Part 13 of 15
[Section XIV. The Reign of Shab Ul Dien Omar ben Sultan Alla Ul Dien Chilligie.]
OMAR.
In the history of Sidder Jehan of Guzerat, we are informed that, the day after the death of Alla, Cafoor assembled the Omrahs, and produced a spurious testament of the deceased King, in which he had appointed Omar, Alla’s youngest son, his successor, and Cafoor himself regent, during the prince's minority, setting aside the right of primogeniture in the person of Chizer, and the other princes. Omar then, in the seventh year of his age, was placed on the throne, and Cafoor began his administration. The first step which the traitor took, was to send a person to Gualier, to put out the eyes of the princes Chizer and Shadi. His orders were inhumanly executed; and the Sultana, their mother, was put into closer confinement, and all her wealth seized. Mubarick, the third son of Alla, was also taken into custody, with an intention to have his eyes put out, like his unhappy brothers.
There is ridicule in what we are to relate. Cafoor, though an eunuch, married the mother of Omar, the late Emperor's third wife. But the mother of Mụbarick, Alla's second wife, having heard that the regent intended to put out the eyes of her son, acquainted Nizam of her intelligence, and he gave her some hopes that the threatened misfortune should be prevented.
Cafoor, in the mean time, to cloak his wicked designs, placed the young King every day upon the throne, and ordered the nobles to pay their respects, as usual, to the Emperor. He sent one night some assassins to cut off the prince Mubarick; but when they entered his apartment, he conjured them to remember his father, whose servants they were; then untying a string of rich jewels from his neck, which perhaps had more influence than his entreaties, he gave it them. They immediately abandoned their purpose; but quarreling about the division of the jewels, when they had got out, it was proposed to carry them to the chief of the footguards, and acquaint him of what the Prince had said, and of their instructions from Cafoor.
The commander of the foot-guards, who owed every thing to the favour of the deceased King, was shocked at the villainy of Cafoor, and finding his people of the same sentiments, he immediately formed a conspiracy against the tyrant, and accordingly he and his lieutenant entered the regent's apartment, a few hours after, and assassinated him, with some of the principal eunuchs, who were attached to his interest. This happened thirty-five days after the Emperor Alla's death, and thus the world was rid of a monster too horrid to exist among mankind.
When, with the return of day, the transactions of the night became public, they gave general satisfaction. The Prince Mubarick was released from his confinement, and had the reins of government placed in his hands. He however did not immediately assume the throne, but acted for the space of two months, as regent or vizier for his brother, till he had brought over the nobles to his interest. He then claimed his birthright to the diadem, deposed his brother, and acceded to the imperial dignity. But, according to the barbarous custom and policy of those days, he deprived Omar of his eyes, and confined him for life in the fort of Gualier, after he had borne the title of King for three months and some days.
[Section XV. The Reign of Cuttub Ul Dien Mubarick Shaw Chillige.]
MUBARICK I.
UPON the seventh of Mohirrim, in the year seven hundred and seventeen of the Higera, Mubarick [Cuttub-ul-dien, Mubarick Shaw Chilligi.] mounted the throne. The commander of the foot-guards, who had saved his life, and raised him to the imperial dignity, as also his lieutenant, were ungratefully and inhu- manly put to death by his orders, under no better pretence than that they presumed too much upon the services they had done him. It is probable he was instigated to this base action by his fears, as, in some measure, appears by his immediately dispersing all the old soldiers, who were under their command, into different parts of the country Mubarick began to dispense his favours among the nobles, but he disgusted them all by raising some of his slaves to that dignity.
Dinar Shenapil was dignified with the title of Ziffer. Moula, the Emperor's uncle, received the name of Shere, and Malana Zea, that of Sidder Jehan. In the mean time Kerabeg was made one of the counsellors of state; and Hassen one of his slaves, the son of a seller of rags at Guzerat, received the title of Chusero, and, through the King's unnatural affection for him, became the greatest man in the empire. He was appointed to the command of the armies of Cafoor and Chaja, those joint conquerors of the Decan, and at the same time to the honour of the office of Vizier, without any one good quality to recommend him to those high employs.
The Emperor, whether to affect popularity, or in remembrance of his late situation, ordered all the prisons to be opened, by which means seventeen thousand were blessed with the light of day, and all the exiles were by proclamation recalled. He then commanded to give to the army a present of six months' pay, and conferred upon them many other private benefits. He at the same time issued orders to give free access to all petitioners. He eased the petitioners of some of their taxes; but by too much relaxing the reins of government, disorder and tumult arose, which threw down to the ground the great fabric raised by his father Alla. He gave himself up entirely to wine, revelry, and lust. These vices became fashionable at court, from whence the whole body of the people were soon infected.
