Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 16.3.7

16.3.7

But whilst he was making this acquisition, he was losing his Prime Minister, the Ray-Rayan-Chein-Ray, who now departed this life. He was succeeded by his Deputy, Birû-dut, who was ordered to execute the duties of that high office, but without being permitted to assume the title. This Chein-Ray was a curious sort of a man, but so able in his business, and with all so loyal, that he made no account of anything, when it interfered with his master's interest. In a little time he had acquired so far his approbation, and had gained so much over his mind, that the persons of the greatest distinction at his Court, without excepting the Viceroy's two sons-in-law, were obliged to make interest with him, wherever they had a point to carry. So that sometimes they found it expedient to pay him the greatest deference and regard; and how high was his credit and influence, may be conjectured by this single anecdote: I was once in a closet with the Viceroy, where he was conversing privately with his nephews and cousins, and where Sayd-ahmed-qhan having mentioned the present Minister, was comparing him to his predecessor in that high office, and to his own private Minister. "No, my son," replied the Viceroy, "those you mean were my servants; whereas the other was no less than my master." But after having complimented our readers with this little piece of private history, let us return to the thread of public affairs, and especially to the Marhattahs, and to Djano-dji, their Prince and General.