Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.15.2

2.15.2

Many persons have told me that all this strange conduct of Sultan Mahmoud was planned by Aureng-Zebe, who was very willing to see his son engage in any enterprise, however hazardous, which had for its object the ruin of Sultan Sujah. Whatever the event might be, he hoped to gain some specious pretext for having Sultan Mahmoud conveyed to a place of security. Accordingly, when informed of his son's return, feeling, or feigning to feel, the utmost indignation, he sent a letter, commanding him in peremptory terms to repair to Dehli. The unhappy Prince dared not disobey ; but he had scarcely set foot on the opposite shore of the Ganges, when a company of armed men seized and forced him into an embary, as had been Morad-Bakche, he was then conducted to Goualeor, in which fortress he will probably end his days. Having thus disposed of his eldest son, Aureng-Zebe advised his second son, Sultan Mazum, not to imitate the lofty and unyielding spirit of his brother. 'The art of reigning,' he told him, 'is so delicate, that a King's jealousy should be awakened by his very shadow. Be wise, or a fate similar to that which has befallen your brother awaits you. Indulge not the fatal delusion that Aureng-Zebe may be treated by his children as was Jehan-Guyre by his son Chah-Jehan; or that, like the latter, he will permit the sceptre to fall from his hand.'