard shift to get to the Raja Katche; unhappy even herein, that he perish'd not him∣self in this March.

This Raja at first gave him a very good reception, even so far as to pro∣mise him assistance with all his Forces, provided he would give his Daughter in Marriage to his Son. But Jesseigne soon wrought as much with this Raja, as he had done with ••essomseigne. So that Dara one day seeing the kindness of this Barbarian cooled upon a sud∣den, and that consequently his Person was in danger there, he betakes him∣self to the pursuit of his Expedition to Tatabakar.

To relate how I got away from those Robbers, the Koullis, in what manner I moved them to compassion, how I saved the best part of my small Treasure, how we became good friends by the means of my profession of Phy∣sick, my Servants (perplexed as well as my self) swearing that I was the greatest Physitian of the World, and that the People of Dara, at their go∣ing away, had ill treated me, and taken from me all my best things: How, after having kept me with them seven or eight days, they had so much kindness and generosity, as to lend me an Oxe, and to conduct me so far, that I was in sight of Amadevad: And last∣ly, how from thence after some days I returned to Dehli, having lighted on an occasion to go with a certain Omrah passing thither; in which Journey I met from time to time, on the way, with Carkasses of Men, Elephants, Oxen, Horses, and Camels, the re∣mainder of that unfortunate Army of Dara. These are things, I say, I must not insist upon to describe them.

Whilst Dara advanced towards Tatabakar, the War continues in Ben∣gale, and much longer than was be∣lieved, Sultan Sujah putting forth his utmost, and playing his last Game against Emir-Jemla: Yet this did not much trouble Aureng-Zebe, who knew 'twas a great way between Bengale and Agra, and was sufficiently con∣vinced of the prudence and valour of Emir-Jemla. That which disquieted him much more was, that he saw So∣liman Chekouh so near (for from Agra to the Mountains 'tis but eight days journey) whom he could not master, and who perpetually allarmd him by the rumours that went continually about, as if he were coming down the Mountains with the Raja. 'Tis certainly very hard to draw him thence: But behold how he manages the matter to compass it.

He maketh the Raja Jesseigne write one Letter after another to the Raja of Serenaguer, promising him very great things, if he would surrender Soliman Chekouh to him, and menacing

War at the same time, if he should obstinately keep him. The Raja an∣swers, that he would rather lose his Estate, than do so unworthy an action. And Aureng-Zebe, seeing his resolu∣tion, taketh the Field, and marcheth directly to the foot of the Hills, and with an infinite number of Pike-men causeth the Rocks to be cut, and the passage to be widen'd. But the Raja laughs at all that; neither hath he much cause to fear on that side. Au∣reng-Zebe may cut long enough, they are Mountains inaccessible to an Army, and stones would be sufficient to stop the Forces of four Indostans; so that he was constrained to turn back again.

Dara in the mean time approacheth to the Fortress of Tatabakar, and when he was but two or three days journey off, he received News, that Mir-baba, who had long held it besieged, had at length reduced it to extremity: As I afterwards learned of our French, and other Franguis that were there, a pound of Rice and Meat having cost

there above a Crown, and so of other Victuals in proportion: Yet the Go∣vernour held out; made Sallies, which extremely incommoded the Enemy; and shew'd all possible prudence, cou∣rage, and fidelity; deriding the en∣deavours of the General, Mir-baba, and all the menaces and promises of Aureng-Zebe.

