1869.] Translations from the Tdrihh i Firuz Shdhi. 205 



" left alive, nor would my wife and children, my followers and 

 " dependents be allowed to exist on the face of the earth. If then I 

 il see a means of averting danger from the royal dominions, and I fail 

 " to report it explicitly, I should be destitute of feeling for my own 

 l( life as well as that of my children and family retainers. From these 

 " expressions, that have issued from your Majesty's tongue, more* 

 " over, such a tumult is sure to arise, as could not be repressed by the 

 a sagacity of a hundred Buzurjmihrs ; and those who, professing 

 " the utmost loyalty and good will towards your royal person, have 

 " heard the above sentiments expressed in various assemblies by your 

 " Majesty, and have both confirmed and commended them, have only 

 " done so by way of flattery, and have not fulfilled their duty 

 " honestly." 



On hearing these words of 'Alaulmulk, Sultan 'Alauddin bent 

 down his head, and became absorbed in reflection. The Sultan's four 

 companions too were excessively pleased with ' Alaulmulk' s speech, 

 and anxiously waited to see what would escape from the Saltan's lips. 

 After a minute or two, the Sultan addressed 'Alaulmulk thus : 

 11 The reason why I have made you my confidential adviser, and shew 

 " such regard for you is, that I know you to be a truly loyal subject 

 " of mine, and frequently have I perceived and become fully convinced 

 " by experience, that in giving an opinion, you always speak the 

 " whole truth before me, and never conceal the real state of the case. 

 " I have just this minute reflected, and see that everything is as you 

 " say. I ought not to discuss these subjects, and henceforward no 

 " one shall hear me utter such expressions in any assembly. A 

 " hundred mercies rest on you, and on your father and mother, inas- 

 f l much as you have spoken the truth before me, and have duly ful- 

 " filled the rights of loyalty. In respect to the second project, what 

 " say you ; is that likewise wrong, or is it proper ?" 



'Alaulmulk then addressed the Sultan thus on the subject of his 

 second project, which was that of territorial aggrandizement. 



" Your second project is one that high-minded monarchs are often 

 bent upon ; and it is the custom and habit of these conquerors to desire 

 that they should subjugate the whole world, and bring it under their 

 dominion. Your Majesty likewise with all these vast hoards of treasure, 

 as well as retainers, elephants, and horses, can set forth from your capital 



