Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 17.3.13

17.3.13

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;