DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5829#0060
4G
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL.
that he was said to have carried away, upon his
back, many of the largest oxen and buffaloes from
the neighbouring herds. Jehanghir, accompanied by
three or four hundred of his chiefs and nobles, and
all their several trains, went immediately in pursuit
of this savage monster. Having, according to the
custom of the Moguls, surrounded the creature's
retreat for many miles, they began to move on all
sides towards the centre. The tiger was soon
roused; and his roaring being heard in all quarters,
the emperor ordered his elephant to be driven to
the spot.
The nobility being assembled on all sides, Jehan-
ghir called aloud and said, " Who among you will
advance, single-handed, and attack this tiger?" At
first they stared in mute amazement, wondering if
their ears had deceived them; but when the emperor
repeated his question, every eye was turned upon
Shore Afghan. Ho appeared not to understand their
meaning, conceiving that the emperor was speaking
in jest, and never supposing that any one would
rashly enter upon so foolish and dangerous an ex-
ploit. At length, however, three chiefs, sacrificing
their fears to shame, made their salaams to the
prince, and each begged permission to try his prowess
in single combat, upon the formidable brute. The
pride of Shere Afghan was aroused. The three
nobles, having offered themselves for the enterprise,
were now bound in honour to insist upon their
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL.
that he was said to have carried away, upon his
back, many of the largest oxen and buffaloes from
the neighbouring herds. Jehanghir, accompanied by
three or four hundred of his chiefs and nobles, and
all their several trains, went immediately in pursuit
of this savage monster. Having, according to the
custom of the Moguls, surrounded the creature's
retreat for many miles, they began to move on all
sides towards the centre. The tiger was soon
roused; and his roaring being heard in all quarters,
the emperor ordered his elephant to be driven to
the spot.
The nobility being assembled on all sides, Jehan-
ghir called aloud and said, " Who among you will
advance, single-handed, and attack this tiger?" At
first they stared in mute amazement, wondering if
their ears had deceived them; but when the emperor
repeated his question, every eye was turned upon
Shore Afghan. Ho appeared not to understand their
meaning, conceiving that the emperor was speaking
in jest, and never supposing that any one would
rashly enter upon so foolish and dangerous an ex-
ploit. At length, however, three chiefs, sacrificing
their fears to shame, made their salaams to the
prince, and each begged permission to try his prowess
in single combat, upon the formidable brute. The
pride of Shere Afghan was aroused. The three
nobles, having offered themselves for the enterprise,
were now bound in honour to insist upon their