Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 3.12.3

3.12.3

In this manner has Chah-hestkan extinguished the power of these scoundrels in Chatigon; who, as I have already said, had depopulated and ruined the whole of Lower Bengal. Time will show whether his enterprise against the King of Rakan will be crowned with similar success. Fourthly. Respecting the two sons of Aureng-Zebe, Sultan Mahmoud and Sultan Mazum, the former is still confined in Goualeor; but, if we are to believe the general report, without being made to drink poust, the beverage usually given to the inmates of that fortress. Sultan Mazum appears to comport himself with his accustomed prudence and moderation, although the transaction I am about to relate is perhaps an evidence that this Prince during the dangerous illness of his father had carried on secret intrigues, or that the displeasure of Aureng-Zebe was excited by some other circumstance unknown to the public. It may be, however, that, without any reference to the past, the King was only anxious to obtain authentic proof both of his son's obedience and of his courage, when he commanded him, in a full assembly of Omrahs, to kill a lion which had descended from the mountains and was then laying waste the surrounding country. The Grand Master of the Hunt ventured to hope that Sultan Mazum might be permitted to avail himself of those capacious nets which are ordinarily made use of in so perilous a chase. 'He shall attack the lion without nets,' sternly replied the King.