Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.8.4

2.8.4

in possession of his treasure, and enjoying undivided authority over the royal armies. Sultan Sujah was already half ruined ; his other brothers were come, with a weak and worn-out army, voluntarily, as it were, to throw themselves into his hands. Once defeated, they would have no way of escape ; he would then become absolute lord, attain the end of his labours, and ascend the throne without competition or difficulty. If he intrusted the management of the campaign to his father, an amicable accommodation would take place; his brothers would return quietly to their respective provinces ;, Chah-Jehan, whose health was evidently improving, would resume the reins of government, and affairs revert to their former state. If, again, he awaited the arrival of his son Soliman-Chekouh, the King might employ the interval in forming some design to his disadvantage, or enter into negotiation with Aureng-Zebe injurious to his interests ; and, admitting that after the junction of his son's army, a battle were fought and gained, the part which he might have had in the success of the day would be denied him, and the honour of the achievement rest with Soliman-Chekouh, whose military reputation was already known and established. Then, who could tell the effect which the general applause might produce on his youthful and ardent mind, countenanced as he would be by his grandfather and many of the chief Omrahs ?