Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 3.6.4

3.6.4

Notwithstanding the strong and unequivocal marks of respect conferred by Aureng-Zebe upon this last ambassador, the Persians at the court of Dehli insinuated that the King of Persia, in his letters, reproached him keenly with the death of Dara, and the incarceration of Chah-Jehan, representing such actions as unworthy a brother, a son, and a faithful Musulman. He also, they said, reproved him for having assumed the name of Alem-Guire, or Conqueror of the World, and for causing it to be inscribed on the coins of Hindoustan. They went so far as to affirm that these words formed part of the letters : 'Since then thou art this Alem-Guire, Besm-Illah, in the name of God, I send thee a sword and horses. Let us now, therefore, confront each other.' This would indeed have been throwing down the gauntlet. I give the story as I received it : to contradict it is not in my power ; easy as any person finds it in this court to come to the knowledge of every secret, provided he be acquainted with the language, possess good friends, and be as profuse of money as myself for the sake of gratifying his curiosity. But I cannot be easily persuaded that the King of Persia made use of the language ascribed to him : it would savour too much of empty bluster and menace, though it cannot be denied that the Persians are apt to assume a lofty tone when they wish to impress an idea of their power and influence.