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Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 17: Treaty of peace with the Marhattas.

A Translation of the Seir Mutaqherin (Haji Mustafa) 17

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English

Contents

Treaty of peace with the Marhattas.

17.1.1

Aaly-verdy-qhan being now arrived in his capital, received a respectful letter from Mirza-saleh where it was set forth that his master was now all submission to his commands; having taken a sincere resolution to approve himself henceforwards his obedient servant. Some time having been spent in questions and answers, in a few days the treaty of peace was concluded; and it was on the following terms:— "That Mir-habib, deemed henceforward to be in the service of the Majestuous in battles, should be invested by him with the honourable office of Deputy to His Highness in the Nizamet or Military Government of the Province of Oressa. That as Deputy-Governor, he should receive orders to appropriate the revenues of that province to the payment of the arrears due to Rhago-dji-bhoslah's troops. That over and above that assignment, the sum of twelve lacs of rupees should be paid to Rhago-dji's agents yearly, under condition that the Marhattas would never set their foot again within the dominions of His "Highness. Lastly, that the Mutusuddies and the Accomptant-office of Bengal would pay yearly the above sum." "That the river Sonamakia, which runs by Ballisser-bender, should henceforward be reputed to be the wall and boundary betwixt the two dominions, and that the Marhatta armies would never offer to cross it, or to put a foot in its waters."

17.1.2

These conditions having been notified to Mir-habib, were accepted by that General, who sent a paper under his hand and seal, in the form of an obligation, to Aaly-verdy-Qhan; and the negotiation being now concluded, the envoy, Mirza-saleh, was honoured with the appellation of Musaleh-eddin-mahmed-qhan, decorated with many favours, and dismissed with the patent of the treaty, and with an elephant, a Qhylaat of investiture, and several other presents for his master. This treaty of peace restored tranquillity and security to all the campaigns in Bengal; and as no apprehension remained of any invader, or of any commotion from abroad, Aaly-verdy-qhan made a great reduction in his army; and then turned his views entirely towards rebuilding villages, tilling abandoned lands, cherishing the husbandmen, and recalling to their homes the inhabitants of an infinity of towns, plundered and ruined by the Marhattas. He made the ease of the people as well as of the nobility the foremost care of his mind; and as henceforward the town and province of Midnipûr were to belong to Bengal, he appointed to the Foudjdary of the castle and province Radja Ram-sing, who had been hitherto the Commander of the body of spies in his service, an office in which Ram-sing was succeeded by his brother, Nardin-sing. It was about this time that Rabiah-begum, daughter to Hadji-ahmed, and consort to Ata-ollah-qhan, made her appearance in Bengal.

17.1.3

This Princess on her husband's being banished from Aaly-verdy-qhan's dominions, had thought proper to follow her lord's fortunes as far as Lucknow; but the latter having been slain in a battle in which he fought for Nevol-ray against Ahmed-qhan-bangash, the Princess availed herself so well of her being a niece to Aaly-verdy-qhan, and she placed so appositely several rich presents, which she distributed to the Grandees of Lucknow, and to the Zemindars of those parts, that she found means to retreat from that dangerous country, and to repair to Azim-abad with all her fortune, riches, furniture, children, family and dependants, great and small. From Azim-abad she went down to Morshood-abad, where she took up her abode under the shade of Aaly-verdy-qhan, her glorious uncle's protection. It was about this time also that Biroo-dutt, Superintendent of the finances of Bengal, coming to die of an hydropsy, his deputy, Omid-ray, without being appointed Divan himself, was ordered to attend to the duties of that high office, until Radja Kyret-chund, son to the Ray-rayan Aalum-chund, who had been at the head of the Qhalissah-office in Shudjah-qhan's government, should himself arrive, and take possession of that charge. This Radja Kyret-chund, having some knowledge of grammar and syntax, wrote the Persian more correctly and more elegantly than usually falls to the lot of Gentoos;

17.1.4

and he had for sometime been Divan or Prime Minister to Zin-eddin-ahmed-qhan at Azim-abad, as we have already mentioned in the foregoing pages. After his master's death, he attached himself to Ata-ollah-qhan, whom he served as his Divan, and from whom he parted at Banaress, where he remained. From thence he was invited over by several civil letters which Aaly-verdy-qhan wrote him, as an acknowledgment for his having conveyed to him certain important information relative to the finances. Being arrived, he was received with distinction, honoured with a rich Qhylaat in investiture of the Divanship of all Bengal, and at once put in possession of that office, where he thought proper to continue Omid-ray, as his deputy. Kyret-chund being son to a Minister who had long been at the head of all the accounts of Bengal, and was therefore furnished with many important papers, soon found means to prove undeniable balances against several Zemindars, and some other persons of high rank, but chiefly against Djagat-seat and the Radja of Bardcvan. These were all confessed; and the whole, amounting to one coror and some lacs, was paid into Aaly-verdy-qhan's treasury, to the discoverer's great credit, and to his master's great satisfaction, who henceforward reposed an unbounded confidence in him.