And this also I learned afterwards of my Countrey-men, the French, and of all those other Franguis that were with him; who added, that when he heard that Dara was not far off, he redoubled his liberalities, and knew so well to gain the hearts of all his Souldiers, and to encourage them to do bravely, that there was not one of them, that was not resolved to sally out upon the Enemy, and to hazard all to raise the Siege, and to make Dara enter; and that he also knew so well to cast fear and terrour into the Camp of Mir-baba, by sending Spies about very cunningly to assure, that they had seen Dara approach with great resolution, and very good Forces;

that if he had come, as was believed he would do every moment, the Army of the Enemy was for disbanding upon his appearance, and even in part to go over to him. But he is still too unfortunate, to undertake any thing prosperously. Believing therefore, that to raise the Siege with such an hand∣ful of Men as he had was impossible, he did deliberate to pass the River In∣dus, and to endeavour to get into Persia; although that also would have had mighty difficulties and inconve∣niencies, by reason of the Desarts, and the small quantity of good waters in those parts; besides, that upon those Frontiers there are but mean Rajas and Patans, who acknowledge neither the Persian nor the Mogol. But his Wife did very much diswade him from it, for this weak reason, that he must, if he did so, expect to see his Wife and Daughter Slaves of the King of Persia; that that was a thing al∣together unworthy of the Grandeur of his Family, and 'twas better to dye, than to undergo this infamy.

Dara, being in great perplexity, re∣membred, that there was thereabout a certain Patan, powerful enough, called Gion-Kan, whose Life he had formerly saved twice, when Chah-Jehan had commanded he should be cast under the feet of an Elephant, for having rebelled divers times: He resolved to go to him, hoping that he could give him sufficient Succours to raise the Siege of Tatabakar; ma∣king account, that thence he would take his Treasure, and that going from thence, and gaining Kandahar, he could cast himself into the Kingdom of Caboul, having great hopes of Mo∣habet-Kan, who was Governour of it, because he was both potent and va∣liant, well beloved of his Countrey, and had obtained this Government by his (Dara's) favour. But his Grand∣child, Sepe-Chekouh, yet but very young, seeing his design, cast himself at his Feet, intreating him for God's sake, not to enter into the Countrey of that Patan. His Wife and Daugh∣ter did the same, remonstrating to

him, that he was a Robber, a revolted Governour, that he would infallibly betray him; that he ought not to stand upon the raising of the Siege, but rather endeavour to gain Caboul, that the thing was not impossible, forasmuch as Mir-baba was not like to quit the Siege to follow him, and to hinder him from getting thither.

Dara, being carried head-long by the force of his unhappy Destiny, re∣jected this counsel, and would hearken to nothing of what was proposed to him, saying, as was true, that the March would be very difficult, and very dangerous; and maintaining al∣ways, that Gion-Kan would not be so mean, as to betray him, after all the good he had done him. He departed, notwithstanding all that could be said to him, and went to prove, at the price of his Life, That no trust is to be given to a wicked Man.

This Robber, who at first believed that he had numerous Troops follow∣ing him, gave him the fairest rece∣ption that could be, and entertained

him with very great kindness and civi∣lity in appearance, placing his Soul∣diers here and there among his Sub∣jects, with a strict order to treat them well, and to give them what refresh∣ments the Countrey afforded: But when he found that he had not above two or three hundred Men in all, he quickly show'd what he was. It is not known, whether he had not re∣ceived some Letters from Aureng Zebe, or whether his avarice had not been tempted by some Mules said to be laden with Gold; which was all that could be saved hitherto, as well from the hands of Robbers, as of those that conveyed it. Whatever it be, on a certain morning, when no body looked for any such thing, all being taken up with the care of refreshing them∣selves, and believing all to be safe; behold this Traitor, who had bestirr'd himself all night to get armed Men from all parts, fell upon Dara and Sepe-Chekouh, killed some of their Men that stood up to defend themselves; forgot not to seize on the loads of the

Mules, and of all the Jewels of the Women; made Dara to be tyed fast upon an Elephant, commanding the Executioner to sit behind, and to cut off his head upon the least sign given, in case he should be seen to resist, or that any one should attempt to deliver him. And in this strange posture he was carried to the Army before Tata∣bakar, where he put him into the hands of Mir-baba, the General, who caused him to be conducted in the com∣pany of this same Traitor to Lahor, and thence to Dehli.

