The ceremony within the palace being ended, the royal procession was formed. Amid the booming of artillery, the blare and clangor of martial music and the shouts of the fanatics, the gates of the palace were thrown open, and Prince Mirza Mogul, one of the sons appointed to the command of the royal army, rode forth, followed by his brother, Prince Abu Beker, at the head of the royal body guard.
Surrounded by the latter, came the king in an open chariot, his great age and feebleness preventing him from riding on horseback or upon an elephant.
Thus attended, he was slowly driven through the principal street, the swarming throngs becoming more frenzied every hour, until the Juma Musjeed was reached. This is the largest mosque in India, and surpassed only by Mecca and St. Sophia.
And here took place that strange, impressive ceremony, which consisted of the unfurling of the banner of the Prophet, and the proclamation of the Mogul Empire.
The commands of his majesty were promulgated to the effect that the shop keepers and inhabitants should resume their vocations, after which he slowly returned to the palace.
Thus amid fire, pillage, and blood, the Mogul Empire was proclaimed.
How long was it to last?
CHAPTER XIII.
A MODEL COMMUNE.
Other scenes accompanied the proclamation of the Mogul Empire. Hardly was the barbaric ceremony completed when the fanatics rushed through the streets and the plundering and massacre began.