17.1.5

The new Minister shone in the full zenith of power and influence for two full years, after which falling sick of an hemorrhoidal distemper, he quitted this life of strife and contention, and departed to the other world. On his death-bed he recommended Omid-ray for his successor; and as this man bore a good character, and had already acted as deputy for a length of years, he was honoured with a Qhylaat, decorated with the title of Ray-rayan, and appointed head of the Qhalissa or Accomptant-General's office. To these two deaths, we must join that of Mir-habib's, who being now invested with the supreme command in Oressa, came to have it in his option whether he should dismiss or keep that multitude of Afghans which were in the Marhatta service; for such of the national troops as were left in Oressa, were under the immediate command of an officer, related to Rhago-dji, but who was under Mir-habib's orders, and could do nothing without directions from him. That General, who had the whole management of the money arising from the revenues of that province, and the disposal of the twelve lacs received from Bengal, used to set apart some of those monies for discharging the arrears due to his Afghans, and transmitted the other part to the treasury of Nagpoor; so that for a year and some months he passed his days agreeably at Catec.

17.1.6

But at the end of that time, Djano-dji, elder son of Rhagodji-bhoslah, having been sent to Catec, invested with the office of Deputy to his father, and of Commander-in-Chief of all the Marhatta forces kept on foot for the defence of the province, fortune turned her back upon Mir-habib. As there were numbers of persons jealous of his great power, and the Mutusseddies or men of office, especially could not bear that General's strictness of command and his imperiousness of temper, they incensed the young Djanodji's mind against him. The young Prince, who presumed much upon his own opinions, and did not always pay an implicit obedience even to his father's commands, ordered Mir-habib to render his accounts. He sent for that General, made him over to the Accomptant's office; and that old soldier who had commanded during his whole life, was now obliged to pass the whole day in hearing questions and giving answers. Unfortunately for him, his troops were at some distance from the Marhatta camp, where he actually was; and, what proved still more unlucky, most of the people that had come in his retinue, being tired with the length of the sitting, had gone about their private business; so that in the evening there remained but few of his people to attend his person.

17.1.7

Djano-dji seeing this, retired under pretence of performing his devotions, and left the Banglaw empty, where the Marhatta soldiers and officers immediately crowded, and sent the General word, that unless he gave an account of the monies which he had received, and unless he left a bond under his hand for the balances which he had appropriated to himself, he would not have leave to depart. The General who trusted to his long and meritorious services, and to his high influence with Rhago-dji, made cheap of Djano-dji's order; and he wanted to get away with the few people about him, sensible that as soon as he should have escaped to his own camp, no one would think of getting him from thence; but although he brought a variety of excuses, he could not extricate himself out of the claws of his destiny. It was now midnight; and the General convinced that words and reasons would be of no avail, put on his clothes; and with his sabre in his hand (this being now the only weapon left in his power), he exhorted the forty or fifty men that were with him, to fight manfully, and to cut their way through the enemy; for he had concluded that without an express order from the young Prince's father, matters would have not been carried so far with him. The Marhatta troopers, encamped round his Banglaw, formed an opposition to his retreat. A dispute ensued;

17.1.8

and both parties proceeding to blows, Mir-habib, who was on foot and unarmed, and had but a handful of men, was slain as he was pushing forward with ardour; and every one of his followers was either killed or disabled. A few that remained alive, although grievously wounded, were made prisoners. Such a fatal event having soon come to Rhago-dji's knowledge, could not fail highly to incense that Prince against his son; but it was too late, and the unfortunate Mir-habib, after so many years of toil and expectation, was snatched from the world, at the very time he was preparing to eat some of the fruits of that tree which he had planted with so many pains and dangers. Doubtless so untimely a fate had been ordered by Providence in compensation for the many families he had ruined in his wars, and the many houses he had destroyed in his incursions, in one word, for the many violences he had been exercising all over Bengal by himself or by others these ten years past. He fell, without having yet tasted of the fruit of enjoyment, and irrevocably lost in an instant the hopes of a whole life of toil and fatigue. After his death, Mirza-saleh, the late negotiator of the peace, received the investiture of the Government of Oressa both from Aaly-verdy-qhan and from Rhago-dji. He received a double Qhylaat, and passed his time quietly enough, but far, however, from shewing that firmness of command, and that authority of person, so conspicuous in Mir-habib.

17.1.9

Nevertheless he made a shift to go on with a difficult administration, where he was obliged alternately to employ threats and dissimulation and forbearance; but in either case, however, he reckoned himself totally dependent of the Government of Naigpôr, without the least deference to that of Bengal.

17.2.1

This year likewise, and it was at the end of 1165, or at the beginning of the next, Radja Djankiram, the Deputy-Governor of Azim-abad, departed this life, and was succeeded by another Gentoo, Radja Ram-naraïn, son to Reng-laal. This latter gentleman had been from his very youth bred in Aaly-verdy-qhan's family, where he had been first Secretary to Zin-eddin-ahmed-qhan at the very beginning of his administration; from thence he was appointed Pish-car or precursor or deputy to the Divan of Prime Minister of Bahar; and in Djankiram's time he rose so high, as to be promoted himself to that high office, in which he exhibited so many abilities in clearing up the accounts of finances, and so much fidelity in managing its receipts and expenditures, that he came to be worthy of no less a station than that of Deputy-Governor of the province of Azim-abad. He received the investiture of it in a rich Qhylaat, to which was added a serpich, a sabre, and an elephant. This promotion of a Gentoo was followed by another. It was that of Radja D8l8bram who in Djankiram, his father's time, had been Deputy-Divan of the musters at M8rsh8d-abad, and was reputed one of the trustiest men in Aaly-verdy-qhan's service. On his father's death, he received with each of his three brothers a Qhylaat of mourning; and in a few days more he received another that appointed him Divan of the musters in his own sole name;

