46 
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, 44 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 
Shere Afghan. He 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 
