The Nāṣirī Generations 279.2

279.2

For some time the Khita-i commanders concealed the position of affairs from the Altan Khan; but, at length, the true state of the case having reached him through some of the ladies of his haram, as it appeared certain that the place must soon fall, he determined to go out on the walls and see for himself. He found that the report was too true, and resolved to fly; and, having embarked, with his wives and other females of his family, his personal attendants and household slaves, on board vessels, by means of the canal which had been cut from the Kara-Mur-an, and brought into the midst of the capital, Tamking, he made his escape. He was again pursued by the Mughals, upon which he fled to another city, and was again followed. At length he reached a third city, but the Mughals, like fate, still pursued him. At last, when they had succeeded in investing the third city, which is called Baltae—in the Tarikh-i-Jahan-gir, and had set it on fire on all sides, the Altan Khan summoned his chief men around him, and, telling them that he could not bear the idea of falling into the hands of the enemy, placed the diadem on the brow of one of his Korchis, or guards, caused him to don the royal robes, and seated him in his own seat upon the throne. He then went out from among them, and hung himself to a tree. He was found in this position, taken down, and buried.