Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.11.2

2.11.2

Three or four days after the battle of Samonguer, Aureng-Zebe and Morad-Bakche presented themselves before the gate of the city, in a garden, about a league distant from the fortress. They then despatched a message to Chah-Jehan, by an eunuch in the confidence of Aureng-Zebe, and possessing all his address and deceit. This man saluted the aged Monarch in the name of his master, assured him of his undiminished respect and affection, and expressed his deep sorrow for the events which had recently taken place, events attributable to the inordinate ambition and sinister designs of Dara. He begged leave most sincerely to congratulate his august parent on the improvement which was manifesting itself in the state of his health, and declared that he was come to Agra only to receive and execute his commands. Chah-Jehan affected to approve of his son's conduct, and expressed himself satisfied with these expressions of allegiance. He was, however, too well acquainted with his hypocrisy and love of power, to place any confidence in his protestations; yet, instead of acting with decision, showing himself to his people, and assembling his Omrahs, for which there was still time, he chose rather to try his own skill in artifice and dissimulation with Aureng-Zebe, who surpassed all men in both. It is not surprising, therefore, that the father fell into the snare which he had spread for his son.