Muntakhab al-tawarikh 78.37.4

78.37.4

In a word how can I, when there is such unanimity of opinion on the subject, find the ability to eulogize such numerous virtues as his. But since I spent in his service the best of this life, which is the flower of youth, and not the mere dregs of life, which is the time of the worthlessness of old age and bewilderment, and since through his kind patronage I have got on so exceedingly well, and am become one of the renowned of the age, and a man of mark in the world, and have obtained the blessing (in so far as it is possible) of contributing to the comfort of the servants of the Lord of earth and heaven, therefore, in gratitude to God for his many favours and goodnesses towards me, have I composed this memorial section, in commemoration of some of his good qualities, though it be but one of a thousand, but a few out of many— “It is not that I confer any honour on Muhammad by mentioning him, But rather my words that are honoured by mentioning Muhammad.” And trusting in the truth of the saying ‘To commemorate the righteous brings down mercy from God,’ I hope on account of this commemoration of his virtues to become a recipient of the all-embracing mercy of God— Repeat to us the mention of Nu'man, verily the mention of him Is like musk, which diffuses its odour as often as thou agitatest it.