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38 go on, go on." At these words the general fetched several deep sobs, and dropped some tears. He was reprimanded by the king, who with unusual coolness reproached him for his want of firmness. "Firmness!" replied the general, "to what purpose can firmness avail us now? The vessel of all our hopes is about to be dashed against rocks, and nothing remains to me but to strike my head against a stone. In vain have all your faithful servants entreated you to let them go forth, and make a general attack; in vain did they repeat their entreaties for adopting so salutary a measure: your answer was always in those ominous words, 'Wait a little more.' But after all, how could your majesty do otherwise, since it was the Almighty's decree that we should be undone? Still there remains one step; there is yet time—a moment hence and it will be too late. Leave your elephant, mount a horse, and fly with us towards Bengal. There you have your family and friends ; and Daud-khan Peny, who commands in the Deckan, is your devoted servant. Let us retire to Bengal, which is a place of safety; and there, after having recruited your strength, you may return and act as occasion shall require." "All that is very fine," replied the prince, "but what did Dara Shekoh do, after