Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 25.14.11

25.14.11

He received a rich paleky, an aigrette, and a serpitch or circlet, all of jewel-work, with a rich jewel called calghy, a chaplet of pearls, and several other articles, to the great wonder of every one, who could not understand what business an eunuch could possibly have in such feasts as these about a circumcision ; nor what such mighty services he could have performed, that should intitle him to such high favours, and to so much distinction. But this is not the only thoughtless expense of Mubarec-ed-dovvlah. There are many more, and more indeed than can be numbered, should we take into the account the high salaries paid to a number of singers and dancers, to whose abilities as much respect and regard is shewn to-day, as was ever paid in times of yore to men of learning and of worth, by the former Sovereigns and Emperors of Hindostan. But no wonder in that, since Mubarec-ed-dovvlah himself is become one of them, at least, he is a scholar to some of those dancers and singers. Justly at that time there arrived at Moorshood-abad one of those dancers and story-tellers. He was son of one Sheriff-qhan, a famous story-teller and dancer, who had been superintendent of the people of that profession, in the service of Ali-dja-mir-cassem-qhan; such was the pedigree of that mighty personage. Immediately a house was provided for him, as if he had been some man of importance;