Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.11.5

2.11.5

It is the general opinion that Sultan Mahmoud committed the same error upon this occasion as his grandfather had done after the battle of Samonguer and flight of Dara. And, as I am again led to the subject, it is fair I should observe that there are several politicians who contend that, considering all the circumstances of his situation, the aged Monarch, after the battle and the defeat of Dara, adopted the most prudent course in remaining within the fortress, and endeavouring to overcome Aureng-Zebe by stratagem. It is the vulgar practice, these people say, to judge of the wisdom of every plan according to the event by which it is followed: the worst-digested schemes are frequently attended with success, and then they are applauded by all the world; and if, as there was reason to expect, the appearance of affection and goodwill toward Aureng-Zebe, assumed by Chah-Jehan, had enabled him to seize the person of that Prince, he would be extolled for sagacity and wisdom, as much as he is now contemned for being, as is injuriously said, a mere driveller, guided by his Begum, a woman whose passions blinded her understanding, and whose vanity led her to believe that Aureng-Zebe would hasten to visit her ; in other words, that the bird would, of his own accord, fly into the cage. But to return to Sultan Mahmoud.—It is inconceivable, according to the politicians of this country, that he did not eagerly grasp at a sceptre which seemed to fall into his hands;