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10 it would be imprudent to risk a battle for a throne on such disadvantageous terms: he recommended the prince Mahomed Aazem, therefore, to remain satisfied with the advantage he had already gained over the enemy by having burned his camp-equipage and defeated part of his cavalry; and that when the remainder of the troops, infantry and artillery, should come up, he might, with every hope of success, fall on the enemy, already intimidated. This speech had no effect on the prince, who estimated too highly his own military genius and the courage of his troops, besides which he despised his brother and his party. He therefore answered Zulficar-khan by some expressions that indicated resentment. The latter, who was a man of established courage and great experience, replied, that since his Majesty would not listen to advice dictated by his zeal and by common prudence, and chose to run headlong on his own ruin, he hoped he would not find fault with him if he abandoned a cause that looked so unpromising. The prince, full of indignation, having uttered a few broken words of reproach, turned his face away, and Zulficar-khan, without farther explanation, put spurs into his horse and joined his father, who had been left in the camp at Gualiar.

Mahomed Aazem now fell on the enemy with fury, and the troops on both sides being equally eager to