17.2.2

and as he had given the world a great opinion of his abilities and integrity, he was desired by Radja Ram-naräin to act as his Agent-General at the Court of M8rsh8d-abad, and to transact there for him every business that might require a question or an answer, or any other discussion about whatever concerned the administration of Azim-abad. Aaly-verdy-qhan, now fully employed in pacific occupations that tended to promote the welfare of his people, passed his days pleasantly but regularly. Every day of the week was appointed for some particular business, or some particular object, never to be interfered by any other; a distribution of time which he had always affected, and which greatly contributed to dispatch and regularity. In the winter season he used to repair to Radjmahl, where he enjoyed the pleasures of hunting the stag and the tiger (a diversion of which he was particularly fond), and after having spent his mornings in it, he amused himself with animals fighting together, such as cocks of Decan, and of elephants. At these hunting parties he was always accompanied by his second nephew and son-in-law, Sdyd-mahmed-qhan, who never failed at such times to come down from P8raniah, and sometimes dutifully accompanied his uncle as far as M8rsh8d-abad, where he took that opportunity to make a visit to his elder brother, Nevazish-mahmed-qhan, as well as to the consort and three sons of his younger brother, the unfortunate Zin-eddin-ahmed-qhan.

17.2.3

This year in particular he had a further motive to repair to the capital, where his elder brother and his consort, Biby-Gahassity, were intreating him to listen to the wishes of Nefissa-begum, who wanted to marry Aga-baba, her adoptive son, to one of Sdyd-mahmed-qhan's daughters; and exerted every nerve to accomplish that end. The Prince had now brought the intended bride, with all his friends, relations and kinsmen, and every preparative relative to the wedding; when lo! the ceremoney was at once suspended by the premature death of Ecram-ed-doulah, younger brother to Seradj-ed-doulah, a youth who had been adopted in his very craddle by his uncle, Nevazish-mahmed-qhan, who never had any child of his own. The infant was bred with the tenderest care under the eyes of his adoptive father, who doated so much upon him, that a stranger would have taken him for the most impassionate lover. He died of the small-pox, which proved so virulent, as to amaze all the beholders. The moment he ceased to be, a general scream and howling, not unlike that which shall rise at the last judgment, broke forth from every part of the palace, and it was echoed by those that rose in Aaly-verdy-qhan's palace, and in those of all his relations, all of which became inconsolable. This mournful accident having suspended the match, the father with the bride returned to Poorania. This loss made a deep impression on the adoptive father's heart. He henceforward lost all relish for the world;

17.2.4

became restless and often giddy, sour in his temper, negligent in his dress and person, and totally alienated from every thing, but the tender object of his sorrow. In vain did his consort, in vain did his venerable uncle, try every method to reconcile him to life and enjoyment. Numberless pastimes and amusements were daily offered to his sight; all in vain. The inconsolable lord seemed insensible to any other feeling but that of his loss. Some months after, and it was on the day of the sacrifice, that day of rejoicing and fresh clothes for all mankind, he was visited by Aaly-verdy-qhan, who requested, but in vain, some change of apparel on so great a solemnity. The afflicted man proved deaf; and the Viceroy seing in what condition he was, ordered him to be shifted in his very presence; he also directed his consort and all the ladies of his sanctuary to appear in his presence with clothes suitable to so great a day, so as to attract some attention from him by such a spectacle. The man submitted to every-thing; but as soon as he was left to himself, he threw away his turbant, dropped his new clothes, and sat disconsolate in his late squalid apparel, the very picture of desolation and despair. He would strike his hands on his head and face, weep bitterly, and vent his grief in the most piercing lamentations, interrupted now and then by deep sobs. I have been disloyal to my love, did he say, wringing his hands together, I have parted with him;

17.2.5

have been a faithless lover, an ungrateful friend, but stay, will repair my neglect — It was in this manner he went on consuming his days, a prey to grief and unutterable woe. At last it pleased the Almighty comforter of the afflicted to provide some relief for his mind. A lady that had been attached to the deceased young Prince, and had been left pregnant by him, was in a few months brought to bed of a son; and this lucky event was seized on by Aaly-verdy-qhan to alleviate his nephew's sorrow. In compliment to his grief, the infant was in his very craddle decorated with the rank of six thousand horse, and the title of M8rad-ed-doulah, or the wished-for of the Empire. No insignia, no mark of elevation and eminence were spared for him; he had his fringed Paleki, his Nagara, (or kettle-drum), his insignia of the fish, his standards, and even his Naleki and Taht-revan, or moving throne. The patents of all these distinctions having been supplicated long ago from the Imperial Court, were now carried by the Viceroy himself to his inconsolable nephew, who struck with the newness of the sight, turned his eyes upon the child, amused himself with its smiles, and by degrees conceived a fondness for him; and no less than such a consolation was requisite to make him go on with his own existence. And now to dignities and sounding titles were added employments. The superintendency of the buildings (which is an office of importance) was conferred on the child;