When he was at the Gates of Dehli, it was deliberated by Aureng-Zebe, whether he should be made to pass through the midst of the City, or no, to carry him thence to Goualeor. Many did advise, that that was by no means to be done; that some disorder might arise; that some might come to save him; and besides, that it would be a great dishonour to the Family Royal. Others maintained the contrary, viz. That it was absolutely necessary he should pass through the Town, to

astonish the World, and to shew the absolute Power of Aureng-Zebe, and to disabuse the People, that might still doubt, whether it were himself, as in∣deed many Omrahs did doubt; and to take away all hopes from those, who still preserved some affection for him. The Opinion of these last was fol∣lowed; he was put on an Elephant, his Grand-child, Sepe-Chekouh, at his side; and behind them was placed Bhadur-Kan, as an Executioner. This was none of those brave Elephants of Ceilan or Pegu, which he was wont to ride on, with gilt Harness and em∣broidered Covers, and Seats with Ca∣nopies very handsomely painted and gilt, to defend themselves from the Sun: It was an old Caitiff Animal, very dirty and nasty, with an old torn Cover, and a pitiful Seat, all open. There was no more seen about him, that Necklace of big Pearls, which those Princes are wont to wear, nor those rich Turbants and Vests em∣broider'd. All his Dress was a Vest of course Linnen, all dirty, and a Tur∣bant

of the same, with a wretched Scarf of Kachimere over his head, like a Varlet; his Grand-son, Sepe-Che∣kouh, being in the same equipage. In this miserable posture he was made to enter into the Town, and to pass through the greatest Merchant-streets, to the end that all the People might see him, and entertain no doubt any more whether it was he.

As for me, I fancied we went to see some strange Massacre, and was astonish'd at the boldness of making him thus pass through the Town; and that the more, because I knew that he was very ill guarded, neither was I ignorant, that he was very much beloved by the lower sort of people, who at that time exclaimed highly against the cruelty and tyranny of Aureng-Zebe, as one that kept his Father in prison, as also his own Son Sultan Mahmoud, and his Brother Morad-Bakche. I was well prepar'd for it, and with a good Horse and two good Men I went, together with two others of my Friends, to place

my self in the greatest street, where he was to pass. But not one Man had the boldness to draw his Sword, only there were some of the Fakires, and with them some poor people, who seeing that infamous Gion-Kan ride by his side, began to rail and throw stones at him, and to call him Traitor. All the shops were ready to break for the crowd of Spectators, that wept bitterly; and there was heard nothing but loud Out∣cryes and Lamentations, Invectives, and Curses, heaped on Gion-Kan. In a word, Men and Women, great and small (such is the tenderness of the hearts of the Indians) were ready to melt into tears for compassion; but not one there was that durst stir to rescue him. Now after he had thus passed through the Town, he was put into a Garden called Heider-Abad.

There were not wanting to tell Aureng-Zebe, how the People at this sight had lamented Dara, and cursed the Patan, that had deliver'd him▪ and how the same was in danger to have been stoned to death, as also that

there had been a great apprehension of some sedition and mischief. Here∣upon another Council was held, whe∣ther he should indeed be carried to Goualeor, as had been concluded before; or whether it were not more expedient to put him to death, without more ado? Some were of opinion, that he should go to Goualeor with a strong Guard, that that would be enough; Danechmend-Kan, though Dara's old Enemy, insisting much upon that. But Rauchenara-Begum, in pursuance of her hatred against this Brother of hers, pushed Aureng-Zebe to make him a∣way, without running the danger there was in sending him to Goualeor; as also did all his old Enemies, Calil∣ullah-Kan, and Chah-hest-Kan, and espe∣cially a certain Flatterer, a Physitian, who was fled out of Persia, first called Hakim-Daoud, and afterwards being be∣come a great Omrah named Takarrub-Kan: This Villain boldly rose up in a full Assembly, and cryed out, that it was expedient for the safety of the State to put him to death immediately,

and that the rather, because he was no Mussulman; that long since he was turn'd Kafire, Idolater, without Re∣ligion, and that he would charge the Sin of it upon his own head: Of which imprecation he soon after felt the smart; for within a short time he fell into disgrace, and was treated like an infamous Fellow, and dyed mise∣rably. But Aureng-Zebe, carried a∣way by these instances and motives, commanded that he should be put to death, and that Sepe-Chekouh, his Grand∣child, should be sent to Goualeor.