Mubarick, in the first year of his reign, sent an army, under the command of the famous Moultani, into the province of Guzerat, which had revolted. Moultani was an Omrah of great abilities. He soon defeated the insurgents, cut off their chiefs, and settled the country in peace. The King conferred the government of Guzerat upon Ziffer, whose daughter he had taken in marriage. Ziffer soon after marched his army to Narwalla, the capital of Guzerat, where some disturbances had happened, reduced the rebels, confiscated their estates, and sent their moveable wealth to the King.
Mubarick, in the second year of his reign, raised a great army, and marched towards the Decan, to chastise Hirpaldeo, the son-in-law of Ramdeo, who, by the assistance of the other princes of the Decan, had recovered his country. Mubarick at his departure appointed Shahin, the son of a slave, to whom he gave the title of Offa Beg, governor of Delhi, during his absence. When he arrived near Deogire, Hirpaldeo and the other princes, who were then besieging the place, fled. But some Omrahs being ordered to pursue Hirpaldeo, he was brought back prisoner, flayed alive, and beheaded. His head was fixed above the gate of his own capital. The Emperor ordered his garrisons to be re-established as far as the sea, and built a mosque in Deogire, which still remains. He then appointed one of his father's slaves, to command in the Decan. He, in imitation of Alla, gave his catamite Chusero the ensigns of royalty, sending him towards Malabar, with part of his army, then returned himself to Delhi.
Assid, son to the Emperor's grand-uncle, seeing the King daily drunk, and negligent of all the duties of a king or commander, began to entertain thoughts of the empire, and formed a conspiracy against his life. This plot however was discovered by one of the conspirators, and Assid was condemned to death. Whether Mubarick had found proofs that his brothers were concerned in this conspiracy, we cannot learn, but at that time he sent an assassin to Gualier, and these two unfortunate blind princes were inhumanly murdered, and the fair Dewilde brought to the royal haram.
Mubarick, finding himself in quiet possession of all the kingdoms of India, abandoned those popular manners which he at first affected, and grew perverse, proud, vindictive, and tyrannical, despising all counsel, ill-treating all his friends, and executing every thing, however bloody or unjust, by his obstinate, blind, arbitrary will. Ziffer, the imperial governor of Guzerat, among others, fell a victim to his tyranny, and also Offa Beg, upon whom he had heaped such favours, without any plausible pretence against either. He was infamous, in short, in every vice that can taint the human mind, and descended so far from the royal character, as to dress himself often like a common prostitute, and go with the public women to dance at the houses of the nobility. At other times, he would lead a gang of those abominable prostitutes, stark naked, along the terraces of the royal palaces, and oblige them to make water upon the nobles as they entered the court. These and such other vices and indecencies, too shocking to mention, were the constant amusements of this monster in the form of man.
After the death of Ziffer, Hissam, uncle to the famous slave Chusero, who was also one of the Emperor's catamites, in the absence of the detestable slave obtained the regency of Guzerat, where he had not been established long, till, in confederacy with a few nobles, he rebelled; but the other Omrahs of Guzerat rising in arms, defeated him, and sent him prisoner to Delhi, where he was not only pardoned, but permitted to resume his place in the King's favour; Odgi being sent to Guzerat, in his stead. About this time news arrived, that Eclikki, governor of the Decan, had rebelled. The Emperor sent a great army to suppress that insurrection, who found means to seize the rebel and his principal adherents, and to send them to Delhi, where Eclikki had his ears cut off, and the others were put to the torture. The gallant Moultani was advanced to the viceroyship of the Decan.
