Storia do Mogor 65.39.1

65.39.1

During Dara's retreat to Ahmadabad, the fugitives who had caused the rout rejoined him on the road. When he reached the confines of the city he had already a small force. But the hardships suffered by Dara en route due to the heated air were increased when, on trying to enter the city, the gates were closed against him by order of the officer in charge. This man had already been gained over by letters written to him by Aurangzeb and by the great promises made to him therein. The soldiers in the poor prince's train, seeing him persecuted on all sides and deserted, resolved to abandon him and thus escape utter ruin. Dara felt acutely being forsaken so ungratefully by even his closest and most familiar friends, such as Barqandaz Khan and the eunuch, Coia Mosqui (Khojah Mushkln). The former plundered him of the few horses of any value [245] he had remaining after the retreat. They were carried off for presentation to Aurangzeb, Barqandaz Khan offering himself to the victor as a follower and servant. The second (Mushkln), of whom Dara thought a great deal, and to whom he had confided his treasure, robbed him of two mules loaded with gold coins, and with these he made off, intending to offer himself to Aurangzeb. At the outset both were received with a feigned display of favour, but afterwards they received only moderate pay. As a sign of contempt Barqandaz Khan was made superintendent of the scavengers and of the dogs, one of the lowest offices in the kingdom.