for lost, and had no doubt that he was doomed to a long or perpetual imprisonment. But when he was introduced to his father, he was received with an affectionate embrace: Aurangzíb, who was prepared for shooting, gave his loaded gun for him to hold, and then led him into a retired tent, where he showed him a curious family sword, and put it naked into his hand that he might examine it; after which he threw open his vest, on pretence of heat, but really to show that he had no hidden armour. After this display of confidence, he loaded A'zam with presents, and at last said he had better think of retiring, or his people would be alarmed at his detention. This advice was not premature: A'zam, on his return, found his whole camp on the point of breaking up, and his women weeping and lamenting his supposed fate. Whether he felt grateful for his easy dismission does not appear; but it is recorded that he never after received a letter from his father without turning pale[1].
One son after another was tried and found wanting by his jealous father. Mu'azzam after his seven yours' captivity was sent away to govern the distant province of Kábul. A'zam, who had shown considerable zeal in the Deccan wars, was dismissed to the government of Gújarát. Aurangzíb, though painfully conciliatory to those two sons, and lavish of presents and kind words, seems never to have won their love. At one time he showed a preference for Prince Akbar, whose insurrection among the Rájputs soured his fatherly affection and increased his dread of his sons' ambition. Towards the close of his life he was drawn closer to his youngest son, Kám-Bakhsh,
- ↑ Elphinstone (1866), pp. 667, 668.
