Storia do Mogor : or, Mogul India, 1653-1708 / by Niccolao Manucci, Venetian ; tr., with introduction and notes, by William Irvine.

Storia do Mogor, or, Mogul India, 1653-1708 / by Niccolao Manucci, Venetian ; tr., with introduction and notes, by William Irvine.

  • Manucci, Niccolò, 1639-approximately 1717.
Date:
1907-08
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Storia do Mogor, or, Mogul India, 1653-1708 / by Niccolao Manucci, Venetian ; tr., with introduction and notes, by William Irvine. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the^ eunuch, and, addressing him politely, said: ‘ Khalllullah Khan sends many compliments to your excellency, and inti- mates that he has received the king’s order for your excellency to come forthwith into the city, to a house already prepared for you where you may remain in perfect safety.’ With equal civility the eunuch replied : ‘lam only a passer- by ; I go to the royal presence, nor have I anything to do with the city ; I return many thanks for Khalllullah Khan’s kindness.’ The messenger started off with the reply, and the eunuch, seeing that troops were appearing, became a little bit frightened. He asked me if I could produce my men without delay. I replied that there must be some delay, and that they could not arrive in time, owing to their being so far away. At this point the soldiers present in the room, after whispering into each other’s ears, rose one by one and went out. I remained seated along with ten persons, who were house-servants, and, foreseeing the danger, I was anxious to leave, but the pride of a youth devoid of experience hindered me, and I wanted to see the end of it and what would happen. Then came another message like the first, but more urgent, with this detail ; that if he did not give heed to it he ran in danger of his life. But the eunuch gave the same answer, and the infantry and cavalry continued to draw in [264] nearer. During this time the eunuch was looking on calmly at all that was taking place outside, for the place where we were was a little elevated, with a view of the river sands. It had the shade of some great trees, and was enclosed all round with a low wall. On the bank of the river, near the wall and below our position, stood a relation of the eunuch Primavera (Basant) on horse- back, lance in rest, waiting to give up his life if need arose. When the third message came with great urgency, begging the eunuch for God’s sake to come into the fort in obedience to the king’s order, adding the intimation that it was his last warning, he answered not at all. We saw the messenger start off at a run, and it was no joking matter, for the cavalry con- tinued to advance, and drawing their swords shouted to the messenger, who heard not, through the uproar that had already arisen. The house was encircled by a number of infantry, while