17.2.6

and a retinue of mace-bearers, menial servants, gentlemen-ushers, secretaries, equeries, horses, and camels and elephants, as well as a seraglio, having been provided for him, all proportioned to their lord's size, the child and its diminutive household being sometimes carried along the streets, afforded a diverting spectacle to the whole city. Some persons of character and distinction having been thought of for superintending his education, and some others for watching over its amusements, or partaking of its pleasures, those offices came to be sought for with a deal of emulation, as being deemed a sure road to preferment. It was In this manner the disconsolate man was beguiling his sorrow and grief; but yet, since the accident that had deprived him of his darling, he seemed to be dead to the world. No life seemed to remain in him; and not only his own person was verging to a sensible decay, but his very family, and indeed, the whole of Aaly-verdy-qhan's family, was withering visibly from that very time. Doubtless the recording hand of an attentive Providence had entered in its registers the behaviour of Hadji-ahmed to Sereffraz-qhan's family, after that Prince's death, behaviour overlooked by Aaly-verdy-qhan, his brother. Hadji-ahmed had rent the veil, the sacred veil, that hung over the deceased's innermost household. He had cast a prying eye throughout his sanctuary; had given way to a prophane longing for some ladies of his bed; thrown a criminal hand upon some of them;

17.2.7

and carried others away by main force. Nor were all those enormities taken notice of by the Viceroy, his brother, who unaware, or more probably unmindful, of his having become by his victory the supreme Magistrate of the country, had the meanness to wink at such atrocities; and as other excesses and other enormities had been exercised also over the deceased's children, ladies, family, dependants and private estate; so, a like treatment had been invisibly set apart for the perpetrators; and an avenging Providence, that had minutely recorded every one of those excesses, now came upon the victorious family for a full retribution, and a chastisement in kind. In the zenith of the conqueror's power, such infamies and lewdnesses came to be practised by some females and other persons of his family, as cannot be mentioned with decency, but effectually dishonoured his family for ever. All his daughters, as well as his beloved Seradj-ed-doulah, lapsed into such a flagitious conduct, and they were guilty of such a variety of shameful excesses, as would have disgraced totally any person whatever, still more, persons of their elevated rank and sublime station. It was this darling of his, this beloved Seradj-ed-doulah, who by running up and down the streets, accustomed himself to hold such vile discourses, and to commit such unaccountable actions, as amazed every one.

17.2.8

Patrolling every street and every lane with a cohort composed of Aaly-verdy-qhan's children and grand-children, he fell into an abominable way of life, that respected neither rank, nor age, nor sex, but was calculated to prepare from afar the ruin and desolation of that sublime building of fortune and sovereignty which its founder had been rearing with so much toil and danger. No notice was taken of so flagitious a conduct ; and it was on such repeated connivances that the young man commenced a course of enormities that afforded materials, and administered fuel, to the overtaking vengeance of an unerring observer. This conduct, which Aaly-verdy-qhan overlooked in that infatuated young man, turned out to be so natural in him, that at last he became fearless, and was committing daily excesses and violences of all kinds, not only without the least remorse, but also without the least reprimand. He made a sport of sacrificing to his lust almost every person of either sex, to which he took a fancy ; or else, he converted them without scruples into so many objects of the malignity of his temper, or the frolics of his inconsiderate youth. And having by this time provided himself with a number of followers consonant to his mind, he commenced a course of insolencies, infamies, and profligacies ;

17.2.9

and either out of that ignorance, incident to that age, or because of an ardour natural to his constitution (although really it was because of his perfect reliance on his uncle's forbearance), such a course of life became in him his real character. This is so far true, that he was observed to be low spirited and melancholy, whenever he fell short of opportunities to commit his usual excesses and enormities ; and they became so customary to him, that he acted all along without a grain of remorse, or a spark of recollection. Making no distinction betwixt vice and virtue, and paying no regard to the nearest relations, he carried defilement wherever he went ; and like a man alienated in his mind he made the houses of men and women of distinction the scenes of his profligacy, without minding either rank or station. In a little time he became as detested as Pharao. People on meeting him by chance used to say, God save us from him ! And his insolence and pride growing to a height by impunity, he set at nought the important services rendered to his uncle and family by both Hossein-coly-qhan, and his brother, Haider-aaly-qhan, and he undertook to put them both to death. This was his coup-d'essay ;

17.2.10

and to insure success to his design, he made use of some art to gain the heart of a young man, who having had mighty disputes with the officers employed by Hossein-c8ly-qhan, Deputy-Governor of the province of Dacca, had come over to M8rsh8d-abad to complain of them, and had found means to lay his case before Nevazish-mahmed-qhan, who concerned himself in his behalf. His name was Aga-sadyc, and his title, Sadacat-mahmed-qhan, son to Aga-bakyr, a considerable Zemindar of those parts. Seradj-ed-doulah engaged him to return to Dacca in order to kill Hussen-eddin-qhan, nephew to Hussein-c8ly-qhan, and the latter's Deputy of Dacca, a young man who for some reasons had fallen into a melancholy, that had disordered his senses. The man did exactly as he was bid. Such a murder committed so bluntly, struck a terror and consternation in the mind of all the inhabitants of that great city, who concluded that an action of that high nature would have never been perpetrated, had not some person of the first rank afforded it countenance. So that every one remained silent, and thoughtful, until it became known that the perpetrator had no order, and no voucher in his hand. He was therefore set upon by the inhabitants and by the friends of Hussein-c8ly-qhan, who missed the murderer, but by mistake killed his father, Aga-bakyr. The son having escaped so great a danger, fled to M8rsh8d-abad; and by such a step threw away both his peace of mind, and the safety of his person.

