Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 3.11.8

3.11.8

The Governor of Batavia was easily persuaded to enter into a scheme that offered an opportunity of still further depressing the Portuguese influence in the Indies, and from the success of which the Dutch company would derive important advantages. He despatched two ships of war to Bengale for the purpose of facilitating the conveyance of the Mogol's troops to Chatigon ; but Chah-hest, in the meantime, had collected a large number of galleasses and other vessels of considerable tonnage, and threatened to overwhelm the pirates in irremediable ruin if they did not immediately submit to the Mogol's authority. 'Aureng-Zebe is fixed in the resolution,' said he to them, 'of chastising the King of Rakan, and a Dutch fleet, too powerful to be resisted, is near at hand. If you are wise, your personal safety and the care of your families will now engross all your attention ; you will quit the service of the King of Rakan, and enter into that of Aureng-Zebe. In Bengale you shall have as much land allotted as you may deem necessary, and your pay shall be double that which you at present receive.'