The Charge of this Tragical Exe∣cution was given to a certain Slave, call'd Nazer, that had been bred by Chah-Jehan, and was known to have been formerly ill treated by Dara. This Executioner, accompanied with three or four Parricides more, went to Dara, who was then himself dressing some Lentils with Sepe-Chekouh his Grand∣child. He no sooner saw Nazer, but cryed out to Sepe-Chekouh, My dear Son, behold those that come to kill us! laying hold at the same time of

a small Knife, which was all the Arms that were left him. One of these Butchers immediately fell upon Sepe-Chekouh; the others, upon the arms and legs of Dara, throwing him to the ground, and holding him under, 'till Nazer cut his throat. His Head was forthwith carried to the Fortress to Aureng-Zebe, who presently com∣manded it to be put in a dish, and that water should be fetch'd; which when brought, he wiped it off with an Handkerchief, and after he had caused the Face to be washed clean, and the blood done away, and was fully satisfied that it was the very head of Dara, he fell a weeping, and said these words; Ah Bed-bakt! Ah unfor∣tunate Man! Take it away, and bury it in the Sepulchre of Houmayon.

At night, the Daughter of Dara was brought into the Seraglio, but afterwards sent to Chah-Jehan, and Begum-Saheb, who asked her of Au∣reng-Zebe. Concerning Dara's Wife, she had ended her days before at Lahor: She had poyson'd her self, foreseeing

the extremities she was falling into, together with her Husband. Sepe-Chekouh was sent to Goualeor. And after a few days, Gion-kan was sent for, to come before Aureng-Zebe in the Assem∣bly: To him were given some Pre∣sents, and so he was sent away; but being near his Lands, he was rewar∣ded according to his desert, being killed in a Wood. This barbarous Man not knowing, or not considering, that if Kings do sometimes permit such Actions for their Interest, yet they abhor them, and sooner or later revenge them.

In the mean time, the Governour of Tatabakar, by the same Orders that had been required of Dara, was obli∣ged to surrender the Fortress. It was indeed upon such a composition as he would have, but it was also with an intention not to keep word with him. For the poor Eunuch, arriving at Lahor, was cut in pieces, together with those few Men he had then with him, by Kalil-ullah-kan, who was Go∣vernour thereof. But the reason of

the non-observance of the Capitula∣tion was, that there was come intel∣ligence, that he secretly prepar'd him∣self to go directly to Soliman-Chekouh, sparing no Gold, which under-hand he conveyed into the hands of our Franguis, and to all those that were come with him out of the Fortress to follow him, under pretext of accom∣panying him as far as Dehli to Aureng-Zebe, who had often said, that he should be very glad to see so gallant a Man, and who had so valiantly de∣fended himself.

There remained therefore none of the Family of Dara, but Soliman-Che∣kouh, who could not easily be drawn away from Serenaguer, if the Raja had been steady to his first Declarations. But the secret practises of the Raja Jesseigne, the promises and threats of Aureng-Zebe, the death of Dara, and the other Rajas his Neighbours that had been gain'd, and were prepared by the Orders, and at the cost of Aureng-Zebe, to make War against him, did at last shake the Faith of this perfidious

Protector, and made him consent to their demands. Sepe-Chekouh, who was advertised of it, fled through the midst of those horrid Countries and fearful Desarts, towards the great Ti∣bet. But the Son of the Raja, soon pursuing and overtaking him, caused him to be assaulted with stones. The poor Prince was hurt, seized, and carried to Dehli, where he was im∣prison'd in Serenguer, that little For∣tress, where at first they had put Morad-Bakche.

