Travels in India (Tavernier) 54.3

54.3

Some days afterwards these two Princes made an attempt, and recrossing the Ganges, made a long detour to surprise the army of the enemy, who did not expect them. They attacked with vigour, and slew many; but when they saw that the enemy began to recover from this sudden attack, they contented themselves with the advantage gained, and recrossed the Ganges, being afraid of being surrounded by the multitude, and of not being able to withdraw when they wished. Mir Jumla had already given notice to Aurangzeb of the flight of his son, at which the father experienced considerable displeasure, though he dared not show it to the Mir, for fear that it might cause him to do likewise, and betray him as he had betrayed Shah Jahan, his father, and the King of Golconda. Aurangzeb merely wrote to him that he confided entirely in his great prudence and delicate tact to restore Sultan Muhammad to his duty; who was still young, and that this fit only proceeded from an age full of fire, which ordinarily loved change. The confidence which Aurangzeb showed in Mir Jumla induced that general to use all possible means to withdraw Muhammad from the hands of Sultan Shuja.