"former station, and God knows how far that was " removed from the throne of Dehly. I was " content to have passed my life with the title " of Mullik or Khan, but having attained this ele"vation, I am now astounded to think how I shall "fill it. For since, in spite of the munificence "and talents of Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun and his 66 posterity, they were unable to retain the reins "of government in their hands, how shall I be "able to support the office to which I am raised. "God only knows, how it may fare either with "me or my descendants." Some of the nobles of the court, famed for their experience and wisdom, held down their heads, and seemed lost in deep reflection, while others, young and bold, said to each other, "This is a strange sort of a king, who "has hardly placed his foot on the throne, but "he begins to think on the chance of losing it 66 In again. How will he ever bring himself to "assume that bold and prompt line of conduct "which dares to punish, and seeks to remunerate, "when circumstances require him to do so?" the evening of the same day, the King returned to the new city, where, for the present, he resided; and shortly after, he bestowed in marriage his two daughters (both remarkable for their beauty) on his nephews, whom he had taken under his protection, viz. Alla-ood-Deen, and Almas Beg, (the latter) entitled Alugh Khan. Julal-ood-Deen Feroze Khiljy was celebrated during his reign for many amiable qualities, and particularly for his mercy and benevolence. He hardly ever punished a fault among his dependents, and was never known to lay violent hands on the property of his wealthy subjects, as is too often the case with despotic monarchs. He was in the habit of associating familiarly, even after his accession, with his former acquaintances, and joining their parties, and drinking wine in moderation with them, the same as before. The following persons are those whom he honoured with his personal friendship, and who were among his principal private associates : Mullik-Taj-ood-Deen Koochy. Mullik Kurra Beg. Mullik-Ahmud Hubeeb. Mullik-Kumal-ood-Deen, Abool Maaly. Mullik-Saad-ood-Deen Muntuky.* *It is instructive and interesting to trace throughout this work the various distinctions which marked the several races of conquerors in the appellations belonging to their chiefs. Thus, among the early Arabians, we find the simple title of "Sheikh," with the family surname appended, or some distinguishing characteristic of the individual. The caliphs first brought into use those high-sounding titles, the cheap but valued reward of military merit; such as, "The Commander of those to be saved," "The Lion of God," "The Sword of the Lord," "The Defender of the Faith," "The Splendour of Religion," "The Glory of the Faithful," "The Strength of the Government," "The Right Arm of the State," with numerous others. The northern races, from the regions of Tartary, seem each to have had some peculiar title. In the time of the Samany kings, we find the affix of "Tash" and "Tugeen" to prevail. These persons were distinguished as well for their courage and sense as for their wit and good humour. The following learned men were also frequently admitted to the King's private parties: Taj-ood-Deen Eeraky. Moveiud Deewana. "Ameer-Arslan Kulamy. All these were distinguished for their erudition, and were authors of works of poetry, of history, or of science. These parties were usually enlivened by the best singers, such as Ameer Khassa, and Humeed Raja; and the best instrumental performers; such as Mahomed Shah Hutky. Futtoo Shah. Nusseer Khan. Ameer Khoosrow hardly allowed a party to The Suljook Toorkmans introduced the word "Beg or Bey," to the south; the Moguls brought that of "Khan;" while the race of Khiljy, of whose origin we have so little satisfactory information, but which we must believe to have adopted Afghan habits, at the period we are now about to treat, seem to have been partial to the appellation of " Mullik " or " Malech," a title they used in common with the Jews, from whom the Afghans pretend to derive their origin. take place, without having prepared some new poetry or song for the occasion, for which he was usually rewarded on the spot. During the time Julal-ood-Deen Khiljy held the office of Aariz-oolMoomalik, in the reign of the late King (Keikobad), he settled a pension on Ameer Khoosrow; but now having appointed him librarian, he was raised to the rank of an ameer, and was permitted to wear white garments, a distinction confined to the blood-royal, and to the nobles of the court. In the second year of his reign, Mullik Jujhoo, the nephew of Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, at the instigation of Ameer Ally the master of the robes, who held the government of Oude under the new title of Hatim Khan, assumed royal privileges in his government of Kurra, caused new coin to be struck, and a white canopy to be placed over his head, and proclaimed himself King, under the title of Sooltan Moogheis-ood-Deen. He was joined by most of the nobles of the house of Bulbun, as well as by several rajas of consequence in that quarter. With these reinforcements, he had the boldness to march towards Dehly. Julal-ood-Deen Feroze, hearing of these events, appointed his son the Prince Arkully Khan, with a select body of Khiljian cavalry, to proceed in advance, himself following with the main army, against the rebels. Arkully Khan encountered the enemy about twenty-five miles from the city, and repulsed them after an obstinate engagement. Several omras were made prisoners during the pursuit, among whom was Ameer Ally, the governor of Oude. These were placed on camels, with boughs of trees hung round their necks, and in that condition sent to his father. When Julalood-Deen Feroze saw them, he instantly ordered them to be unbound, to have a change of linen given them, and an entertainment to be provided; and having called them before him, repeated a verse to this purpose: "Evil for evil is easily "returned, but he only is great who returns good "for evil." They were then commanded to retire, in full assurance of his forgiveness. Jujhoo, some days after, being taken by the zemindars, was sent prisoner to the King, who instead of condemning him to death, as was expected, gave him a free pardon, and sent him to Mooltan, where he had a handsome establishment for life. The King's lenity was universally condemned by the Khiljy chiefs, who strongly recommended him to adopt the policy of Gheias-ood-Deen Bulbun, never to pardon a traitor. They said, at all events, the rebels should be deprived of sight, to deter them from further mischief, and as an example to others. If this were not done, they asserted, that treason would soon raise its head in every quarter of the empire; and, should the Moguls once gain the superiority, they would erase the very name of Khiljy out of Hindoostan. The King answered, that what they said was certainly according to the ordinary rules of policy; but, my friends, said he, "I am now old, and I "wish to go down to the grave without shedding "more blood." The King's mistaken lenity seems to have soon produced the effect which these chiefs foresaw. |