17.2.11

This affair was put up with by Seradj-ed-doulah for the present; but it was only for the present; for he soon found means to concern all the members of his family in his resentment; and his grandmother, consort to Aaly-verdy-qhan, went so far, as to ask leave to put to death the two obnoxious brothers, meaning Hussein-c8ly-qhan, and Haider-aaly-qhan. The old Viceroy, by one of those neglects that cannot be ascribed to anything but an unavoidable fate, contented himself with answering, that such an affair could not be done without Nevazish-mahmed-qhan's consent.

17.3.1

This, the grandmother undertook to procure; and after having extorted her husband's tacit consent, she applied to her son-in-law, by his consort, who was her daughter. This Princess, although so nearly related to Seradj-ed-doulah, bore him an invincible hatred; but at that time there had happened a little misunderstanding between her and Hossein-c8ly-qhan for an inconsiderable subject, which it would be improper to mention; and she was so dissatisfied with him, that she joined her mother in persuading Navazish-mahmed-qhan. The latter, who had been at all times a weak man, and now was discontented with both earth and heaven, gave his consent to an infamous action which contained in itself his condemnation in this world, and in the other; the more so, as he was an intimate friend of Hossein-coly-qhan's; and oaths and promises upon the glorious Coran had intervened between them, that he would at all times take as much care of the life and honour of his friend, as he might of his own. All these preparations being over, Aaly-verdy-qhan, to save appearances, as he fancied, and to conceal his share in the perpetration of the crime, went to Radjmahl, on pretence of a hunting party. This hunting coming to the ears of Sayd-ahmed-qhan, his son-in-law, he repaired thither from Purniah, to pay him his respects; and it is that nobleman that did me the honour to present me to Aaly-verdy-qhan. This Prince was pleased to make much of me; and he seemed desirous to attach me to his person;

17.3.2

but fate did not allow him time, and as I was already provided for, his desire did not take place; but it is very probable, that had I repaired to his capital immediately after Sayed-ahmed-qhan's demise, he would have amply provided for me to the utmost of my wishes, and in a manner suitable to my rank in life. But Aaly-verdy-qhan died soon after; and it became too late to avail myself of his good will. And thanks be to God, that I was not reduced to the necessity of appearing at a new door. After such a digression, which the reader will pardon, we shall return to the thread of our history. Seradj-ed-doulah then on his grandfather's departure, made a visit to his uncle, Nevazish-mahmed-qhan, and having received his consent, he was returning home in the evening; and this was in the beginning of the year 1168. But as Hossein-coly-qhan's house, lay full in his way, and that poor wretch, who expected his death these many days, had constantly kept himself at home, he stopped at the gate, and ordered that both brothers should be brought forth directly. Hossein-coly-qhan, warned by the throng at his gate, fled, and took shelter in Hadji-mehdy's house, which was close to his own; and he desired him to go immediately, and to give notice to Navazish-mahmed-qhan, (whose gentleman usher Hadji-mehdy was) of his friend, Hossein-coly-qhan's danger. Thither Hadji-mehdy went immediately; but receiving no favourable answer, he was returning home in a dejected state of mind.

17.3.3

Meanwhile the satellites having broke into the man's house, and into the adjoining ones, soon found Hossein-coly-qhan, whom they brought to their master. That cruel, relentless, remorseless monster, no sooner cast his eyes upon him, than he ordered his being hacked to pieces; and he was hacked to pieces accordingly. It was in this manner that unfortunate man drank up his cup of martyrdom. His brother, Haider-aaly-qhan, who was blind, being brought in the same manner, was made a partaker of his brother's fate. But as he was an ancient warrior and a valorous man, instead of descending to supplications and tears, as had done his brother, he gave his murderer foul language, and loaded him with taunting reproaches, in which he severely reflected on his person, his mother, and his family. Thou worthless fellow! said he, it is thus that thou murderest brave men? He was not suffered to say more, but was instantly cut down.

17.3.4

The innocent blood spilt in that occasion proved as fertile in troubles, as that of Siavush of old. It produced a series of events that proved fatal to that power and dominion, which Aaly-verdy-qhan had been rearing with so much bodily labour, and so much toil; it lighted up a blind fire which soon after these two murders, commenced emitting smoke; and which breaking out in flames at last, destroyed in its progresses all that numerous family; and extending its ravages far and near, consumed every thing in those once happy regions of Bengal, prostrating and overwhelming totally those rich provinces which it has reduced to a heap of ashes, and yet smoking coals. It verified that tremendous sentence once revealed to the Prince of Messengers: So shalt thou have done; so shalt thou receive.

