Fall of the Mughal Empire v3.c36.s9.11

v3.c36.s9.11

In their anxiety for the favourite's safety, the Emperor and his harem did not sleep a wink that night. By his order the princes went to the ante-room of the Diwan-i-am and sat down in a circle round Ahad to prevent him from being dragged into captivity. But very soon Najaf's intrigue and gold began to tell. As Abdul Ahad's cause appeared manifestly hopeless, his followers began to desert to Najaf's side and were eagerly welcomed there. At last when even Latāfat Ali and Mir Sayyid Ali, so long his chief lieutenants, went over to his enemy's camp, the fallen favourite gave up the struggle and sent to Najaf Khan to offer his entire submission. The Mir Bakhshi took oaths to protect the life and property of Ahad, saying that his only object was to exclude the mischief-maker from the Emperor's presence. Then Ahad went back to his master, took leave of him, and was escorted by Afrāsiyāb to Najaf's camp, where he was lodged in all comfort in a separate tent (15th November.)