Storia do Mogor 353.3.4

353.3.4

When I was a youth [86], at the beginning of Aurangzeb's reign, it was my custom to go out on Thursdays. On that day there is a great concourse of men and ladies of the city [Dihlī], who come out to visit sepulchres and obtain recreation in the gardens of Khwājah Qutb-ud-dīn, outside the city of Dihlī — as I have said before — some to pray and some to enjoy themselves. I, too, went to take the air in those gardens. I was also curious to see certain festivals that it is usual to hold several times in the year in the fields, in gardens, and on the banks of streams, reservoirs, et cetera. While returning one day from the garden of Khwājah Qutb-ud-dīn on the way to my house, I saw a carriage coming a long way off. It withdrew out of the direct road, and went down into the open fields. Seeing this manoeuvre, I assumed that it had moved out of the highway for fear I might do it some harm. I knew that in the carriage was a public dancing-girl; it was surrounded by fifteen pages, and followed by a horseman. Without taking time to reflect, I turned my steps with all possible speed towards the carriage, shouting to it to stop. It paid no attention, however, to my voice, but went on its way peacefully.