“After laud and thanksgivings to the pure Eternal, and praise and reverence to the Prophet—To the sacred mind of the adorner of the garden of royalty, (presi­dent in the assembly of empire, recliner upon the cushions of sovereignty, gracer of the throne of dignity and power, giver of splendour to the crown and throne, introduction to the volumes of learning and knowledge, chief link in the chain of command, principal band of the ties of dominion and heroism)—Be it known, that the garland of sincerity and regard, namely, their epistle perfumed with friendship, every word of which was as a newly-coined phrase* on the page of learning,) having made its honouring descent in a most auspicious period, when various delights and pleasures employed us—rendered happy our august mind. The expressions respecting the rules of friendship and regard, so well written, had the honour of perusal, and the charmer of message,* to introduce whom, the eloquent tongue of your ambassador was necessitated, found admission to the chamber of our sublime audience.

“Praise be to God, this obliged by the divine Majesty has, from his bound­less favour, gathered ample stores of the flowers of knowledge, and numerous garlands of the blossoms of prudence, into the lap of his condition. Accord­ing to his high genius and expanded mind, under the heavenly direction, he is distinguished by the inspiration of truth and information. Watching, there­fore, strictly as an enemy, his own foibles, he makes constant remarks upon his own proceedings, public and private, in the volume of observation, hoping for pardon; and is not to be ensnared by the fool-deceiving expressions of self-interested persons. Distinguishing between falsehood and truth, he does not engage in any matter that may prove the occasion of shame, and especially of ridi­cule, among mankind.

“It becomes the high dignity of monarchs of heaven-like station, who should be examples to the world, and whom the creator has distinguished among its inhabitants in the circle of being as central points and protectors of the public, that in every affair which they medi­tate, they should, like compasses, draw the line of consideration around the plan, and having weighed its propriety and objections in the scales of argument, then commit to the flight of execution the eagle of performance. Should they themselves not possess a sufficient por­tion of discriminating wisdom and clear judgment, then, having joined to their own ideas those of their ably-reflecting viziers, they should seek assistance from their advice; and, agreeably to their opinion, display upon the pages of appearance the plans of high design and important object; so that they may be applauded, and no difficulty or hindrance occur to their completion. To boast of unaccomplished plans, or commit them to the pen, wisdom directs not; and, doubtless, no consequences but shame can accrue from such conduct.* May the ever-existing God afford you the grace of rightly-guiding wisdom! and may the sun of your royalty shine in the firmament of perpetuity!”*