Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 17.3.8

17.3.8

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.