Chusero, who had gone to Malabar, staid there about one year. He plundered the country of about one hundred and twenty elephants, a perfect diamond of 168 ruttys, with other jewels and gold to a great amount. His ambition was increased by his wealth, and he began to aspire to the throne. Not being able to join to his interest any of the great officers of his army, he formed the means of their destruction. For this purpose he called one Tilbiga from the government of the island of Koohe, Timur and Malleck Affghan, who were on different services, and gave out that he had orders to return to Delhi. These nobles, having intelligence of his intentions, disobeyed his commands, and wrote a remonstrance to the Emperor, accusing Chusero of a conspiracy against the state. Mubarick, on this, ordered them to seize him, and send him prisoner to Delhi, which accordingly they found means to execute. But when he came before the King, he pleaded his own innocence so artfully, and blamed his accusers with such plausibility of truth, that the Emperor, believing the whole proceeded from the disgust of their being commanded by his favourite, he recalled them; and notwithstanding they gave undoubted proofs of their assertions, he was determined to listen to nothing against this vile catamite. He dishonoured them, confiscated all their estates, turning them out to poverty and the world. The other Omrahs seeing that the enemies of Chusero, right or wrong, were devoted to destruction, the men of the best principles among them made excuses, and obtained leave to retire to distant parts of the empire; while the abandoned to all honour joined themselves to the catamite, who was now the object of universal dread, as well as the source of all benefits and promotion. This slave, in the mean time, cherished his own ambitious views, and began again to form measures for his own advancement.
To accomplish his purpose, he told the King, “That as his own fidelity and services had been by his Majesty so generously rewarded, and as he might still have occasion for them in the conduct of his military affairs, while the Omrahs, from the pride of family, were seditious and disobedient to his commands, he begged that he might be permitted to call some of his relations from Guzerat, in whom he could more certainly confide.” Mubarick agreed to this request; and Chusero sent a great sum of money, by some of his agents, to Guzerat, who collected about twenty thousand of the dregs of the people, and brought them to Delhi. Every place of profit and trust were conferred upon those vermin, which bound them fast to Chusero's interest; and also upon all the villains about the city, who were remarkable for their boldness and address.
The Emperor, in the mean time, going to hunt towards Jirsava, a plot was formed to assassinate him. But this, was laid aside, on account of some difference in opinion among the conspirators: and therefore they resolved to perform their tragedy in the palace. Mubarick returned to Delhi, and, according to custom, gave himself up to his debaucheries. Chusero was warm in his project, and took the opportunity of a favourable hour to beg leave of Mubarick to entertain his friends in the outer court of the palace. The Emperor not only consented, but issued orders to give them free access at all times; by which means the courts of the palace became crowded with those vermin.
In the mean time, the Casi Zea, who was famous for his skill in astrology, though upon this occasion, we imagine, he consulted his own judgment and not the stars, ran into the presence, and kissed the ground. “O King," said he, “Chusero is concerting means for your assassination. If this should prove false, his honesty will be the better established; if otherwise, caution is necessary, because life is a most inestimable jewel.” Mubarick smiled at the old man, who had been one of his preceptors, and told him, he would make enquiry into that affair: while instantly Chusero entered in a female dress, with all the affectations of a girl. The Emperor, upon seeing the infamous catamite, repeated a verse to this effect: “If my beloved were guilty of ten thousand crimes, one smile from him and I forget them all.” He then embraced Chusero, and actually did forget all that the Casi had said.
That night, as the Casi was suspicious of treason, he could not go to rest, but walked out about midnight to see whether the guards were watchful. In their rounds, he met Mundul, uncle to Chusero, who engaged him in conversation. In the mean time, one Jaherba came behind him, and, with one stroke of a sword, stretched him upon the ground, leaving him only strength to cry out, “Treason! treason! murder and treason are on foot!” while two servants, who attended him, run off, screaming aloud, that the Casi was assassinated. The guards started up in confusion, but they were instantly attacked by the conspirators, and massacred, before they could prepare for their own defence.
The Emperor, alarmed by the noise, asked Chusero, who lay in his apartment, the cause of it. The villain arose to enquire, and going out on the terrace, stood for some time, and returning told the King, that some of the horses belonging to the guard had broke loose from their picquets, and were fighting, while the people were endeavouring to lay hold of them. This satisfied Mubarick for the present; but, soon after, the conspirators having ascended the stairs, and got upon the terraces which led to the royal sleeping-apartment, they were stopped by Ibrahim and Ishaac, with all the porters of the private chambers, whom they immediately put to the sword. The Emperor, hearing the clash of arms and groans of dying men so near him, rose up in great terror and confusion, running towards the haram, by a private passage. Chusero, fearing he might escape, rushed close after him, and seizing him by the hair in the gallery, struggled with him for some time. Mubarick being the stronger man, threw Chusero on the ground; but as he had twisted his hand in his hair, he could by no means disengage himself, till some of the other conspirators came, and, with a stroke of a sabre, cut off his head, and threw it down into the court, proclaiming the deed aloud to those below.
