LETTER CXLVII.

To-day Marhamat Khán came into my presence, hav­ing put on a rich dress. The skirt of his robe was so long that his feet were not visible. I ordered Mūharam Khán to curtail two inches of the skirt of that foolish Khán. You should say to him, “The skirt must be of the same length that has been fixed by the court custom; otherwise you should not enter the ‘Ghosal Kháneh.’ A man should put on a simple and durable dress.* Ornament and fashion are the peculiar characteristic of women. These things are proper for women.” By way of advice you should speak to him some words (of the same nature) appropriate to the occasion.