Firishta's History (Gulshan-i Ibrāhīmī) 37.5.4

37.5.4

The King replied, "In this particular, also, I have acted in conformity with the law; for I make a point of exacting, even by rack and the torture, all such sums as are proved to have been fraudulently obtained by the public servants." — Third question. "Am I entitled to retain, as my private property, the wealth I obtained during my campaign against Dewgur, before I ascended the throne; or ought it to be placed in the public treasury; and has the army any right to a portion of that booty?" — Answer. "The portion of the King, in that booty, is only one share in common with every soldier who accompanied him on the expedition." The King was displeased at this reply; and said, "How can that be considered public property, or "belonging to the troops, which I obtained during the time I was a general, and which was gained through my own personal exertions?" The Kazy replied, "Whatever the King may have obtained by his individual exertion belongs to him; but whatever is obtained by the exertion of the troops, should be equally shared with them." — Fourth question. "What portion of the above property belongs of right to me individually, and to my children?" The Kazy said, inwardly, My fate is now certainly determined; for since the King was angry at the former reply, that which I must now give will be still more offensive. The King said, "Speak! I spare your life." The Kazy replied, "There are three modes in which your Majesty may act.