Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.15.4

2.15.4

an object very near his heart, but, for the reasons already stated, difficult of accomplishment. Nevertheless, his extraordinary skill and continued good-fortune overcame every impediment. Jeisomseingue had no sooner returned to his own country than he employed the treasure plundered at the battle of Kadjouë in raising a strong army. He then informed Dara that he would join him with all his forces on the road leading to Agra, on which city he advised him to march without delay. The Prince had himself contrived to assemble a large number of troops, though not perhaps of the choicest description : and being sanguine in his expectation that as he approached the capital, accompanied by this distinguished Raja, his friends would be encouraged to crowd around his standard, he quitted Ahmed-Abad and hastened to Asmire, a city seven or eight days' journey from Agra. But Jessomseingue violated his promise. The Raja Jesseingue considering that the chances of war were decidedly in favour of Aureng-Zebe and that it was his best policy to conciliate that Prince, exercised his influence with Jessomseingue to deter him from espousing the cause of Dara. 'What can be your inducement,' he wrote to him, 'to endeavour to sustain the falling fortunes of this prince? Perseverance in such an undertaking must inevitably bring ruin upon you and your family, without advancing the interests of the wretched Dara. From Aureng-Zebe you will never obtain forgiveness.