Aureng-Zebe, to observe what he had practised towards Dara, and that no body might doubt it was Soliman-Chekouh himself, commanded him to be brought before him in the presence of all the Grandees of the Court. At the entry of the Gate, the Chains were taken from his feet, leaving those he had about his hands, which seemed gilt. When this proper young Man, so handsome and gallant, was seen to enter, there was a good num∣ber of Omrahs that could not hold their tears; and, as I was informed, all

the great Ladies of the Court, that had leave to see him come in, fell a weeping. Aureng-Zebe, who appear'd himself to be touched at his misfor∣tunes, began to speak very kindly to him, and to comfort him; telling him amongst other things, that he should fear nothing, that no hurt should be done to him; on the contrary, that he should be well treated, and there∣fore be of good courage; that he had caused his Father to be put to death for no other reason, than that he was turn'd Kafer, and a Man without Re∣ligion. Whereupon this young Prince return'd him the Salem, and blessed him, abasing his hands to the earth, and lifting them, as well as he could, up to his head, after the custom of the Countrey; and told him with resolution enough, That if he were to drink the Poust, he intreated him that he might dye presently, being very willing to submit to his Fate. But Aureng-Zebe promised him publickly, that he should drink none of it; that he should rest satisfied as to that, and

not entertain any sad thoughts about it. This being said, he once more re∣peated the Salem: And after they had asked him several Questions, in the Name of Aureng-Zebe, touching that Elephant which was charged with Roupies of Gold, taken from him when he went to Serenaguer, he was sent to Goualeor to the rest. This Poust is nothing else but Poppy expressed, and infused a night in water. And 'tis that potion, which those that are kept at Goualeor, are commonly made to drink; I mean those Princes, whose heads they think not fit to cut off: This is the first thing that is brought them in the morning, and they have nothing given them to eat 'till they have drunk a great cup full of it; they would rather let them starve. This emaciates them exceedingly, and maketh them dye insensibly, they lo∣sing little by little their strength and understanding, and growing torpid and senseless. And by this very means 'tis said, that Sepe-Chekouh, and the Grand∣child of Morad-Bakche, and Soliman-Chekouh, were dispach'd.

As to Morad-Bakche, he was made away by a more violent death. For Aureng-Zebe seeing, that though he was in prison, yet the generality had an inclination to him, and that many Verses were spread in the praise of his Valour and Courage, thought him∣self not safe enough by putting him to death in private, by giving him Poust like others; apprehending, that his Death would be still doubted of, and that that might one time or other occasion some commotion, and there∣fore devised the following Charge a∣gainst him.

The Children of a certain Sayed, very rich, whom he had caused to be put to death in Amadevad, to get his Estate, when he there made his pre∣parations for War, and borrowed or took by force great Sums of Money from all the rich Merchants, appeared in full Assembly, making their com∣plaints, and demanding Justice, and the Head of Morad-Bakche, for the Blood of their Father. Not one of the Omrahs durst contradict it, both be∣cause

he was a Sayed, that is, one of Mahomet's Kindred, to whom great Veneration was paid; and that every body sufficiently understood the de∣sign of Aureng-Zebe, taking this for a pretence to rid himself openly of Morad-Bakche, under a shew of Ju∣stice. So that the Head of him, that had killed the Father of the Plain∣tiffs, was granted them without any other form of Process. Whereupon they went, with necessary Orders issued out for that purpose, to cut it off in Goualeor.

There remained no other Thorn in the Foot of Aureng-Zebe but Sultan Sujah, who kept himself still in Ben∣gale; but he also was forced to yield at last to the power and fortune of Aureng-Zebe. There were sent so many Troops of all sorts to Emir-Femla, that at last he was encompassed on all sides, both on this and that side of the Ri∣ver Ganges; so that he was necessitated to flye to Dake, which is the last Town of Bengale on the Sea side; and here comes the conclusion of this whole Tragedy.

