[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Travellers (1500–1858)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel) › [Histoire de la dernière révolution des États du Grand Mogol](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier) › [Travels in the Mogul Empire (Constable)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable) › 3.3.4 # Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 3.3.4 Travels in the Mogul Empire (Constable) 3.3.4 - **Language:** English ### [3.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.3.3.4) Nothing could exceed the horror and indignation of the whole Seraglio. Women and eunuchs entered into a solemn league to kill the scrivener; but their machinations excited the displeasure of Aureng-Zebe, who contented himself by compelling the man to become a Mahometan. It seems nevertheless to be the general opinion that he cannot long escape the power and malice of the eunuchs. Emasculation, say the Indians, produces a different effect upon men than upon the brute creation; it renders the latter gentle and tractable; but who is the eunuch, they ask, that is not vicious, arrogant and cruel? It is in vain to deny, however, that many among them are exceedingly faithful, generous, and brave. Much about the same time, Rauchenara-Begum incurred the displeasure of Aureng-Zebe, the Princess having been suspected of admitting two men into the seraglio. As it was only suspicion, however, the King was soon reconciled to his sister. Nor did he exercise the same cruelty toward the two men, who were caught and dragged into his presence, as Chah-Jehan had done upon a similar occasion toward the unhappy gallant concealed in the cauldron. I shall relate the whole story exactly as I heard it from the mouth of an old woman, a half-caste Portuguese, who has been many years a slave in the seraglio, and possesses the privilege of going in and out at pleasure. - [Previous: 3.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.3.3.3) - [Next: 3.3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.3.3.5) - [Up: 3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.3.3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.3.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.bernier~en-constable.3.3.4) · Pramāṇa