Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 18.6.7

18.6.7

At last finding that I remained immovable, they one day contrived to come in a body to the Poor Man's house, with the Prince at their head; and this young man made use of so many intreaties to draw me out of my retirement, that I soon saw that unless I submitted instantly, I might see realised in few days all those evils and misfortunes, which I had only conceived as probable. I conceived that I might experience directly what I feared might happen only in the sequel; and that the Prince, incensed at my refusal, would render my stay at Purniah very uneasy, by setting up some subject of quarrel upon some past subject. Being then at a loss how to manage, I opened my arms to all contingencies, agreed to attach myself to him, and commenced frequenting his Court. For a few days, the young man being much at a loss what to do with his own self, seemed studious of following my advice (doubtless out of natural levity of temper), and he made it a point to manage all his affairs mostly by my counsels, or at my desire. So that like the Vezir in the game of Chess, I was close to a wooden King, that could neither think, nor act, by himself. I was obliged to read him lessons about signing papers, giving audience, and supporting a character in public; and he was so intent on profiting by my lessons, that when I chanced to arrive too late at Court, he would stay all proceedings, and remain silent, until I was come. Such a conduct put me to a deal of trouble and embarrassment.