10 Life and Writings 
Having despatched this note, the venerable 
Poet immediately quitted Ghezni, to avoid 
the indignation of the Sultan, without even 
the mere necessaries of a journey. With 
these however he was secretly provided by 
his frrend Ayazee. 
In passing through Kohistan, Nasir ud 
Deen Mohtassem, the Governor of that coun- 
try, sent for him, and entertained him with 
great hospitality. Mohtassem had personal 
obligations to Mahmood, and finding that it 
was the intention of Ferdoosee to publish 
some poems relative to the conduct of the 
Sultan, he gave him a considerable sum of 
money, and requested that he would consent to 
bury them in oblivion. Moved by the kind- 
ness and generosity of his protector, Ferdoosee 
immediately sent him the writings with the 
following couplets. 
My soul is erieved, O my friend! 
At the conduct of that unjust king ; 
For he has blasted the hope of years, 
And my complaint is gone up to Heaven. 
I had spoken of Mahmood as he deserved; 
{ fearnot the power of any but the Most High; 
I had so blacken’d his reputation, 
That nothing wouldever have effaced the iteims 
But Mohtassem commands, 
