Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 32.15.4

32.15.4

His character was so highly respected amongst all the Lords and Grandees of Mahmed-shah's Court, although some of them were of equal dignity, that they never wrote or spoke to him but as to their superior, and never demeaned themselves in his presence but with deference and submission. Covetousness and ambition seemed to be the basis of his character; but if we can pass over that, we shall find him endowed with a number of excellent qualities. He was a man of eminent merit, who filled a very exalted station that equalled him to the greatest Kings, with all the talents and all the sublime qualifications which his situation required. His Palace was at all times open to the poor, the needy, and the aged, as well as to the learned and the deserving; in one word, to all that had any suit to prefer. To all these he ever paid a strict attention, being careful to relieve their wants. His character for distinguishing merit, and for rewarding it to its full extent, was so universally spread, that men of parts, and also people of all sorts, flocked to his Court from all the neighbouring countries, from Arabia, and from Mavera-al-nahr, from Qhorasan, from Harac, and from Rôm; and all were sure to advance their fortunes in his service.