The Nāṣirī Generations 288.1.3

288.1.3

One day he entered the place of audience of the Muhtashim, Shams, and represented, saying: “It is necessary to give me a private audience. I have important business, which I will communicate in private.” The Muhtashim, Shams, had his audience hall cleared, but the recluse said: “I am not satisfied to proceed lest it should so happen that I might be in the middle of my statement and an interloper might enter, and the matter be interrupted. If the Muhtashim will direct that I may fasten the door of the audience hall on the inside, my heart will be freed from that fear.” The Muhtashim replied: “It will be well: it is necessary to put the chain across the door of the audience hall on the inside.” The honest [!] recluse got up, and fastened the door on the inside, and came and seated himself down in front of the Muhtashim. It was an habitual custom with that Muhtashim constantly to have a finely-tempered palarak poniard in his hand. Sometimes he would place it at his side, sometimes before him, and sometimes he would take it in his hand.