Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.6.2

2.6.2

The fall of Sourate facilitated the future operations of Morad-Bakche. It procured him a great name; mining is yet imperfectly known among the Indians, and nothing could have inspired them with more astonishment than the efficacious method in which this new art had been employed by Morad-Bakche. It was moreover universally believed that vast riches had fallen into his hands. But notwithstanding the fame acquired by this event, and all the flattering promises of Aureng-Zebe, the eunuch Chah-Abas urged him to disregard the extravagant declarations of his brother, and not rashly to throw himself into his hands. 'Listen,' he said, 'while it is yet time, to my advice; amuse him with fair words, if you please; but do not think of joining him with your forces. Let him advance alone toward Agra. We shall by and by receive positive intelligence of your father's state of health, and see the course that events may take. In the mean time you may fortify Sourate, a most important post, which will secure to you the dominion of an extensive country producing a rich revenue, and with a little management you may become master of Brampour, also a town in a commanding situation, and the key, as it were, of the Decan.'