Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 19.5.4

19.5.4

and I have been told, that quantities of that kind of meat had been ordered to be prepared by such of the inhabitants as had a knack at the frying-pan business. All of whom brought him their performances; on which some were applauded, some loaded with encomiums, and some cursed and abused; just as his taste would point out, and his natural levity prompted. And let the credit of this story rest with my author. It was about this time that Rao-shitab-ray made his appearance in these parts, a man henceforward destined to cut so capital a figure. Originally he had been a clerk in the service of Aga-suleiman, a Georgian slave of Qhandoran's, who was Minister of Mahmed-shah; which Georgian, on Qhandoran's demise, became Steward to his son, Semsam-ed-doulah. At first Shitab-ray had but a small salary, and a small office in this nobleman's house; but his merit and abilities having come to light by degrees, he advanced so far in his family, as to be the centre of all the business transacted therein. Several revolutions having happened meanwhile in the capital, and giving rise to an infinity of troubles, that almost overset the circumstances of every inhabitant of that unhappy city, Rao-shitab-ray who did not think it a secure place of abode, nor such as could afford him a subsistence suitable to his wishes, resolved to quit it, and to seek his fortune elsewhere; but as he had friends at Court, he obtained several offices before his departure.