Muntakhab al-lubab 195.1

195.1

[Text, vol. ii. p. 947.] When Nizamu-l Mulk arrived at Court, he was anxious, as a prudent minister, to show his devotion and competency in the service of the Emperor, by settling affairs of State, accumulating funds, and putting down disturbances. But there was the envy and opposition of the courtiers, especially of Koki Padshah, who would interfere in ministerial affairs, and by receiving bribes and improper gifts, was bringing the Emperor into bad odour. She was strongly opposed to Nizamu-l Mulk. Lastly there was the indifference of the Emperor himself, who made no resistance to the ill repute he was falling into. For these reasons, it appeared to Nizamu-l Mulk that he could not accomplish what was right by continuing to act as wazir. Various reasons have been assigned for Nizamu-l Mulk's second departure for the Dakhin; but I will relate the explanation which I have heard from credible sources. At this time intelligence came to Muhammad Shah from Persia, of the success of Mahmud Khan Afghan over Sultan Husain Shah, the sovereign of Iran. It appeared that the territory from Isfahan to Shiraz had passed into his hands; that the people of Isfahan had suffered great hardships; that Sultan Husain had been made prisoner, and that Prince Tahmasp, with the brothers and sons of Sultan Husain, had left the fortress of Isfahan, with the object of raising forces.