Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.13.1

2.13.1

The army submitted to this new order of things, with the exception of the eunuch Chah-Abas, who occasioned much trouble. Aureng-Zebe received the troops lately under the command of Morad-Bakche into his service; and resumed the pursuit of Dara, who was advancing with the utmost expedition on Lahor, with the intention of fortifying himself in that city, and rendering it the rendezvous for his friends and adherents. But he was pressed so closely by his eager enemy, that he found it impossible to fortify that position: he, therefore, continued his retreat on the road to Moultan; but here again the vigour of his brothers movements disappointed any expectation he might have formed of maintaining that post. Nothing, indeed, could exceed the ardour and activity of Aureng-Zebe. Notwithstanding the great heat of the weather, his army marched day and night; and, with a view of encouraging the troops, he was often two or three leagues in advance, nearly unattended. Nor did he fare better than the private men: his meal consisted of dry bread and impure water, and his bed was the bare ground.