“The nosegay of the garden of friendship, and garland of the flowers of unanimity, namely, the amber-scented epistle written by the pearl-shedding pen of a secretary, fanciful as Mercury, of the asylum of empire, fruit of the tree of royalty, shrub of the garden of splen­dour and magnificence, gracer of the musnud of honour and distinction, moon of the sky of victory and conquest, descendant of mighty kings, chief of an illustrious family, Jehaundar Sultaun, at a most auspicious instant made its honouring arrival, and information of the contents was obtained.

“Praise be to the Omniscient, who orders every thing agreeably to his divine will, and exalts whomsoever of his creatures he judges worthy of power, according to his capacity. Agreeably to the scriptural declaration (He bestoweth empire on whom he thinks proper*) he invests with the robes of royalty him whom he judges deserving of peculiar bounty.

“To one he intrusts the keys of sovereign power, and another he degrades from a throne; for “whom he will he exalts, and whom he will he humbleth.”* Since, then, he hath conferred upon this submissive dependant on his sacred court, the station of roy­alty as befitting our abilities, it cannot be propitious for any one to envy us this heaven-bestowed blessing, or entertain inimical designs against us. Therefore, it was highly unbecoming to write what could only tend to stir up the flames of contention between us, and consequently involve our subjects in calamity.

“If it proceeded from retrospect to the reign of your gracious father, (whose tomb may God enlighten!) it was rash and imprudent; for this mansion of vicissitude never remaineth long in the same state or possession. It would be more prudent to court our friendship and alliance. May their reign endure according to the wishes of friends!”

Jehaundar, on the arrival of this insulting reply, was inflamed with rage; and without delay marching from his capital, hastened to attack the rebel; who was defeated and slain, in a long con­tested battle:* when his remaining adherents submitting, the empire was restored to its ancient limits.

The sultaun having extended the hand of mercy to the deluded multitude, and re-established his authority, returned triumphant to his charming Mherbanou, but with a divided affection. Among the female captives was the daughter of Bharam Khan, so beautiful, that the prince, fascinated by her charms, became her willing slave.