Fall of the Mughal Empire v2.c29.s1.12

v2.c29.s1.12

When the Shah arrived at Ismailabad, 20 miles south of Ambala, Najib Khan waited on him, on 9th March. So, also, did the envoys of Jawahir Singh and the trans-Ganges Ruhelas; but not one of these chiefs had the courtesy to come in person, though they owed their deliverance from the Marathas to Abdali's unselfish exertions. Ahmad Bangash did not even care to send an envoy. The Shah, therefore, treated Najib with every mark of honour and personal favour. "At the Court held for receiving the Indian chiefs' agents, Ahmad Shah repeatedly inquired about Najib's health. The latter replied that in his war with Jawahir Singh, when his enemies numbered more than a hundred thousand, he had undergone much hardship and gained the victory only through this Emperor's grace, but illness and fatigue had left him very weak. Ahmad Shah asked, 'How are you now?' Najib replied, 'The sight of the Shahan-shah has made all my illness melt away' . . . Najib and Yaqub Ali used to be frequently admitted to the private audience of Ahmad Shah."