Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 19.13.3

19.13.3

These noble persons, gained by two or three thousand rupees spread amongst them with some other presents, had lent a willing ear to the Radja's ambiguous promises, and to his general professions, and of course, were now unanimous and profuse in his encomiums. This was very natural ; but what could be the reason why neither the Prince, nor the General, nor anyone well-wisher to their cause, had ever thought of putting this plain question to the Cashmirian ? Suppose that the Radja, after returning into his fortress, should refuse to come out again, (as in fact he did) you that pledge yourself for the man's fidelity and submission, how shall you make him perform his promise, or bring him out again ? This man has been faithless to his master ; and you, a Cashmirian, pretend to pledge yourself for his zeal and attachment ! "Where the eagle is losing its feathers, "What can be expected from its starving young one ?" Whilst the envoys were passing encomiums on Ram-narain, he was already come into the presence, where having been made to bow in a manner which he had never seen in his life, he advanced with limbs trembling, and lips dried up by fear, near to the throne, where Medar-ed-doulah laying hold of his hand, which was full of Eshruffies, made the Shah-zada accept his nuzer and his homage. Immediately after the General mentioned the Radja's zeal and submission, and supplicated that a qhylaat might be put upon him. The Prince complied with the request ;