The conspirators in the court below began to be hard pressed by the guards and the servants, who had crowded from all quarters, but upon hearing of the Emperor's fate, they all hastened out of the palace. The conspirators then shut the gates, and massacred all who had not the good fortune to escape; particularly the younger children of the Emperor Alla, Feredoon, Ali, and Omar; then, breaking into the haram, committed all manner of violence upon the poor women.
Thus the vengeance of God overtook and exterminated the race of Alla, for his ingratitude to his uncle Ferose, and the streams of innocent blood which flowed from his hands. Heaven also punished Mubarick, whose name and reign are too infamous to have a place in the records of literature; did not our duty, as an historian, oblige us to this disagreeable task. But notwithstanding, we have, in some places, been obliged to throw the veil of oblivion over circumstances too horrid to relate.
This massacre happened on the fifth of the first Ribbi, in the year 721. In the morning, Chusero, surrounded by his creatures, mounted the throne, and, ridiculously, assumed the title of the supporter of religion [Nasir-ul-dien.] He then ordered all the slaves and servants of Mubarick, who he thought had the least spark of honesty, to be put to death, and their wives and children to be sold for slaves. His brother was dignified with the title of Chan Chanan, or chief of the Omrahs, and married to one of the daughters of the Emperor Alla, while he took Dewilde, the widow of Mubarick, to himself. He disposed of all the other ladies of the seraglio among his beggarly friends.
The army now remained to be bribed, who loved nothing better than a revolution; for they had always, upon such an occasion, a donation of six months pay immediately divided from the treasury. This trifle bought those dissolute slaves, who were lost to all sense of gratitude or honour.
The son of Kimar, the chief of a gang of thieves, received the title of Shaista, and was made chief secretary of the empire, while Ain-ul-Malleck was appointed captain-general of the imperial armies. Jonah had the title of Chusero, and the appointment of master of the horse, with many other distinguishing favours, with an intention to gain over the allegiance of his father, Ghazi, governor of Lahore and Debalpoor, of whom the usurper was in great fear. Notwithstanding his promotion, Jonah was touched to the soul to see the empire ridden by a gang of villains. His father also, who was reckoned a man of great bravery and honour in those days, was discontented at the infamous proceedings at court, and roused himself to revenge. He acquainted his son of his purpose, and Jonah took the first opportunity to fly from Delhi, and join his father.
The usurper was in great perplexity upon the flight of Jonah, and began already to give his hopes to the wind. Ghazi immediately prepared for hostilities, and, by circular letters, invited all the Omrahs to join his standard. A great many of the subas of the provinces put their troops immediately in motion; but Mogulti, the governor of Moultan, jealous of precedence, refused to join; upon which occasion, Byram, a chief of some note in those parts, was prevailed upon to assassinate him.
Eclikki, governor of Samana, notwithstanding the usurper had been the occasion of his losing his ears, transmitted the circular letter of Ghazi to court, informing him of the rebellion, and, taking the field against the confederates, received a signal defeat, and, in his flight to Delhi, was fallen upon by the zemindars, and cut to pieces. The usurper sent his brother, and Sufi, with all on whom he could depend, against the confederates.
Ghazi, now joined by Byram with the army from Moultan, and other subas, advanced to meet the usurper's army, which he did upon the banks of the Sirusti. But as the troops of Ghazi were experienced in frequent wars with the Moguls, and those of Chusero enervated by indolence and debaucheries, and besides lost to all sense of military honour, they were broke on the first onset, and all the public treasure, elephants, and baggage, were taken. This booty was divided in the field among the conquerors. They then continued their march in triumph towards Delhi. The usurper. in great embarrassment, marched out of the city, and took possession of a strong post near the great pond of Alahi, with the citadel in his rear, and many gardens, with high walls in his front. He then opened the treasury, and gave three years' pay to his troops, leaving nothing but the jewels, of some of which he also disposed. The confederates advancing in sight, an action was expected next morning. But that night, Moultani drew off his forces from the usurper, and took the route of Mindu. This struck great terror into Chusero's army. They however drew up in order of battle; and Tilbiga and Shaista opposing the confederates with great bravery, as they advanced through the lanes, were at length overpowered and slain. But their situation gave such advantages to the usurper's army, that they maintained their post till the evening; when the infamous Chusero fled, with a few of his friends, towards Jilput. In the way he was deserted by all his attendants, and obliged to conceal himself in a tomb, from whence he was dragged the next day, and ordered to be put to death, together with his brother, who was taken in a neighbouring garden.
