94 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
CHAPTER IX. 
Akbar succeeded to the throne of his father at the 
age of twelve years. He was the most illustrious 
prince of his race, having by his mild hut firm and 
equitable administration established his kingdom on 
the firmest footing, transmitting to his son one of the 
most extensive and flourishing empires on the face of 
the globe. The character of this prince, though per- 
haps with something of the exaggeration inseparable 
from the hyperbolical style of Eastern declamation, 
has been given by the celebrated Abul Fazil, his 
minister, who wrote an account of his life and reign. 
“ It is his Majesty’s constant endeavour to gain 
and secure the hearts of all men. Amidst a thousand 
cares and perplexing avocations, he suffers not his 
temper to be in any degree disturbed, but is always 
cheerful. He is ever striving to do what may be most 
acceptable to the Deity, and employs his mind in pro- 
found and abstracted speculations. From his thirst 
after wisdom, he is continually labouring to benefit 
by the knowledge of others, while he makes no ac- 
count 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 communica- 
tion of a just sentiment, or by the relation of a laud- 
able action ; but although a long period has elapsed in 
