Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 25.15.4

25.15.4

Unmindful of his own rank, although so full of himself, he passes much of his time in playing at cards and dice, and makes nothing, when in company, of talking much, and in relating during whole hours together stories which he has picked up in ancient times and books, without once minding the ignorance and unadequateness of his audience. It is singular, that whilst he proposes his ownself for pattern to his children, he lives meanwhile like a thorough spendthrift; and although he is provided with an ample estate, and many other emoluments, he manages so well by being always busy in building, and perpetually adding to his houses and places, (of which he has already too many), that he contrives to be constantly in debt, and eternally borrowing: a management that keeps him always needy, and always embarrassed. Unable through whim and thoughtlessness to set some bounds to his prodigalities, he is ever ready to snap at whatever he can hook in, either by borrowing or otherwise; and above all, careless and unmindful of the necessity of payment. Hence we see him eternally dunned by his creditors. It is in this manner he has provided to himself a bad character, and he is become a standing-stock for the curses and imprecations of mankind. His children, in imitation of their father's pride, think themselves equal or even superior in rank, to every one, and also better.