Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.19.3

2.19.3

The Prince endeavoured to escape into Pegu ; a purpose scarcely possible to be effected, by reason of the vast mountains and forests that lay in the route ; for there is not now, as formerly, a regular road in that direction. He was pursued and overtaken, within twenty-four hours after his flight : he defended himself with an obstinacy of courage such as might have been expected, and the number of barbarians that fell under his sword was incredible ; but at length, overpowered by the increasing host of his assailants, he was compelled to give up the unequal combat. Sultan Banque, who had not advanced so far as his father, fought also like a lion, until covered with the blood of the wounds he received from the stones that had been showered upon him from all sides, he was seized, and carried away, with his two young brothers, his sisters, and his mother. No other particulars, on which much dependence may be placed, are known of Sultan Sujah. It is said that he reached the hills, accompanied by an eunuch, a woman, and two other persons; that he received a wound on the head from a stone, which brought him to the ground; that the eunuch having bound up the Prince's head with his own turban he arose again, and escaped into the woods. I have heard three or four totally different accounts of the fate of the Prince, from those even who were on the spot. Some assured me that he was found among the slain, though it was difficult to recognise his body;