214 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
before the place, found that the garrison had prepared 
for a determined resistance, and had acquired the 
co-operation of three very formidable neighbouring 
powers. With these was a gaubur or infidel Rajh- 
poot, named Zuffi, whose numerous followers, ren- 
dered invulnerable by a process of sorcery, and 
skilful beyond example as marksmen, now lined the 
walls. Information to this effect was immediately 
carried to Taimour, who, enraged by their previous 
insolence, and this unexpected increase of strength, 
immediately placed himself at the head of ten thou- 
sand chosen horse, and, marching during the whole 
of the night, appeared before the gates of the city at 
noon on the following day. On the very moment of 
his arrival, the indefatigable Taimour gave orders 
that every commander, from his particular position, 
should immediately open a trench of approach 
towards the opposite point of the enemy’s walls ; 
and by these means, ere nightfall, a lodgment had 
been effected parallel to, or at the foot of, every 
tower or salient angle of the city. Terrified at the 
alarming celerity with which, in defiance of their 
most strenuous efforts, the besiegers succeeded in 
carrying on their approaches, the garrison appeared 
suddenly to lose all power of resistance ; and of 
this their assailants did not fail to take immediate 
advantage. One of the chiefs, Alla-ud-Dad, fol- 
lowed by his brave band, advanced beneath the 
principal gate ; and an intrepid fellow, named Serai, 
