Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.16.9

2.16.9

That such was the praiseworthy conduct of the Governor I have been well assured by Frenchmen, our fellow-countrymen, and many other Franks who were his companions in arms. I have heard them say that when he received news of Dara's approach, he increased his liberal payments; and that the whole garrison would cheerfully have sacrificed themselves in an effort to drive the enemy from the walls, and open a passage for the entrance of Dara; so well did this valiant commander understand how to gain the hearts of his soldiers. He had moreover so judiciously managed, by means of numerous and intelligent spies, whom he contrived, by various dexterous schemes, to introduce in Mir-Babas camp, as to impose upon the besiegers a firm belief that Dara was coming up with a formidable body of troops for the purpose of raising the siege. These spies pretended they had themselves seen him and his army; and this stratagem produced all the effect which the governor anticipated; terror seized the enemy's troops, and no doubt was entertained that, if Dara had arrived at the time he was confidently expected, Mir-Babas army would partly have disbanded, and partly joined the Prince's party.