Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 2.2.1

2.2.1

Sultan Sujah, the second son of the Great Mogol, resembled in many characteristic traits his brother Dara; but he was more discreet, firmer of purpose, and excelled him in conduct and address. He was sufficiently dexterous in the management of an intrigue; and by means of repeated largesses, bestowed secretly, knew how to acquire the friendship of the great Omrahs, and, in particular, of the most powerful Rajas, such as Jessomseingue, and others. He was, nevertheless, too much a slave to his pleasures; and once surrounded by his women, who were exceedingly numerous, he would pass whole days and nights in dancing, singing, and drinking wine. He presented his favourites with rich robes, and increased or diminished their allowances as the passing fancy of the moment prompted. No courtier, who consulted his own interest, would attempt to detach him from this mode of life: the business of government therefore often languished, and the affections of his subjects were in a great measure alienated. Sultan Sujah declared himself of the religion of the Persians, although his father and brothers professed that of the Turks. Mahometanism is divided into various sects, which occasioned the following distich from the pen of the famous Cheik-Sady, author of the Goulistan, I am a drinking Derviche ; I am apparently without religion ; I am known by the seventy-two sects.