3.50 Lieut. -Colonel Briggs on the Life and Writings ofFerishla. 



his own inclination, as well as to fulfil tlie commands of his king, in per- 

 forming the task which has been assigned to him." 



How far he maintained his independence I shall proceed to shew by one 

 more extract from his works. It has been before related how tiie regent, 

 Dilawer Khan, was defeated by the energy of the young king, who thus 

 became uncontrolled master of his own actions. The regent fled to 

 Ahmudnuggur, and induced the king of that state to wage war against 

 Ibrahim ; who, finding he had a difficult task to perform in warding off this 

 attack upon his dominions, resolved to attempt that by stratagem which he 

 was unequal to effect by force. The following is the account in Ferishta's 

 own words. " Ibrahim Adil Shah at length finding mattei's ripe for the 

 execution of his design, sent a messenger to Dilawer Khan, requesting him 

 to return and again take charge of his affairs; observing, that 'he saw, 

 though late, the folly of his conduct, in having listened to the representa- 

 tions of designing men against so worthy a servant : and added that, if he 

 would once more accept of his office, he might depend on meeting with the 

 utmost consideration.' Dilawer Khan, overjoyed at this invitation, returned 

 for answer, that if his Majesty would assure him he should not sufier any 

 injury in his life or property, he would hasten to throw himself at his feet. 

 All the securities he required being granted, the minister, in hopes of once 

 more obtaining absolute power, and establishing an influence over the king 

 as formerly, obtained his dismissal from Buihan Nizam Shah, who in vain 

 represented to him that he was hastening to his own destruction ; observing, 

 that such behaviour as his towards his sovereign could never be sincerely 

 forgiven. The minister, disregarding this warning, came to Bijapur, where 

 he arrived in the evening, as the king was returning from the garden of 

 the twelve Imams to the palace. After having paid his respects, he fol- 

 lowed on foot in the royal train. When he had proceeded a little way, the 

 king called to Elias Khan, and ordered him to show Dilawer Khan a 

 specimen of his own favourite punishment, in putting out eyes. The 

 minister in vain represented that he had come to court on his Majesty's 

 assurances of pardon and safety. The king told him that he had only pro- 

 mised not to injure his life or property, and that depriving him of sight 

 would affect neither. His eyes were accordingly put out ; and he him- 

 self was sent a prisoner to the fortress of Satara, where he remained till he 

 died." 



On this occasion Ferishta has indeed fulfilled the promise he made to the 



