Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 12.21.4

12.21.4

Moluvy, suppose that you are surrounded on one side by unconverted Infidels, and on the other by blaspheming Shismaticks ; and suppose I happen to have enough power to destroy either these or those ; which are we, in your opinion, to put to the sabre first ? The Moluvy who comprehended his aim, but thought proper to dissemble, answered with modesty, " That if the Infidels be in arms and in opposition, it is lawful to fall upon them ; but that it was not lawful to kill the Mussulmen, although they should be sectaries and blasphemers. Indeed to point out to them the right way, and to reclaim them from their errors, is amongst the most meritorious actions which man can perform. Mustapha-qhan replied : Say you so Doctor ? Then we differ greatly ; for according to the doctrines of our own teachers, blasphemers are worse than uninformed Infidels, and they must be served first ; after which the others may be minded in their turn. The conversation having taken such a turn, the Moluvy said not a word more, and he took his leave immediately. The envoys, on being returned home, reported word for word what they heard ; and the Governor, who was already disposed for an engagement, now became eager for it. A report was then current that Mustapha-qhan, in the pride of his heart, had distributed amongst his friends and soldiers, the houses of the inhabitants of the city, and especially those of the Governor's friends.