Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.10.6

2.10.6

One of his first measures was to gain over, or at least to sow the seeds of disunion, among the victorious troops commanded by Soliman-Chekouh, and thus destroy Dara's last hope of retrieving his fortunes. He, therefore, represented to the Raja Jesseingue and to Delil-kan, the principal officers in that army, the utter ruin of Dara's affairs. The formidable force on which he founded such confident hopes of success, observed Aureng-Zebe, after sustaining a total overthrow, had come over to his standard. Dara was now a fugitive, unattended by a single regiment, and must soon fall into his hands; and, with respect to Chah-Jehan, such was the state of his health, that no expectation could be entertained of his surviving many days. It was evident that they were engaged in a cause which was now desperate, and that a longer adherence to Dara's fallen fortune would be extremely imprudent. He counselled them to consult their best interests by joining his army, and bringing with them Soliman-Chekouh, whose person they might easily seize.