Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.10.7

2.10.7

Jesseingue hesitated for some time as to the line of conduct he should pursue. He still feared Chah-Jehan and Dara, and dreaded the consequence of laying hands on a Royal Personage; a violence not likely to escape punishment, sooner or later, though that punishment should be inflicted by Aureng-Zebe himself. He was acquainted, too, with the high and undaunted spirit of Soliman-Chekouh, and could have no doubt that the Prince would die rather than submit to the loss of liberty. At last this was what he determined upon. After having taken counsel with Delil-kan his great friend, and having renewed oaths of fealty to each other, it was decided between them that Jesseingue should straightway repair to Soliman-Chekouh's tent, show him the overtures made by Aureng-Zebe, and disclose frankly the whole state of his mind. 'I ought not to disguise from you,' he told the Prince, 'the danger of your situation: you can depend neither upon Delil-kan, or Daoud-kan, nor upon any part of the troops; and, by advancing to the relief of your father, you may involve yourself in irretrievable ruin. In this emergency you cannot do better than seek refuge in the mountains of Serenaguer. The Raja of that country will receive you kindly; his territory is inaccessible, and he can be in no dread of Aureng-Zebe. While in this secure retreat, you may calmly observe the progress of events, and descend from your mountains when a favourable occasion shall arise.'