DELHI. 
53 
sides with congratulations and applause. He, how- 
ever, thought it wise to retire from the capital of 
Bengal to his old residence at Burdwan, hoping to 
live there in obscurity and peace with his beloved 
Mher-ul-Nissa. He was deceived. Kootab had 
received his appointment as Suba of Bengal, upon 
the express condition that he should find some 
effectual and speedy method of destroying this 
heroic chieftain, and he set diligently to work for the 
performance of his obligation. After deliberating 
upon the best means to be employed, he at last 
devised a scheme which unhappily enabled him to 
accomplish his murderous purpose. He resolved 
upon making a tour through the provinces under 
his government ; and having settled his affairs at 
Tanda, which was then the capital of Bengal, he 
immediately set forth in state, accompanied with a 
large retinue. In his route he visited Burdwan, 
and made it no secret among his officers that he had 
the emperors orders to despatch Shere Afghan. 
That renowned warrior, ever resolved upon per- 
forming his duties in defiance of all danger, no sooner 
heard of the Suba’s arrival, than he mounted his 
charger, and, with oidy two attendants, went forth 
to pay his respects to the representative of his sove- 
reign. The treacherous Suba received him with 
profound respect and politeness. They rode for some 
time side by side, and their conversation turned upon 
indifferent affairs, until they approached the walls of 
f 2 