17.3.5

After that unhappy transaction, Aaly-verdy-qhan returned to his capital; and his son-in-law, Sayd-ahmed-qhan, took the road of Puraniah; but the latter was uneasy in his mind, and thoughtful at what he had seen, and heard lately; and as this had put an end to all the confidence which he had hitherto reposed in both the uncle and the nephew, he resolved henceforward to spare nothing that might secure himself in his post; and it is from that moment that an avenging Providence commenced providing materials for its future exertions. But as it is the faithful historian's duty to assemble such events as are come to his knowledge, and to speak of them precisely as they shall have happened, without being biassed by either envy or love, and without flattering either side or party; so I repose so much confidence in the candour and equity of my generous readers, as to flatter myself, that without suffering their minds to be darkened by the dust of discontent, they shall abate in behalf of the poor man (me) something of the punctilious delicacy of their taste; and that they shall overlook all the blemishes of this history in favour of its sincerity and exactitude. I flatter myself, I say, that they shall cover the writer with the cloak of forbearance, should they judge the writing itself unworthy of their praise. Nevazish-mahmed-qhan ever since Ecram-ed-doulah's demise, had fallen into a course of despondence and sorrow, that incessantly preyed upon his spirits;

17.3.6

so that he was seldom himself, and seldom easy or in full health. After a length of time symptoms of an hydropsy were discovered upon him. A little before that distemper had declared itself, the physician, Aaly-naky-qhan the Isfahanian, used to say that the distemper was preparing to make its appearance, and that now was the time to provide against it by taking more care of his person, or never; but the disconsolate Lord continued as insensible as usual. After the distemper had declared itself, his consort and friends intreated him, but to no purpose, to allow himself to be taken care of. Matters growing worse, Aaly-verdy-qhan ordered him to be brought to his palace, together with his consort, and his whole family and dependants, without excepting the women that were connected with his nephew, and in particular Bhag-bhai, a favourite actrisse and some others. As soon as he arrived, he was made over to the physicians; but as it is in vain for a man to arm himself with a bucler against the shafts of destiny, the sick lord's condition became worse and worse; and signs of an approaching dissolution made their appearance. His consort, who although actually in her father's house, trembled lest Seradj-ed-doulah should confine her in that very palace, now resolved to provide for her safety; and putting herself in a covered chair together with her dying husband, she carried him to her own lodgings, where the sick man paid no attention to that change.

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But on the evening of the day in which he was to depart this life, he asked what day of the week would be to-morrow, and being answered, it would be Monday, he expressed his joy and said: a pleasing day! I will be joined to my love. And whether he gave directions accordingly, or that his people paid a regard to his attachment to the young Prince, it is certain that he was entombed close to him. He died the thirteenth of the second Reby, in the year 1169 of the Hedjra; and his Secretary has enclosed this date in a chronogram in verses which he composed on the occasion. As soon as it was daylight, his body was attended by the Prince of the learned, Mir-mahmed-aaly-fazyl, (whose learning may God preserve!) by Aaly-verdy-qhan himself, and by all the relations and kinsmen of that family, as well as by the principal persons of the city, joined to an infinity of persons of all sexes and ranks. After purifying the body according to law, and pronouncing over it the customary prayers, they took it up, and carried it alternately upon their shoulders, to Moty-djil, a country-seat which he had built himself and much embellished. There they deposed it for a while in the mosque which he had raised in that palace's garden; and then they committed it to the ground close to Ecram-ed-doulah, in the very yard of that mosque. The moment they first raised his body from the ground, such a cry and such a scream broke out at once from an infinity of men and women, as seemed to rend the air;

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it was such as had never been seen or heard on the like occasion at any time before. But there is no wonder if he was so much regretted. He used to spend thirty-seven thousand rupees per month in charities to old impotent persons, whether distant relations or not, whether acquaintances or strangers; and this was over and above the stated pensions that were borne in his books. These secret charities were every first day of the month put in small cloth-bags of several bignesses, and sealed in his presence; after which they were ranged in several classes upon large trays or covered tables, and entrusted to eunuchs and trusty old women of his seraglio, who carried them round from house to house to each respective owner. May God's mercy rest upon him for ever! His compassion to the distressed, the impotent, the orphan and the friendless, was so extensive, that he surpassed in beneficence every member of a family where that quality seemed to be of natural growth. He was fond of living well, and of amusements and pleasures; could not bear to be upon bad terms with any one; and was not pleased when a disservice was rendered to another. Every distressed widow and orphan of the city of M8rsh8d-abad seemed to him to be of his family. If any one of them had no certain livelihood, or if having any, it proved insufficient, or if sufficient, it was liable to some impediment; any person of such a description was sure of finding a patron in him.

