[Robinson Introduction]:
Aurangzeb, who died in 1707, was the last Great Moghul of
importance.
Health to you!
My heart is near you. Old age is arrived: weakness subdues me, and strength has
forsaken all my members. I came a stranger into this world and a stranger I depart. I know
nothing of myself, what I am, or for what I am destined. The instant which has passed in
power has left only sorrow behind it. I have not been the guardian and protector of the
empire. My valuable time has been passed vainly. I had a patron in my own dwelling [i.e.,
conscience], but his glorious light was unseen by my dim sight. Life is not lasting; there
is no vestige of departed breath, and all hopes from futurity are lost. The fever has left
me; but nothing remains of me but skin and bone. . . The camp and followers, helpless and
frightened, are like myself, full of alarms, restless as quicksilver. Separated from their
lord, they know not if they have a master or not.
I brought nothing into this world, and, except the infirmities of man, carry nothing
out. I have a dread for my salvation, and with what torments I may be punished. Though I
have strong reliance on the mercies and bounties of God, yet, regarding my actions, fear
will not quit me; but when I am gone reflection will not remain. Come then what may, I
have launched my vessel in the waves. Though Providence will protect the camp, yet,
regarding appearances, the endeavors of my sons are indispensable. Give my last prayers to
my grandson, whom I cannot see, but the desire affects me. The Began [i.e., his daughter]
appears afflicted; but God is the only judge of hearts. The foolish thoughts of women
produce nothing but disappointment.
Farewell, farewell, farewell.
Source
From: James Harvey Robinson, ed., Readings in European History, 2 Vols. (Boston:
Ginn and Co., 1904-1906), Vol. II: From the opening of the Protestant Revolt to the
Present Day, pp. 338-339.
Scanned by Jerome S. Arkenberg, Cal. State Fullerton.
This text is part of the Internet
Indian History Sourcebook. The Sourcebook is a collection of public domain and
copy-permitted texts for introductory level classes in modern European and World history.