MASSACRE AT DELHI. 
143 
murdered ; and we must cease to pity the nobles of 
Delhi, when assured by concurring authorities, that 
most of those at whose palaces troops were stationed 
for their protection gave them up without effort to 
the fury of the populace, and even in some instances 
assisted in their destruction. 
“Nadir, when he first heard of this tumult, sent 
several persons to explain to the populace their delu- 
sion and their danger ; but his messengers were slain. 
He remained with all the Persians he could assemble 
in his palace till the day dawned, when he mounted 
his horse and rode forth to endeavour by his presence 
to quell the tumult. But his moderation only in- 
flamed those whom even Indian historians inform us 
it was his desire to spare ; and he at last gave his 
troops, who had arrived from their camp near the 
city, orders for a general massacre. He was too well 
obeyed: the populace, when the Persians began to 
act, lost all their courage, and from sunrise till noon 
Delhi presented a scene of shocking carnage, the hor- 
rors being increased by the flames, which now spread 
to almost every quarter of the city. 
“Nadir, after issuing the fatal orders, went into 
the small mosque of Roshun-ood-Dowla, near the 
centre of the city, and remained there in a deep and 
silent gloom which none dared to disturb. At last, 
the unhappy Mohammed Shah, attended by two of 
his ministers, rushed into his presence, exclaiming, 
f Spare my people !’ Nadir replied, f The Emperor of 
India must never ask in vain ; and he commanded that 
the massacre should cease. The prompt obedience 
given to this command is remarked by all his his- 