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All such persons were sure to be relieved, and relieved with an exactitude, and a modesty that seemed striving to oblige handsomely. He was averse to flattery, and disinclined from those rules of state, and those airs of reservedness imposed on persons of his high rank. He loved to live with his servants, as their friend and companion, and with his acquaintances, as their brother and equal. All his friends and acquaintances were admitted to the liberty of smoking their Hoccas or Pipes in his presence, and to drink coffee, whilst he was conversing familiarly with them; and he made it a point to oblige them, without making a parade of it; and also to grant a favour in secret, for which he had excused himself in public, and had asked their pardon. One day Naky-c8ly-qhan, son to Hadji-abdollah the historian, a man of letters who had been Divan of Burhanpur in Aoreng-zib's time, having interceded for a Seyd, who was now in prison at Djehanghir-nugur for a balance of six thousand rupees due to Government, and which he could not pay, he represented "that it would be a pity that "so worthy a Seyd should be in penances, whilst so many "thousand rupees, to the double and even the quadruple of that "sum, were monthly spent in alms and in charities; and he added "that it was to be hoped that the above sum would be forgiven "the man, and also that he would be sent for to the presence, "and provided for." This short request had its full effect on that beneficent nobleman.

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With evident signs of emotion and pity, he ordered that letters of pardon should be immediately dispatched for that man, with orders to send him to Murshud-abad; and he returned thanks to the intercessor for having put him in mind of so meritorious a piece of work. May God bless you, said he, for your having brought such an action in my way, and procured me such a happiness! If the Crown-officers prove dilatory, give me notice of it quickly, that I may provide against their malice, and deliver that poor Seyd from that scene of evil and affliction. Such instances of his beneficence were without number, and they are remembered by all to this day. My mother having been obliged to quit Patna in order to go to Murshud-abad, where she had some particular business, carried her whole family thither, to wit, my two younger brothers, Seyd-aaly-qhan and Ghalib-aaly-qhan, as well as her daughter's husband, Mir-assed-aaly; and finding herself obliged to remain in that city longer than she expected, she was somewhat at a loss how to subsist honourably. That blessed man no sooner heard of this, than he undertook her support; and without waiting for any prayer or recommendation, he of his own accord settled upon her a plentiful and honourable pension; and besides that, he made her yearly presents of precious stuffs fit for her person and family, especially of those that were bespoke for his own family in quantities at Djehanghir-nugur, Maldah and Nediah.

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And as Ghalib-aaly-qhan, her younger son, was of the same age with his adoptive son, Ecram-ed-doulah, he took a pleasure in carrying him together with the young Prince to his country-seats and gardens in his parties of pleasure. In one of those parties, a dance-girl of the troupe in Ecram-ed-doulah's service chanced to take a liking to Ghalib-aaly-qhan, and was now and then in her very performance dropping amorous glances at the young man; who being himself so very young and so unexperienced in what might be right or wrong, and withal so exposed to all the inadvertencies incident to humanity at that age, used to return the glances in the same style. The young noblemen of the same age, who accompanied Ecram-ed-doulah having observed that rising intelligence, were fired with jealousy and emulation, and they gave notice of the matter to him; so that he quitted the garden with apparent marks of displeasure. Nevazish-mahmed-qhan informed of this, sent for my mother, and with the greatest gentleness and circumspection, he gave her notice of what had happened; and added that in his opinion the best way to prevent the two children from falling out together, would be to keep her son at home for some days. Ecram-ed-doulah, who in thoughtlessness and violence of temper was a true copy of his elder brother, Seradj-ed-doulah, did not seem fully satisfied with that retreat;

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and to give himself the merit of having repressed his anger out of complaisance to his adoptive father, he was heard to say in his presence, "that yesterday Ghalib-aaly-qhan had fairly escaped out of his hands; else," added he, "I would have killed him on the spot." These words having been several days together successive repeated in his presence, the good natured lord comprehended that the speaker wanted to feel his pulse on the subject; and losing patience at once, he screamed out: By the thirty chapters of the word of God, had you killed him, I would have cut your throat with my own hands. After this sudden flash of resentment, he recovered his usual tone of voice, and after having spoken with all that tenderness which he constantly shewed him, he gave him a severe reprimand. Ecram-ed-doulah surprised at a speech that proved so contrary to his expectation, wept much and sobbed much, and then said: "You would have killed me for him, then? Yes," replied the blessed man, "I see no great difference between you and him. You are son of one sister of mine, and he is son of another." Ecram-ed-doulah hearing a language to which he was not accustomed, cooled by degrees, and repressed his anger. Such was that blessed man's temper;

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and it must be acknowledged that the care he took of another's life, where his own heart was so deeply concerned by the ties of an attachment that even exceeded the most impassionate love, could not arise from anything else than a peculiar excellence of character. But there is here a still stronger proof of it. He was fond of a famous actrisse or dancer called Bhag-bhai. Her rank in his family was next to that of his consort; and to oblige him, the Princesses of his kindred paid her much regard and much deference; but my mother, (may God long keep her shade stretched over my head!) who was haughty and sometimes of a strange temper, could not bear to see her, and would not even converse with her on any account. Now it must be observed, that it was customary for him in speaking to my blessed mother to make use of the expressions, Hear lady, or hear biby. Bhag-bhai having inadvertently made use of the same expression, my mother flew into a passion, and said: "Who art thou, woman, that thou should dare to speak at that rate? This way of speaking becomes superiors, when speaking to inferiors, or masters when speaking to their dependants; but thou art in neither predicament. Look at this maid of mine yonder; I set no great difference between you and her. If there be any, it is in this, that she wears a few trinkets of silver and gold, and that thou wearest many gems and much jewel-work." Bhag-bhai stooped and did not answer a single word;

