Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 17.9.4

17.9.4

for he bore a mortal aversion to those two defilements. He always rose two hours before day-light; and after having gone through the usual evacuations and ablutions, he peformed some devotions of supererogation, and at day-break he said his prayers of divine precept, and then drank coffee with some choice friends. At seven o'clock he went out and sate in state in the hall of audience, where he listened to the representations of his military officers, of his civil officers, of all the persons in office, and of the Grandees of his Court, giving audience and a patient hearing to all comers whatever; and any one could speak to him as long as he pleased. Every one represented his affairs, and received such an answer as his case required; in general such a one as was dictated by goodness and a firm intention to oblige. This audience always lasted two hours, after which he retired into a closet, where he was attended by some persons who were to attend at that place, for instance, by some choice friends, and by his relations, such as Nevazish-mahmed-qhan, Sayd-ahmed-qhan, and also by Seradj-ed-doulah, if present. After that, he amused himself for a full hour with conversation, with hearing verses, reading poetry, or listening to some pleasing story;