Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 18.12.7

18.12.7

and having at the same time spied some parties which were flying (for they were of the complot), they disbanded likewise, and fled, each man taking example from his neighbour; and as the flight now had lost all its shame, whole bodies fled although no one pursued; and in a little time the camp remained totally empty. Seradj-ed-doulah informed of the desertion of his troops, was amazed; and fearing not only the English he had in his front, but chiefly the domestic enemies he had about his person, he lost all firmness of mind. Confounded by that general abandonment, he joined the runaways himself; and after marching the whole night, he the next day at about eight in the morning arrived at his palace in the city. He had ordered that his principal Commanders should attend with their troops for the safety of his person, until he might take breath, and resolve on what he was to do next; but none attended to what he said, and every one, without ceremony, went to his own home; even Mirza-iredj-qhan, his father-in-law, did the same. In vain did the Prince lay his turbant at his feet, and intreat him for God's sake to remain with him, and to assemble some troops about his palace, that he might stay with safety, if staying should become proper; or depart with some decency, should flight become necessary. He would not hear, and he also quitted him under a variety of pretences, and went to his house.