Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.15.3

2.15.3

Here, however, I may observe that, judging from the whole tenor of Sultan Mazum's conduct, his father has no reason to suspect him of any evil design: the most abject slave cannot be more tractable or obsequious; nor is it possible that the language and behaviour of the lowest menial should discover less of the workings of a discontented and ambitious mind. Aureng-Zebe never appeared more careless of power and dignity, or more devoted to the cause of religion and charity. There are many shrewd persons, however, who believe that the father's character is, in every respect, the archetype of the son's, and that the heart of Sultan Mazum is set upon sovereign authority, of which we may have proof in due course ; meanwhile let us pass on to other occurrences. Whilst all these events were happening in Bengale, Sultan Sujah resisted, to the best of his ability, his skilful opponent, passed, as he judged it expedient, from one bank of the Ganges to the other, crossing and recrossing the rivers and water-courses with which this part of the country abounds. Meanwhile, Aureng-Zebe remained in the neighbourhood of Agra. At length, after having consigned Morad-Bakche to Goualeor, he went to Dehli, where he began in good earnest, and undisguisedly, to assume all the acts, and exercise all the prerogatives, of a legitimate King. His attention was principally engaged in the formation of plans for expelling Dara from Guzarate;