The Nāṣirī Generations 189.3

189.3

Trustworthy persons have narrated after this manner, that there was, in that territory [Lakhanawati], a merchant who had become indigent, and his estate was dissipated. He solicited from ’Ali-i-Mardan some favour. ’Ali-i-Mardan inquired [from those around]: "From whence is that man?” They replied: "From Safahan [Isfahan].” He commanded, saying: "Write out the investiture of Safahan as his fief,” and no one could dare, on account of his great ferocity and unscrupulousness, to say: "Safahan is not in our possession.” Whatever investitures he conferred in this way, if they would represent: "It is not under our control,” he would reply: "I will reduce it.”