The day after this action, being the first of Shaban, all the Omrahs and magistrates of the city came to pay their respects to the victor, and made him a present of the keys of the capital. He mounted his horse, and entered Delhi in triumph. When he came in sight of the palace of a thousand pillars, he began to weep, crying with a loud voice: “O ye subjects of this great empire! I am no more than one of you, who unsheathed my sword to deliver you from oppression, and rid the world of a monster. My endeavours, by the blessing of God, have been crowned with success. If therefore any of the royal line remain, let them be brought, that justice may take place, and that we, his servants, may prostrate ourselves before his throne. But if none of the race of Kings have escaped the bloody hands of tyranny and usurpation, let the most worthy of the illustrious order be elected among you, and I shall swear to abide by your choice.”
The people cried out with one voice, that none of the princes were now alive; that as he had shielded them from the vengeance of the Moguls, and delivered them from the rage of a tyrant, none was so worthy to reign. Then seizing him, in a manner by violence, they placed him upon the throne, and hailed him King of the World. But he assumed the more modest title of Yeas-ul-dien Tuglick, or the reformer of religion. The reign of Chusero was five months. Nothing in history can exhibit such an example of the dissolute and infamous manners of any age or nation, as we are presented with in the accounts of this wicked and shameful usurpation, though it was scarcely more dishonourable to mankind than the reign of the abandoned Mubarick, who had some right to the empire. During the short usurpations of the two Cafoors, and the reign of Mubarick, there were very few alterations in the state of Asia. Ajuli Palipata sat on the Mogul throne of Tartary and China; and Abusaid, of the race of Zingis, on that of Persia.
[Section XVI. The Reign of Sultan Yeas Ul Dien Tuglick Shaw.]
TUGLICK I.
We have no true accounts of the pedigree of Tuglick [Sultan Yeas-ul-dien Tuglick Shaw.]. It is generally believed that his father, whose name was Tuglick, had been, in his youth, brought up as an imperial slave, by Balin. His mother was one of the tribe of the Jits. But indeed the pedigrees of the Kings of the Patan empire make such a wretched figure in history, that we could wish to omit them, were it not to show how far the depravity and corruption of a people can plunge them into the sink of slavery, and subject them to the vilest of men.
When Tuglick mounted the throne, he began to regulate the affairs of government, which had fallen into the utmost disorder, by the most salutary and advisable methods, which gained him general esteem. He repaired the palaces and fortifications, founded others, and encouraged industry and commerce. Men of genius and learning were called to court; institutes of laws and government were established and founded upon the Coran, and the ancient usages of the empire.
Jonah, the Emperor's eldest son, was declared heir apparent, with the title of Ali, and all the royal ensigns conferred upon him. His other four sons were entitled Byram, Ziffer, Mamood, and Nuserit. Byram Iba, who had so effectually assisted him with the army from Moultan, was adopted his brother, by the title of the noble Chusero, and appointed viceroy of the provinces upon the Indus. Assid, his nephew, was appointed lord of the presence; and Malleck Baha, his other nephew, chief secretary of the empire. Shadi, the Emperor's brother and son-in-law, was made vizier. Burhan had the government of Deogire conferred upon him; and Tartar, the government of another district in that country called Zifferabad.
The Emperor, in the mean time, stationed troops upon the frontiers towards Cabul, and built forts to defend the country from the incursions of the Moguls, which he did so effectually as not to be troubled by these invaders during his reign.
In the second year from his accession, Jonah, the Emperor's eldest son, with some of the old Omrahs, and the troops of Chinderi, Budaoon, and Malava, was dispatched towards Tillingana, to' chastise Lidderdeo, the Indian prince of Arinkil, who had, during the late disturbances, wrested his neck from the yoke, and refused to send his tribute, while the Raja of Deogire had also swerved from his allegiance. Jonah having advanced into those countries, began a barbarous war with fire and sword. Lidderdeo opposed him with some vigour, but was in the end obliged to retreat into the city of Arinkil, which Jonah immediately invested.
