Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.18.1

2.18.1

The charge of this atrocious murder was intrusted to a slave of the name of Nazer, who had been educated by Chah-Jehan, but experienced some ill-treatment from Dara. The Prince, apprehensive that poison would be administered to him, was employed with Sepe-Chekouh in boiling lentils, when Naser and four other ruffians entered his apartment. 'My dear son,' he cried out, 'these men are come to murder us!' He then seized a small kitchen knife, the only weapon in his possession. One of the murderers having secured Sepe-Chekouh, the rest fell upon Dara, threw him down, and while three of the assassins held him, Nazer decapitated his wretched victim. The head was instantly carried to Aureng-Zebe, who commanded that it should be placed in a dish, and that water should be brought. The blood was then washed from the face, and when it could no longer be doubted that it was indeed the head of Dara, he shed tears, and said, 'Ah [Ai] Bed-bakt! Ah wretched one! let this shocking sight no more offend my eyes, but take away the head, and let it be buried in Houmayons tomb.'