FORT OF AGRA. 
139 
of his post ; and, through this failing of his mind and 
body, great evil befel King Sadrak ; for daily depreda- 
tions were committed upon his property by the hands 
of the choars and dukhaits, who had little difficulty 
in gaining access to the treasure. 
Now the King being greatly incensed by these un- 
grateful requitals of his bounty, called upon his slave 
the dewan. “ Oh, dewan /” said he, “ have not you and 
your children eaten my salt during many years ; have 
not your infants become strong men and valiant through 
my nourishment ; are they not honorably advanced in 
my service ?” But when the old man made answer to 
the Raja, the chief discovered that, by the lapse of 
years, the strength and intelligence of his officer 
had subsided into a second infancy. With much con- 
cern the Raja endeavoured to convince himself that this 
was not the truth ; but the more he enquired of the 
aged dewan , the more folly did he encounter; until at 
last, wearied and sore at heart, he motioned him to de- 
part. And as he withdrew, making his usual obeisance, 
the King, lamenting his loss, by chance exclaimed 
aloud, “ Ah ! woe is me, who now shall sit at my gate 
to keep guard over my palace and to regard those who 
come and depart upon my charity !” Whereupon the 
spirit of wisdom again lighted up the eyes and venerable 
countenance of his aged slave, who, with deep submis- 
sion returning to the presence, exclaimed ; 
“ Oh, most potent prince ! is it not wisely written 
that under a severe taskmaster the services of a slave 
are cast away ? If he remain in silence he is despised 
