Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 3.2.3

3.2.3

and on the fifth day of his illness, during the crisis of the disorder, he caused himself to be carried into the assembly of the Omrahs, for the purpose of undeceiving those who might believe he was dead, and of preventing a public tumult, or any accident by which Chah-Jehan might effect his escape. The same reasons induced him to visit that assembly on the seventh, ninth, and tenth days; and, what appears almost incredible, on the thirteenth day, when scarcely recovered from a swoon so deep and long that his death was generally reported, he sent for the Raja Jesseingue, and two or three of the principal Omrahs, for the purpose of verifying his existence. He then desired the attendants to raise him in the bed; called for paper and ink that he might write to Etbar-kan, and despatched a messenger for the Great Seal, which was placed under Rauchenara-Begum's care, enclosed in a small bag, which was impressed with a signet which he always kept fastened to his arm; wishing to satisfy himself that the Princess had not made use of this instrument to promote any sinister design. I was present when my Agah became acquainted with all these particulars, and heard him exclaim, 'What strength of mind! What invincible courage! Heaven reserve thee, Aureng-Zebe, for greater achievements! Thou art not yet destined to die.' And indeed after this fit the King improved gradually in health.