Storia do Mogor 211.5.5

211.5.5

As the entire thoughts of these princes are turned in the direction of the throne, they search out carefully any means of conferring favours on the most powerful men, in the hope of having them on their side. Shah 'Alam had usually with him a Hindu prince called Bau Sing (Bhao Singh), leader of twelve thousand horsemen and a vassal of the king. He served under the orders of Shah 'Alam. Noticing that he had ceased to come to court, being unwell, the prince sent me to visit him on his behalf, and to offer my services. This was merely to oblige him, and gain him to his side should any occasion present itself. The rajah was already old, and was suffering from his lungs. The prince, however, directed me to observe him and reckon how long he might yet live. Bhao Singh received my visit but refused my services, and told me if I gave him any medicines he would put them with the rest I saw there. He had a whole roomful. God might do with him according to His pleasure, but he would not take the medicines, beyond looking at them. All this care was because he was afraid of being poisoned. This fear was increased by the example he had in Rajah Jai Singh and several others, to whom such a fate had happened. I must say the prince never had designs of that sort, and all he did was intended to oblige. I may add that, during all the time I had the honour to serve him, he never suggested employing me for such a purpose.