The siege was carried on with great loss on both sides, till the walls were battered down, and a practicable breach made. The Mahommedan army, in the mean time, on account of the hot winds and bad water, were seized with a malignant distemper, that swept hundreds to their graves every day. Many became desirous to return home, and spread false reports. through the camp, which threw universal consternation among the army. As there had been no advices for above a month from Delhi, Zuda Dimiski the poet, and some others who were companions of Jonah, raised a report, by way of jest, that the Emperor was dead, and that a great revolution had happened in Delhi. Not content with this, they went to the tents of Timur, Afghan, Cafoor Mordar, and Tiggi, who were the principal Omrahs in the camp, and told them such and such was the state of affairs at Delhi, and that Prince Jonah, knowing them, as old Omrahs, to have an equal right with himself to the empire, had resolved to dispatch them.
The Omrahs, giving implicit belief to this false information, fled that night, with all their dependants, from the camp. Jonah, thus deserted, was under the necessity of retreating, in great disorder, towards Deogire, whither he was pursued by the besieged, with great slaughter. In the mean time advices arrived from Delhi, that all was well, and Jonah halted at Deogire, to collect his scattered army. The four Omrahs who fled, having disagreed among themselves, had each taken a separate route, by which means they were fallen upon by the Indians, plundered of their elephants, camels, and baggage, and otherwise greatly harassed in their march. Timur and Tiggi were both slain, while Afghan and Cafoor were seized by their own troops, and brought prisoners to Deogire. An inquiry was made into their conduct, the authors of the disturbance seized, and all of them sent prisoners to Delhi. The Emperor ordered the propagators of the false intelligence to be buried alive, with this severe sarcasm: "That they had buried him alive in jest, but that he would bury them alive in good earnest."
Prince Jonah was obliged to retreat from Deogire, and brought only back three thousand horse, of all his great army, to Delhi. He in two months, however, made great preparations, and, with a more numerous army than the former, took the route of Arinkil. He took in his way the city of Bedir, on the frontiers of Tillingana, and other places, where he left garrisons. He then advanced to the capital, renewed the siege, and, in a short time, reduced it. Some thousands of the unfortunate Hindoos were massacred, and Lidderdeo, with his family, taken prisoners. Jonah sent the prisoners, their treasure, elephants, and effects, to Delhi, under charge of Kuddir and Chaja. Upon their arrival, great rejoicings were made in the new citadel, which the Emperor had built, by the name of Tughlickabad.
The Prince, having appointed trusty Omrahs to govern the country of Tillingana, proceeded in person towards Jagenagur [Now Cattack in Orissa.]. In that place he took forty elephants from the Raja, and sent them to his father. Returning then to Arinkil, he staid there a few days, and continued his march to Delhi.
In the beginning of the year 724, complaints arrived from Bengal of the great oppressions committed by the governors of that kingdom. Tuglick appointed his son Jonah to the government of Delhi, and, with a great army, marched towards Bengal. When he had reached Nahib, Nazir, the grandson of the Emperor Balin, who had remained in that government since the death of his father, arrived, in a respectful manner, from Bengal, with many valuable presents. He was confirmed in his government of the whole kingdom of Bengal, and honoured with royal dignities; and the Emperor prepared for his return.
When he was passing near the hills of Turhat, the Indian prince of those parts appearing in arms, he pursued him into the woods. Finding his army could no longer continue the pursuit, he alighted, and calling for a hatchet, cut down one of the trees with his own hand. The troops, upon seeing this, set to work with such spirit, that the forest seemed to vanish before them, till they arrived at a fort surrounded with seven ditches full of water, and a high wall. The King immediately invested it, began the siege, filled up the ditches, and broke down the wall in three weeks. He took the Raja, his family, and wealth, and conferred the government of Turhat upon the noble Ahmed, and returned with his army towards Delhi.
When the Emperor had reached Afghanpoor, he was met by Prince Jonah, with all the nobles of Delhi, to congratulate him upon his safe return. But his death was now approaching. His son had in that place raised à wooden house, in three days' time, for his father's reception. The entertainment being over, the King was preparing to mount, and every body hastened out to be ready to accompany him. The roof of the building fell instantly in, and killed the Emperor and five of his attendants, as he was rising to follow the Omrahs.
Some authors attribute this accident to the newness of the building, and the motion of the elephants that were preparing without. Others give it to design, with which they charge Jonah, as the raising this unnecessary building seems indeed to indicate. But others ascribe it to lightning; so that the matter still remains in doubt. The death of Tuglick happened in the month of the first Ribbi of the year 725, after a reign of four years and some months. The poet, the noble Chusero, who lived down to the end of this Emperor's reign, has favoured posterity with his history at large, by which it appears that he was a great and virtuous prince.