Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 12.19.3

12.19.3

His ambition and fierceness being kindled by opposition, he insisted on the performance of some promises made him in the moment of necessity, and to serve a turn; and he particularly challenged the government-general of Azim-abad, as his right; although the actual incumbent was no less a personage than his master's nephew and son-in-law. On the other hand, the Viceroy thought it hard, that a general promise made for a small service in a moment of need, should be insisted upon as obligatory, when that moment was over; he wanted to shut up the man's mouth by loading him with distinctions, to regain his rancorous, stubborn heart by softening it with sweet words, and to sooth his resentment by expressions full of regard. Some months were even gained in endeavouring by a variety of presents and a profusion of kindnesses, to smother the fancies and whims that were continually shooting up in that covetous mind. But can the sight of a fountain assuage the thirsty man's raging fire, and can the allurement of a soft tale, and all the persuasion of sleep, pacify the heart that pants for enjoyment? The General, after having been fed some months with to-days and to-morrows, at last lost all patience, and spoke openly; he tore the veil that hung still, and renounced past friendship and past obligations. Little by little the coldness encreased; and at the end of Moharrem, in the year 1158, he had already ceased to appear at Court.