Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.12.6

2.12.6

When they halted at Maturas four short journeys from Agra, the friends of Morad-Bakche, who had seen and heard enough to excite their suspicion, once more endeavoured to awaken his fears. They assured him that Aureng-Zebe entertained some evil design, and that some dreadful plot was certainly in progress. Of this, information had reached them from various quarters: he must, therefore, absolutely abstain from visiting his brother, at least for that day. Indeed it was advisable, they added, to anticipate, without delay, the meditated blow; for which purpose the Prince need only excuse himself, on the plea of indisposition, from visiting Aureng-Zebe, who would thus be induced to come to Morad-Bakche attended, as usual, with very few persons. But neither argument nor entreaty could remove the spell by which he appeared bound. The feigned and fulsome adulation of Aureng-Zebe had indeed enchanted the unhappy Prince; and, notwithstanding the strenuous efforts of his friends, he accepted an invitation from his brother for supper. The latter expected him, and had concerted his measures with Mirkan and three or four other of his minions. Morad-Bakche was greeted with even more external courtesy and respect than had been usual since Aureng-Zebe had marked him for his victim; tears of joy seemed to flow, and his brother wiped, with a gentle hand, the perspiration and dust from the face of the devoted and credulous Prince.