202 Translations from the Tarilch i Firm Shahi. [No. 4, 



Prophet, on whom he peace, four companions, by means of whose 

 power and influence, he originated the orthodox faith, and owing to 

 the institution of the orthodox faith, the fame of the Prophet has 

 lasted and will continne to last till the day of judgment ; and 

 since the time of the Prophet, on whom he peace ! whosoever has 

 acknowledged and called himself a Musalman, has considered him- 

 self belonging to his faith and sect. Now, Grod Almighty has also 

 granted to me four companions ; first Ulugh Khan, secondly Zafar 

 Khan, thirdly Nucrat Khan, and fourthly Alap Khan, who through 

 my favour have attained to princely power and influence. If I like, 

 therefore, I can with the aid of these companions institute a new 

 religious faith, and by the force of my arms and those of my com- 

 panions, cause all the people to adopt it as the clear way (to salva- 

 tion) ; and thus my fame and that of my companions would continue 

 to last among the people, just as that of the Prophet and his com- 

 panions has lasted." 



Impelled by youthful arrogance, and folly, want of judgment, 

 thoughtlessness and audacity, he used to utter the above sentiments 

 at convivial assemblies openly and without reserve, and consult with 

 the chief men of the party regarding the institution of a new and 

 separate religion. He would likewise enquire of such as were pre- 

 sent, how he should manage matters, so that his name might con- 

 tinue for ever, and the people adopt the faith that he originated. 



Respecting the second project, he used personally to inform those 

 present, that the wealth, elephants, horses, and retainers that he had 

 gathered together were innumerable ; and that he would therefore 

 make over charge of Dihli to some one, and starting like Alexander 

 in quest of territorial aggrandizement, would bring the four quarters 

 of the inhabited globe under his dominion. 



Another piece of presumption was this. Some of his enterprizes 

 having turned out satisfactorily, he caused himself to be styled 

 " Alexander the Second," in the public prayers and on the coinages. 

 In the midst of his wine-bibbing too, he would boastfully exclaim, 

 " Every country that I conquer, I will give in charge to one of my 

 " confidential ministers, and set out myself in pursuit of further ac- 

 quisitions ; for who is there to stand up against me?" The by- 

 standers although well aware that he was perfectly intoxicated, and 



