Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 33.5.5

33.5.5

for in a few days the Emperor sent him word, to desire his leaving to His Majesty the disposal of the artillery and of the bathing-place, that is, the private apartments, and he recommended to him a better discharge of his duty as a Vezir. For the latter, sensible that a breach had now taken place between himself and his master, abstained henceforward from going to Court; and the Emperor intimidated at this, commenced caressing him anew, and he even went to see him; in which visit he excused what had passed, and seemed to have regained his heart. But as the reconciliation on either side went no farther than the lips, and it was evidently defective in truth and sincerity, months after months were spent in fruitless negotiations, to the very beginning of the year 1166, and even the first six months of that year were taken up in negotiations, and likewise in giving birth to some events which we are to mention. The Vezir was at a loss how to act. To levy war against the Emperor seemed both improper and odious, and, on the other hand, he apprehended that the conspiracy aimed at his life, as well as at his power and influence. The truth is, that he had neither that fund of policy, nor that blaze of daringness, requisite for an enterprise of such a high nature; he had not that disregard to scruples, necessary to a man that had conceived such high-flown projects, nor that stiffness of mind that enables him to overlook all obstacles, and to set at nought all considerations;