REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES
 

117
 

some considerable present, the two Kans sent ambassadors,
with a proffer of their services, and with injunctions to
perform the ceremony of the Mobarek: that is, to express
in a solemn manner their wishes that his reign might
be long and auspicious. Aureng-Zebe knew how to value
an offer of service made at the conclusion of a war : he
knew the fear of punishment, or the expectation of advan¬
tage, had induced the Kans to send their ambassadors.
They were received, however, with due form and polite-
 

FlG. 6.—The Emperor Alamgir (Aurangzeh),

ness, and as I happened to be present at the audience, I
can relate the particulars with accuracy.

The ambassadors, when at a distance, made the Salam,
or Indian act of obeisance, placing the hand thrice upon
the head, and as often dropping it down to the grotmd.
They then approached so near that Aureng-Zebe might
easily have taken the letters from their own hands; but
this ceremony was performed by an Omrah : the letters