YOU have represented, “that notwithstanding the peremptory com­mands issued by us for the purpose, the necessary articles for enabling “you to open trenches [against Nergûnd] have not yet been sent to you “by any of the Aumils; to whom you, in consequence, request we will “repeat our orders.” It is known.

That light of our eyes* has always been a mere child:* but now his senses must absolutely have forsaken him, as otherwise he could not write to us so often to repeat our orders. One peremptory order from us is [in all cases] sufficient. Where is the Aumil, who dares to be remiss in dispatching the articles [directed to be furnished by us]? If there be any who has disregarded our commands, let him be put to death: or* let the Purwânehs,* so slighted, be returned to the Presence.

The workmen* who arrive from the different Taalûks for the service of the trenches, as well as those already with Bûrhânûddeen, are to be divided between you. Taking half of them, therefore, you must imme­diately commence the business of the trenches: seeing that the rainy season approaches, and that, when that sets in,* the siege cannot any longer be prosecuted with vigour. For this reason, you are to proceed with the utmost dispatch in the attack and reduction of Nergûnd.

The foregoing letter, at the same time that it affords a pretty strong proof of the slight estimation in which the Sultan held the talents of Kumrûddeen, also shews (what is further evinced in many other instances) that in the occasional expression of his disapprobation, he was not apt to be restrained by any consideration for the rank of the person incurring it; dealing out the same measure of asperity to the highest as to the lowest officer or servant, and making no distinction, in this respect, in favour even of his own near relation. The lofty tone, which he assumes in speaking of his orders, is likewise highly illustrative of his imperious temper, and of his quick sensibility of whatever affected his authority; which, it is difficult to believe, should have been actually insulted, in the manner that would seem to be indicated by the close of the second paragraph. Daring, indeed, must the Aumil have been, who could, on any pretext, not simply refuse or with-hold obedience to a Purwâneh of this prince, but contumaciously return it to the person deliver­ing or sending it: for such is the construction to which the passage in question is liable. But whatever the fact may have been, no farther trace of, or allusion to it, is to be met with in the correspondence.