Storia do Mogor 65.45.2

65.45.2

He took ship at the city of Daca (Dhakah), which is on the boundary of Bengal, on the bank of a very large river. But there was much confusion and great hurry, caused by the necessity under which he lay. For Mir Jumlah did all that was possible to seize him. In these straits the women, who, according to the custom, ought not to allow themselves to be seen in public, so as not to seem immodest or be considered polluted, sat there in the view of everybody. Being a new thing this raised great compassion in the beholders, and caused much sorrow to the prince. In one boat were two hundred and fifty ladies, the most lovely in his harem, mingled with soldiers and boatmen. In desperation he ordered the boat to be sunk, as was done, without reflecting on the people in it, or the treasure loaded in it, or the rich jewels the ladies were wearing. Another mishap overtook the prince. This was that the boat commanded by Manoel Coelho, containing the larger part and the most exquisite of his treasures, went ashore on the coast of Arakan and became a total loss. Old Manoel Coelho did this on purpose, and thieved everything. After all these afflictions, and various others encountered by this unfortunate prince in his flight, they arrived in the kingdom of Arakan, where they were well received by the Magh king, with many demonstrations of affection. Here Shah Shuja' remained, in expectation of the season for getting to Persia or to Meccah.