Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 3.2.1

3.2.1

The ambassadors from Tartary were still in Dehli, when Aureng-Zebe was seized with a dangerous illness. He was frequently delirious from the violence of the fever, and his tongue became so palsied that he could scarcely articulate. The physicians despaired of his recovery, and it was generally believed he was dead, though the event was concealed by Rauchenara-Begum from interested motives. It was even rumoured that the Raja Jessomseingue, governor of Guzarate, was advancing to release Chah-Jehan from captivity; that Mohabet-kan, who had at length acknowledged Aureng-Zebe's authority, had quitted the government of Kaboul, passed already through Lahor, and was rapidly marching on Agra, at the head of three or four thousand horse, with the same intention; and that the eunuch Etbar-kan, under whose custody the aged monarch was placed, felt impatient for the honour of opening the door of his prison. On the one hand, Sultan Masum intrigued with the Omrahs, and endeavoured by bribes and promises to attach them to his interest. He even went one night in disguise to the Raja Jesseingue, and entreated him, in the most respectful and humble language, to declare in his favour. On the other hand, a party formed by Rauchenara-Begum was supported by several Omrahs and Feday-kan, grand master of the artillery, in behalf of the young Prince, Sultan Ekbar, the third son of Aureng-Zebe, a boy only seven or eight years of age.