Bernier, François, Travels in the Mogul Empire A.D. 1656-1668

(Westminster, Eng. :  Constable,  1891.)

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110                HISTORY OF THE STATES

being probably the cause of, or at least very much con¬
tributing to, his ruin.   These barbarous kings are devoid of
true generosity, and little restrained by any promises which
they  have  made.    Seldom   guided   by  considerations   of
good faith, their present interest is the sole guide of their
conduct, and they appear insensible of the mischief which
may accrue to themselves from  their perfidiousness and
cruelty.    To escape out of their hands, either you must
have   nothing  to   tempt   their   avarice,  or you must   be
possessed of superior strength.    It was in vain that Sultan
Sujah evinced the utmost solicitude to depart for Moka;
the King turned a deaf ear to his entreaties; became cool
and uncivil, and reproached the Prince for not visiting him.
I know not whether Sultan Sujah considered it beneath
his dignity to associate with him, or whether he appre¬
hended that his person would be seized, and his treasure
plundered, if he ventured into the   palace.    Emir-Jemla
had offered the  King, in the name of Aureng-Zebe, large
sums  of money,  and  other considerable  advantages,  on
condition of his delivering up the Prince.    Though Sultan
Sujah would not himself venture into the royal residence,
yet he sent his son. Sultan Banque, who, as he approached
the  palace, bestowed   largesse  to   the   people,  throwing
among them half roupies, and also whole roupies, both of
gold  and  silver;   and, when   he  came before  the King,
presented him with various rich brocades and rare pieces
of goldsmith's work,  set with precious  stones   of great
value;   and apologising for the unavoidable   absence   of
his  father,  who  was indisposed,  entreated the  King to
remember  the   vessel   and   the   promise   which   he   had
made.

This visit proved as unavailing as every preceding effort
to induce the barbarian to fulfil his engagements; and to
add to the mortification and perplexity of the illustrious
fugitive, the King, five or six days after this interview,
made a formal demand of one of his daughters in marriage.
Sultan Sujah's refusal to accede to this request exasperated
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