450 An account of the Early Abdalees. [No. 162. 



house. He also told Tor and 'Speen, that it would be for their good to 

 obey Abdal. 



Tor made many protests and objections ; 'Speen silently took his 

 leave. Tareen then placed the dastar on Abdal, and called for a blessing 

 on him. He at last grew up, and disclosed all the qualities his mother 

 and the Sayad had seen in promise. Tor and 'Speen were always called 

 Tareens, and their descendants are now found in the district of Pishing, 

 in the province of Candahar. Abdal lived 105 years, and his descendants 

 were called after him " Abdalees" and not Tareens. He had two sons, 

 Razad and Suleman. The Maghzan-ul-Afghanee says, one son called 

 Jeer, others say Eesa. 



When Abdal was advanced in years he sent for his son Razad, and 

 appointed him his successor after giving him the following parting ad- 

 vice : " Do not forget your God, and conduct your public and private 

 life accordingly. Treat with respect the tribe of Sarbannees, Sayads 

 and learned and devout men ; support and provide for your relations, 

 and treat your subjects with kindness." That is to say, have a fair speech 

 and a fat sheep for them, the grand secret of Afghan popularity. 



Razad had three sons, Eesa, Alee and Ado. The first named was the 

 youngest, and the two elder lived the life of Dervishes. Razad before his 

 death appointed Eesa his successor, and his choice was confirmed by all 

 the Sarbannees. Razad lived to the age of 120 years, having seen his 

 descendants to the third generation. 



Eesa had three sons, Meerak, Suleman alias Zeerak, (from his being 

 forward of his age), and Noor. Eesa on his death approaching, col- 

 lected, according to the custom of that time, the whole of his tribe 

 and descendants, and appointed Zeerak, although his second son, his 

 successor. Every one at once agreed but Meerak ; who at last also 

 did, after his father assured him that his choice was guided in a 

 dream from heaven. Eesa lived 140 years. Zeerak had four sons, 

 Barak, Alaho, Mase and Popal. 



When Zeerak reached the age of 120, he called his descendants and 

 tribe together, and requested their opinion regarding who ought to be 

 his successor. They all pointed to Barak, and his father accordingly 

 confirmed him, and he carried on the chiefship fifteen years during his 

 father's life. 



It was the custom of the tribe to change their encampment at dif- 

 ferent seasons, and every one was obliged to take his own baggage and 





