(This letter was written by Aurungzebe to the prince Sultan Muhammad Kám Bakhsha at the time of his death).
My charming son, though in (this) world of free will (where men act according to their own will), I advised you about the divine will, and more than this, about the divine power, it was destined that you would not listen to and accept this advice. Now I go away (to the next world) as a stranger from all; and I pity you for your want of intelligence and ability; but now of what use? I carry with me (to the next world) the fruits of sins and crimes which I had perpetrated (in this world). Nature is wonderful that I came alone (i.e., naked—in this world) and go (to the next world) with this burden (of sins). Though fever attacked me for twelve days, (now) it could not bear (my leanness) and left me. Wherever I cast my glances I find nothing but God. The anxiety about my officers and army and for their future responsibility became the cause of the grief of my heart (i.e., I am in grief that my officers and army will not be treated and guided well by my successors who are weak). I am unconscious about myself. I committed many sins. I do not know how I shall be punished (by God). Though the subjects will be protected by the Master of both the worlds (i. e., God), it is a bounden duty of the Mohemadans and of (my) sons also to protect and save them according to outward circumstances. A’azam is also near me; and I have spoken to him what was necessary about you. You should also accept my last will*. It should not be that the Mohemadans be killed (in war); and the blame (of their being killed) will remain upon the neck of this useless (creature—i.e., Aurungzebe). I entrust you and your sons to (the care of) God and I myself ask your leave for departure (from this world). (My) condition is distracted (i. e., I am restless). Bahádūr Sháh is in the same place in which he was. (My) grandson, the glorious A’azim, is gone to the frontier of India. (My) grandson Bahádūr is in the neighbourhood of Gūjarát. Hiyát-ūn-Nisá (or Zinat-ūn-Nisá?), who has not enjoyed the pleasures of the world, is in grief. The Begum knows her own condition (i.e., her condition is so bad that it cannot be described). Udepūri,* your mother, was with me in (my) sickness. She intends to accompany me (after my death—i. e., she will soon die after me like a Hindu ‘Sati’). Though my relatives and servants shew wheat and sell barley (i.e., are hypocrites), you should give them employment through kindness, mildness, and carelessness (towards their hypocrisy). You should cut the coat according to the cloth. May the peace of God be upon you.