of the riches of Emir Jemla. His diamonds, moreover, he counted by the sackful.
In
the year 1656, being sent by the King to bring certain rebellious
rajahs to reason, he left as hostages in his master's hands his wife
and children, according to the usual practice among the suspicious and
not over-faithful Asiatics. While he was absent upon this expedition
the King's mind was poisoned against the powerful favorite by the
courtiers jealous of his success. Having only daughters, the King was
made to believe that Emir Jemla intended to raise his own son to the
throne, and the unruly, ill-mannered behavior of this son lent color
to the tale. The King took fright at the idea and laid hands upon the
hostages using them sharply. The son sent word to his father, Emir
Jemla, and the latter enraged at the indignity resolved to avenge
himself. He invoked the aid of the imperial suzerain, Shah Jehan.
Uncertain of his success at headquarters, he applied in the meantime to
two of the Emperor's sons who were nearer at hand
