Page:Aurangzíb and the Decay of the Mughal Empire.djvu/137

Rh unwieldy following as always accompanied the Emperor on his journeys. His regular body-guard of 35,000 horsemen of course went with him, besides over 10,000 infantry, and the heavy and light artillery, consisting of 100 or 120 brass pieces, some of which were dragged over the rugged places of the road with considerable difficulty. A large body of Amírs and Rájas and lesser vassals was always in close attendance on the royal person, mounted on horseback, to their infinite disgust, instead of their usual comfortable palankins. The Emperor himself travelled either in a throne borne on men's shoulders, or mounted on his horse or elephant: —

'Imperial Delhi op'ning wide her Gates, Pours out her thronging Legions, bright in Arms, And all the Pomp of War. Before them sound Clarions and Trumpets, breathing Martial Airs And bold Defiance. High upon his Throne, Borne on the Back of his proud Elephant, Sits the great Chief of Tamur's glorious Race: Sublime he sits, amid the radiant Blaze Of Gems and Gold. Omrahs about him crowd, And rein th' Arabian steed, and watch his Nod: And potent Rajahs, who themselves preside O'er Realms of wide Extent; but here submiss Their Homage pay, alternate Kings and Slaves. Next these with prying Eunuchs girt around, The fair Sultanas of his Court; a Troop Of chosen Beauties, but with Care concealed From each intrusive Eye; one Look is Death .'

The Seraglio formed a striking feature in the procession, with the gilded and silken palankins and