Travels in India (Tavernier) 54.4

54.4

He informed the young Prince that the King, his father, had the best intentions regarding him, and that he was always ready to receive him with open arms, provided he would make good use of his retreat to Sultan Shuja, which he might make serviceable to Aurangzeb, who would love him the more, and would thus have an opportunity of praising his prudence and affection. The young Prince allowed himself to be easily persuaded; and by the same way as he had gone to the camp of his uncle Sultan Shuja, he returned to that of his father Aurangzeb, where Mir Jumla received him with honour, and with great demonstrations of joy. He advised him to say to his father as soon as he saw him, that he went to Sultan Shuja merely for the purpose of spying out his forces and the condition of his army, and that he should repair with speed to Aurangzeb, in order to tell him what he had done in his service, and to receive his reward. It was also the command of Aurangzeb that his son should be sent to him ; and Muhammad, whether willingly or by compulsion, set out for Jahanabad, where he arrived accompanied by the guards which Mir Jumla had sent with him. Their commander having announced to the King the arrival of his son, his Majesty assigned a lodging for him outside his palace, and would not allow him to come to kiss his hands. He ordered him to be informed that he was indisposed ;