Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 24.11.2

24.11.2

Although originally a clerk and a penman, he proved that he did not want either courage or prowess upon an emergency; and although he had seen himself courted by Vezirs and by Emperors, nevertheless he had so little pride about him, that he behaved to men of virtue or of distinction with a modesty and an humility that disarmed envy itself. He comprehended at once, and at the very first outset, the intent of every one's supplication; and he used to grant it with a deal of condescension, if he had it in his power, and the subject deserved it; or else, he would offer a handsome excuse, in a condoling language; so that no petitioner ever went away from his presence, dissatisfied or discontented. Perpetually in the hurry of business, and in conference with a variety of people, from day-break till noon-day, and from the evening to three o'clock in the morning, he seemed neither fatigued with the number, nor impatiented with the singularity and extravagance of the demands endlessly crowding upon him; but would attend to every one with a regard always proportioned to the petitioner's rank, never chiding or reprimanding any one, or making use of a harsh or dishonest expression; nor did ever a word of abuse or rudeness come out of his mouth. Keen and knowing in every thing, and well apprised of the prices of all kinds of wares, he never disputed with merchants, but would give them a handsome price at once; nor would he admit stinginess or economy, whenever he wanted to make a present.