This Prince being destitute of Ships to put to Sea, and not knowing whither to flye, sent his eldest Son, Sultan Banque, to the King of Racan or Moy, a Heathen or Idolatrous King, to know whether he would give him leave to make his Countrey his place of refuge only for some time, and do him the favour, when the Mousons or the Season-winds should come, to furnish him with a Vessel for Mecha, from thence to pass into some part of Turky or Persia. That King sent an∣swer, that he should be very wel∣come, and have all possible assistance. So Sultan Banque returned to Dake with some Galeasses, manned with Fran∣guis (I mean, with those fugitive Por∣tugals, and other straggling Christians, that had put themselves in service to that King, driving no other Trade than to ravage all this lower Ben∣gale;) upon which Sultan Sujah em∣barked, with his whole Family, viz. his Wife, his three Sons, and Daugh∣ters. They were well enough recei∣ved; whatever was necessary for their

subsistence, such as that Countrey would afford, was provided for them, in the name of that King. Some months pass, the Season of the fa∣vourable Winds come in, but not a word of the Vessel, though he de∣manded it no otherwise than for his Money; for as yet he wanted not Ru∣pies of Gold, nor Silver, nor Gems: He had too great a plenty of them; his Riches were, in all appearance, the cause of his ruin, or at least con∣tributed much to it. Those barbarous Kings have no true generosity, and are not much refrained by the Faith they have given, regarding nothing but their present Interests, without so much as considering the mischiefs that may befall them for their perfidiousness and brutality. To get out of their hands, one must either be the stronger, or have nothing that may tempt their avarice. Sultan Sujah may long e∣nough sollicit for a Vessel; all is in vain, he effects nothing: On the con∣trary, the King begins to shew much coldness, and to complain of his not

coming to see him. I know not, whether Sultan Sujah thought it un∣worthy of himself, and too mean a thing to give him a Visit; or rather, whether he fear'd, that being in the Kings House he might not there be seized on, to take away all his Trea∣sure, and then be deliver'd into the hands of Emir-Jemla, who for that purpose promised, in the name of Aureng-Zebe, great Sums of Money, and many other considerable advan∣tages. Whatever the matter was, he would not go thither himself, but sent his Son Sultan Banque, who being near the Kings House, began to shew liberality to the people, throwing out to them a good quantity of half Ru∣pies, and whole Rupies, of Gold and Silver. And being come before the King, he presented him with store of Embroideries, and of rare pieces of Goldsmiths-work, set with precious Stones of great value, excusing his Father, Sultan Sujah, as being indis∣posed, and beseeching him in his name, that he would remember the

Vessel, and the promise made to him thereof. But all that did not advance his business; on the contrary, five or six days after, this King sent to Sultan Sujah, to ask of him one of his Daugh∣ters in Marriage; which he could never resolve to grant him, whereat this barbarous Prince was highly of∣fended. What then could he do in this case? The Season passeth away. What shall become of him? What other resolution can he take, but to do a desperate Action? Behold a strange undertaking, which may give a great Example of what Despair can do!

Although this King of Racan be an Heathen, yet there is in his Domi∣nions store of Mahumetans mingled with the people, that are retired thi∣ther, or have been, for the most part, taken Slaves, here and there, by those Franguis above-mention'd. Sultan Su∣jah did under-hand gain these Mahu∣metans; and with two or three hun∣dred Men, whom he yet had remain∣ing of those that had follow'd him

from Bengale, he resolved, one day to fall unexpectedly upon the House of this Barbarian, to kill all, and to make himself proclaim'd King of Ra∣can. This was a very bold Enterprise, and such a one, as had more of a De∣sperado in it, than of a prudent Man. Yet notwithstanding, as I was in∣form'd, and by what I could learn from many Mahumetans, and Portugals, and Hollanders, that then were there present, the thing was feasible enough. But the day before the stroke was to be given, the Design was discover'd; which did altogether overthrow the Affairs of Sultan Sujah, and was soon after the cause of his ruin. For not finding hereafter any way more to re∣cover himself, he attempted to flye towards Pegu; which was a thing in a manner impossible, by reason of the vast Mountains and Forrests to be pas∣sed. Besides, he was immediately pursued so close, that he was over∣taken the same day he fled. It may well be thought, that he defended himself with as much courage as was

