Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.6.8

2.6.8

Thus the two armies were no sooner in sight, than a heavy cannonade commenced; but I need not detain my readers by detailing the particulars of this action, especially as I shall have to describe others of greater consequence: it is sufficient to state that the onset was impetuous on both sides, and that after a warm struggle Sultan Sujah was obliged to give way, and at length to fly in confusion. It is certain that if Jesseingue and his bosom friend Delil-kan, a Patan and an excellent soldier, had not purposely held back, the rout of the enemy would have been complete, and their commander probably made prisoner. But the Raja was too prudent to lay his hands on a Prince of the Blood, the son of his King; and he acted conformably to the Mogol's intentions when he afforded Sultan Sujah the means of escape. Although the loss of the enemy was inconsiderable, yet as the field of battle and a few pieces of artillery remained in Soliman-Chekouh's possession, it was immediately reported at court that he had gained a decisive victory. This affair, while it raised the reputation of Soliman-Chekouh, was injurious to that of Sultan Sujah, and the ardour of the Persians who favoured his cause was proportionably abated. Soliman-Chekouh had been a few days employed in the pursuit of Sujah, when he received intelligence of the rapid and resolute march of Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche on Agra.