Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 12.18.1

12.18.1

Then I wish you to carry them thither, that I may hear what they think of it. It is a most magnificent one. The real meaning of the order having been fully comprehended, the Mirza carried the two noblemen into the tent, where in a few words he informed them of what was going to happen, and exhorted them to be ready and upon their guards. A moment after they all came out again, and said to the Viceroy that the tent was perfectly beautiful, and fit for such a General; by which expression, the Viceroy understood that they approved of the contrivance, and would perform their part in it. All this while the Viceroy was sitting in state, and waiting for Bha-sukur, and receiving every moment information of his approaching. But whilst that General was advancing to the gate of the tent, a small number of persons of distinction, both out of curiosity and to do him honour, approached it at the same time; and even the Viceroy's driver brought his elephant within the yard of it, and took post behind his master, but close to his head. At this moment about fifty officers that preceded Bha-sukur, having alighted, came within the tent, all armed; and this precaution of theirs was coloured by the pretence of their being intended to swear to the performance of the articles of agreement, which they would do upon their sabres. Amongst these were two-and-twenty Commanders of eminence and character;