possible. He killed so many of those Barbarians, that it will scarce be be∣lieved, but he was so overpow'red by the multitude of pursuers, that he was obliged to quit the Combat. Sultan Banque, who was not so far ad∣vanced as his Father, defended him∣self also like a Lion; but at length, being all bloody of the wounds, by stones poured upon him from all sides, he was seized on, and carried away, with his two little Brothers, his Si∣sters, and Mother.

As to the Person of Sultan Sujah himself, all what could be learnt of it, is this: That he, with one Woman, one Eunuch, and two other persons, got up to the Top of the Mountain; that he received a wound in his Head by a stone, which struck him down, but yet he rose again, the Eunuch having wound his Head about with his Turbant, and that they escaped through the midst of the Woods.

I have heard the Relation three or four other manner of ways, even by those persons that were upon the

place. Some did assure, that he had been found among the dead, but was not well known: And I have seen a Letter of the Chief of the Dutch Fa∣ctory, confirming this. So that 'tis difficult enough to know aright what is become of him. And this it is, which hath administred ground to those so frequent Allarms, given us afterwards at Dehli: For at one time it was rumored, that he was arrived at Maslipatan, to joyn with the Kings of Golkonda and Visapour; another time it was related for certain, that he had passed in sight of Suratte with two Ships, bearing the Red Colours, which the King of Pegu or the King of Siam had given him; by and by, that he was in Persia, and had been seen in Chiras, and soon after in Kan∣dahar, ready to enter into the King∣dom of Caboul it self. Aureng-Zebe one day said smiling, that Sultan Sujah was at last become an Agy or Pilgrim. And at this very day there are abun∣dance of petsons who maintain, that he is in Persia, returned from Constan∣tinople,

whence he is said to have brought with him much Money. But that which confirms more than e∣nough, that there is no ground for any of these reports, is that Letter of the Hollanders; and that an Eunuch of his, with whom I travelled from Ben∣gale to Maslipatan, as also the Great Master of his Artillery, whom I saw in the Service of the King of Gol∣konda, have assured me, that he is no more in being, though they made diffi∣culty to say any more concerning him; as also, that our French Merchants, that lately came out of Persia and from Hispahan, when I was yet at Dehli, had in those parts heard no news at all of him; besides that, I have heard that a while after his Defeat, his Sword and Poynard had been found: So that 'tis credible, that if he was not killed upon the place, he soon dyed afterwards, and was the prey of some Robbers, or Tygers, or Ele∣phants, of which the Forrests of that Countrey are full. However it be, after this last Action his whole Family

was put in Prison, Wives and Chil∣dren, where they were treated rudely enough; yet some time after they were set at more liberty, and they received a milder entertainment: And then the King called for the eldest Daughter, whom he married.

Whilst this was doing, some Ser∣vants of Sultan Banque, joyned with divers of those Mahumetans which I have mentioned, went to plot ano∣ther Conspiracy like the first. But the day appointed for it being come, one of the Conspirators, being half drunk, began too soon to break out. Con∣cerning this also I have heard forty different relations, so that 'tis very hard to know the truth of it. That which is undoubted is this, that the King was at length so exasperated a∣gainst this unfortunate Family of Sujah, that he commanded it should be quite rooted out. Neither did there remain any one of it, that was not put to death, save that Daughter which the King had made his Wife. Sultan Banque, and his Brothers, had

their Heads cut off with blunt Axes; and the Women were mured up, where they dyed of hunger and mi∣sery.

And thus endeth this War, which the lust of Reigning had kindled a∣mong those four Brothers, after it had lasted five or six years, from 1655, or thereabout, to 1660 or 1661; which left Aureng-Zebe in the peaceable pos∣session of this puissant Empire.

The End of the FIRST TOME.

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