Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.11.6

2.11.6

especially when, by thus gratifying his ambition, he would have gained a reputation for tenderness and generosity. By restoring his grandfather to freedom this young Prince might have become the sovereign arbiter of affairs; whereas he is now probably destined to terminate his existence in Goulaleor. Few will believe that Sultan Mahmoud was restrained by a sense of duty to his father from acceding to the wishes of Chah-Jehan : it is more likely that he doubted the sincerity of the King's promises, and felt all the danger of disputing the crown with a man endued with the mental energy and imposing talents of Aureng-Zebe. Whatever were his motives, he disregarded the offers of the unhappy prisoner, and even refused to enter his apartments, alleging that he was not authorised to visit him, but had received positive orders not to return to his father without carrying away with him the keys of every gate in the fort, in order that Aureng-Zebe might come in perfect security for the purpose of kissing his Majesty's feet. For the space of nearly two days, Chah-Jehan could not persuade himself to surrender the keys ; but observing that his people were gradually deserting him, especially the soldiers stationed at the little gate, and that he was no longer safe, he delivered the keys at length into the hands of Sultan Mahmoud, with an injunction to Aureng-Zebe to come to him without further delay, if he were wise, as he had secrets of the greatest moment to disclose.