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The sovereign, the capital, army, peasantry, every thing that de- 

 pends on Futty Sihng's administration, displays his oppression, 

 weakness, and bad taste. 



Almost the only commendable trait in Futty Sihng's character 

 seemed to be his wisdom and policy in so long preserving the 

 attachment and faithful services of his virtuous vizier, or duan, 

 Hiroo Nand, then lately deceased, as hereafter mentioned. His 

 immediate friends and companions were men of debauched prin- 

 ciples and infamous conduct. The Ayeen Akbery would have 

 taught the Brodera chief a better lesson; from another virtuous 

 vizier, the wise Abul Fazel, he would there have learned, that " the 

 companions of a prince, whose advice he follows in affairs of 

 moment, resemble water. When they are of a mild tempera- 

 ment, they wash off the dust of affliction from the hearts of the 

 distressed, and diffuse freshness and delight. But if they depart 

 from moderation, they inundate the world with a deluge of cala- 

 mities; so that numbers are overwhelmed by the billowy waves 

 of misfortune. Speaking of his own sovereign, the immortal Ak- 

 ber, he says, it is his constant endeavour to gain and secure the 

 hearts of all men. Amidst a thousand cares and perplexing avo- 

 cations, he suffers not his temper to be in any degree disturbed, 

 but is always cheerful. He is ever striving to do that which may 

 be most acceptable to the Deity, and employs his mind on pro- 

 found and abstract speculations. From his thirst after wisdom, 

 he is continually labouring to benefit by the knowledge of others, 

 while he makes no account of his own sagacious administration. 

 He listens to what every one hath to say, because it may happen 

 that his heart may be enlightened by the communication of a just 



