Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c27.s14.5

v2.c27.s14.5

These misgivings were answered by Najib, who pledged his honour and took the most solemn oaths to assure Shujā of the fullest safety and honour if he visited Abdālī. The ambassador warmed up and exclaimed, “What have you to do with the nobles in Abdālī’s camp? God be my witness that if the Shāh himself frowns at your Highness, I shall immediately dig his two eyes out. If I do not do it, I am not my father’s son. There are 1½ lakhs of Afghans in India; consider them as your servants. If any other envoy had come and you had rejected his message, I should have not have complained. But as I have come, putting my faith in your grace, listen to my words. Do one of two things now: either go to Abdālī’s side, or here is my dagger and here my neck; cut it with your own hand. If you so desire, I shall give you a writing, sealed with my seal, absolving you from the consequences of my murder.” His persistence and reputation for sincerity overcame Shujā’s fears and hesitation, and the Nawāb of Oudh at last agreed to go if Najib could bring for him a signed safe-conduct and the robe of investiture as imperial wazir from Abdālī.