Storia do Mogor 65.31.2

65.31.2

This matter gave an opening for Aurangzeb to sharpen his wits, never being at a loss for some trick. In order to throw Da,ud Khan out of favour with Dara, he caused a forged letter to be written as in the name of Da,ud Khan, making him say as follows : ' Your majesty may rest assured that at the first opportunity I will do what I promised, and never be false to my word.' Aurangzeb so managed that this letter fell into the hands of Dara. Thereby Dara began to suspect not only Da,ud Khan, but all his officers, as it appeared they had already fallen under the influence of Aurangzeb. He ceased to treat Da,ud Khan on the same familiar terms as formerly. Da,ud Khan felt that the prince entertained some suspicion of him. He therefore decided to fall on his knees in Dara's presence (as he did) ; then taking off his sword, he laid it on the ground and said : ' If your majesty has any doubt of my fidelity, order me to go and loyally offer my life in the defence of your person and family.' On hearing this speech, Dara took compassion on him and began to have an idea that the letter was forged.