Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.8.5

2.8.5

There was no saying how boundless his ambition might become, or how little it might be restrained by the affection and respect he owed to his father. Such were the reasons which induced Dara to turn a deaf ear to the voice of prudence and friendship. He ordered the whole army to take the field, and presented himself before Chah-Jehan, then in the fortress of Agra, for the purpose of bidding him farewell. As his Father embraced him, the unhappy old man shed tears; but addressing him in a grave and serious tone, he said, 'Well, my son, since you will have it your own way, may heaven bless your undertaking! but remember this—my injunction—if the battle be lost have a care how you come again into my presence!' Little impressed with these words, Dara took a hasty leave of the King, and marched his army to the river Tchembel, about twenty leagues from Agra, where having fortified himself he waited with confidence the arrival of the enemy. But the quick-sighted and wily Fakire, who was everywhere provided with spies, fully aware of the difficulty of passing the river when thus defended, came indeed, and encamped sufficiently near to have his tents descried by Dara, but was at the same time intriguing with a Raja of the name of Chempet, whom he gained over by presents and promises, and through whose territory he obtained permission to march his army for the purpose of reaching speedily that part of the river where it is fordable.