1706. LETTER XCVI.

I have communicated my devoted servant (i.e., you) the report, sent to me by Amjad Khán, containing the mis­management of the grandsons of the grandees and of the son of Muhammad Mūzaffar Bakhsha. You should write to Muhammad Iaar Khán*, who is negligent of God like myself, according to my order, for imprisoning the rebels of the capital (i.e., Delhi or Agrá) and for not neglecting, in future, such worldly necessary affairs which are truly religious. Though it is not necessary I will also send you the order. (Verse) “You have got eyes; and the world is before you. There is no need of the teacher and of the teaching (i.e., man must get his experience from the world and not from books).”

I came to know from the letter of a friend that Muhammad A’azam (Aurungzebe’s third son) appointed his own servants, on the royal road, to the post of ‘dák chauki*’. Does he mean to receive the reports of the events (happening in his district)? It is strange that you have not represented to me this case. Possibly the prince is not in his mood (i.e., is careless and indifferent to his work). If he is not particular in his work, how will he manage the state affairs which are a sample of the affairs of the court of God (i.e., which are religious and divine)*? You should write to him to do away with that private (and not of state) invention (of ‘dák chauki’) which he has introduced; otherwise it will be abolished by force. I ask forgiveness from God for my every crime and turn to Him (for repentance). (Couplet) “We cease speak­ing. This is sufficient for the wise. We cried out whether there was any one in the village. (I.e., a word to the wise is sufficient. I have given the prince sufficient advice; now it is for him to act according to it)”.

The ring, with an emerald collet, which last night I selected for Kūlli Khán, is simple (i.e., not engraved). Now I remember that his title is Chin Kilich Khán*. You should write to the head of the jewelry department* to call an engraver, to get the ring engraved with all his (Kūlli Khán’s) titles and then to send it to the above-mentioned Khán.