The Chachnāma (Fatḥnāma-yi Sind) 2.5

2.5

When this religious record was taken out from the curtains of the Arabic language and covered under those of the Persian language, and when it was translated into prose and adorned with chains of style and ornaments of virtue and religiousness, I began to ponder in my mind, and came to the conclusion that such a wonderful new present and elegant book on conquest was worthy of the servant of the Minister, as thereby prosperity would guide my steps, and good fortune would smile on me. I said to myself: “For a long time, since the lapse of many a day and year of the past, I have been laying foundation for securing the favour and patronage of the master of the people, the Minister of the world, the Wazir of Sahib Kiran, the honour of kings, the helper of the State and of Religion, the might of ministers, and the professor of both the pen and the sword (may God brighten his resting place and sanctify his earth), and I have been trying to shape the object of my soul so as to deserve his generosity and protection.