Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 100.2.4

100.2.4

"The faithful servant Meeruk, the sun of whose age has passed through sixty mansions, and was hastening to the seventieth, having bowed the "head of submission on the threshold of devotion, "represents, that he has quaffed the draught mixed "with the water of life. In obedience to the "duty and loyalty he owes to the King (by whose "bounty he was cherished), he has shut his eyes "from all other considerations. Had he his wish, "it would be that the life and reign of the King "should be as permanent as the grave will be to "his servant; and he solicits that the King will "esteem him after life as he did during its ex-"istence, and classing him among the most loyal "and devoted of his subjects, will act according "to the wishes now expressed, written in his own "hand. Firstly, That he will send his body for "interment to Kurbela. Secondly, That he will "show favour to the under-mentioned officers, as "worthy of his distinction, and that he will enter-"tain his foreign servants among his own guards." This last testament, with some instructions, he committed to the care of Syud Moortuza, and then reclined upon his bed till the next day, when his soul departed from his body — that temporary and perishable tenement which is only borrowed for a while. Moortuza Nizam Shah became, too late, convinced of the uprightness and the sincere attachment of his minister, whose death he regretted with unfeigned sorrow;