Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 42.24.2

42.24.2

In a time so discouraging, at the very moment of the places being surprised, to expose one's life so prodigally to succour an ill fated master, and to thirst so ardently after that bitter cup of wounds which death was tendering everywhere: these are exertions that seem to go beyond the power of humanity, and that will at all times challenge the admiration of mankind. After that, let the reader cast an impartial eye on the obstinacy, covetousness, endless artifices, and perpetual double-dealing of Aoreng-zib's conduct; on his unrelenting vindictive temper, his unsatiable ambition, and the public lessons by which he continually encouraged faithlessness, perfidy, and treason, on one hand; and on the other, let him consider the valuable qualities which shine in Abool-hassen and in Abdol-rezac's characters; and then let him choose for himself, and determine what he ought to imitate in those two exalted characters, and what to reject, and to execrate in that vile conduct so conspicuous in Aoreng-zib; for this world, after all, is but transitory, and must pass, and that Prince's punition is doubtless in reserve in the other life. Abool-hassen and Abdol-rezac, with their firmness and magnanimity, are gone; Aoreng-zib is gone likewise; and nothing has remained, or will remain, but what the recording page of history has said and will say.