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but she was deeply wounded, and she complained bitterly to her lord. His answer was, that such was that lady's temper, that she knew it; and why then did she put herself in her way? My mother went home, with an intention to return to Azim-abad; and she for a long time abstained from going to Court. But such a separation was more than the blessed man could bear. He sent persons of distinction to soothe her mind, but all in vain; till at last he sent her this message: Please to come of yourself; else, I declare to you that we shall go, Biby-Gahassity and myself and by all means shall bring you along. My mother on this message, repaired to the palace, where he received her with the highest distinction, requesting her to be reconciled to his family and house. She answered that she wanted to repair to Azim-abad. And why so, replied the worthy man, with a melting tone of voice? Why should you insist upon leaving us? No one has said anything disagreeable to you; you have of yourself taken offence, and have said whatever. you had a mind to. At this moment his consort, Gahassity-biby, who had her cue, made suddenly her appearance. She was in company with Nefissa-begum, mother to the late Ser-effraz-qhan, a Princess who was treated with the highest regard by the reigning family. Pray, sister, what is the matter with your anger, said she ? And what is the matter that you are so angry with your brother ? What he tells you seems to be right ;

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and you, sister, wholly taken up with a quarrel of your own making, do not mind all the uneasiness you give him. To all this my blessed mother continued to pay no attention, seemingly intent only on asking and obtaining leave to be gone ; upon which the good natured man arose from his Mesned, and went up to her. Well then, said he, I am guilty ! I am guilty ! And now I come to your feet to obtain my pardon. These words overpowered my blessed mother ; her sensibility broke forth into a flood of tears, and she poured a torrent of blessings upon him. She got up, uttered a fervent prayer that God Almighty might prolong his days, and his power, and she promised to remain.

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It is such an amiable character that she is now remembering with sobs and regrets ; and it is such a surpassing goodness she is mentioning at times with floods of tears, in which with a voice interrupted by the sobs of deep felt woe she often supplicates the most merciful of the most merciful to make him an object of his forgiveness. His kindness was no less conspicuous with the family and descendants of Aga-mirza, who was a son of the learned Doctor, Medjlissi, with whom he had been acquainted, so early as the reign of Shudjah-qhan, at which time Aga-mirza was then in the splendour of his power and influence. He took such care of his deceased friend's children and consort, the latter of which was a daughter of Naky-coly-qhan, that no one would be more careful of his own wife and children. On hearing that his friend had died in his boat, on his coming from Dacca, where he had an office of importance, but when he heard that the family was not in good circumstances, he sent for the relict and her two sons, the one Mirza-bakyr, and the other Mirza-abdollah (whom may this my salute reach intire ! ) and took such care of them as to surprise even those that were acquainted with the goodness of his heart. He appointed eunuchs to inspect their conduct, and masters to teach them the grammar and sciences; and he added to those cares a pension of seven hundred rupees per month, over and above seven hundred more which he allowed the mother;

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to all which he used to join in both seasons a profusion of precious stuffs, which were always ushered with this expression: These can only fit your maids; but accept them for my sake. Doubtless it is of him that it was said: Verses: "Live in such a manner as that whenever you die, "Your virtues Should make you live anew in the remembrance of mankind." As I, the poor man, was upon the most intimate footing with that nobleman, as well as with his brother, Sdyd-ahmed-qhan, and I had a perfect knowledge of their characters, and ways of life, I can vouch for the foregoing two stories (one of which happened in my own family); and of such stories there may be a thousand; for he had a thousand such acquaintances, on whom he bestowed his care and money in so generous a manner, that he kept it as a secret. But it is no less certain that there was no orphan and no widow in the city, that did not partake in some shape or other of his bounty and munificence; and how far he had carried the benignity of his temper, may be conceived from this particular, that at his death the city of Mürshüd-abad looked like an immense hall filled with people in mourning; and that an infinity of persons looked upon his death as an irreparable loss for their own families. His second brother, whose name was Mahmed-sayd, and whose titles at length were Nassyr-el-mulk-säyd-ahmed-qhan-bahadyr-söölut-djung, had a character that held the middle way between his two brothers.

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He was handsomer than either, superior to both in many respects, their equal in most, and their inferior in few, if any at all. In power, riches, and influence, he was inferior to his elder brother, Nevazish-mahmed-qhan; and in that sense he was likewise inferior to his younger brother, Zin-eddin-ahmed-qhan, to whom the possession of the important Government of Azim-abad naturally gave a great lustre; he was, however, supposed to be richer than him. But on the other hand, he was thought to be somewhat below that standard in prowess and military talents, although undoubtedly superior in those respects to his elder. In the sweetness of his deportment, and also in knowledge and science, he was superior to both; but in firmness of temper, and in acuteness of discernment Zin-eddin-ahmed-qhan surpassed both his brothers. Sëyd-ahmed-qhan in his youth had been much addicted to amusements and pleasures, that is, he was fond of the company of fine women, and delighted in seeing dancers and actrisses and singers ; but this turn of mind having brought upon him the disgrace which befell him in Catec, he so far corrected his way of life that, instead of those dissolute men that had been always in his company, he attached to his person a number of friends distinguished by their birth, their virtue or their knowledge ; and instead of passing his life amongst dance-women and actrisses, he only indulged now and then in looking or listening at their performances.

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