Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.13.9

2.13.9

He was informed that the Raja Jessomseingue, who had, with apparent sincerity, entered into terms of amity, had fallen suddenly upon the rear-guard, routed and put it to flight, and that he was now employed in pillaging the baggage and treasure. The news soon spread; and as is common in Asiatic armies, the fears of the soldiers multiplied the danger. But Aureng-Zebe did not lose his presence of mind, and being aware that retreat would be ruinous to his hopes, he determined, as at the battle with Dara, not to recede, but await with firmness the progress of events. The disorder spread more and more among the troops, and Sultan Sujah availing himself of so unlooked-for an opportunity, commenced a furious attack. An arrow killed the man who guided Aureng-Zebe's elephant; the animal became unmanageable, and the danger growing more appalling, he was about to dismount, when Emir-Jemla, who was near him, and whose conduct the whole of this day excited the admiration of every beholder, ejaculated with a loud voice, Decankou! Decankou! (where is the Decan?) and prevented him from accomplishing his fatal purpose. Aureng-Zebe was now to all appearance reduced to the last extremity: his situation seemed irremediable, and he was every moment expecting to fall into the enemy's hands. Yet such is the caprice of fortune, that he was in a few minutes crowned with victory; and Sultan Sujah was obliged, like Dara at the battle of Samonguer, to fly for his life.