DEIG. 
153 
hourly revulsion of the public will, the instability of 
popularity and command in the wild tumult of alternate 
despotism and anarchy, cannot I believe be illustrated 
by ancient or modern history more fully than in the 
following incidents, which I present to the reader as 
an example of the character of my hero, whose me- 
mory is sainted among the Mussulmans and upheld 
as a pattern of excellence. 
In the reign of Shah Aulum, Emperor of Delhi, 
the office of vizier had long since been matter 
of rivalry between Afrasiab and Mirza Zaffi Kahn, 
but the former being a chief of great influence, and 
being much beloved by the people, continued in power, 
notwithstanding it was rumoured that the affection of 
the Emperor was in favour of Mirza Zaffi, to whom 
he had given a command of troops upon the borders. 
At the same time Mohummed Kahn, the subject of 
this sketch, was governor of the Fort of Agra, and be- 
tween him and Afrasiab there had for many years 
existed a bitter enmity, which daily circumstances 
continued to inflame, until at last the ever watchful 
Mohummed Kahn, taking advantage of certain politi- 
cal disorders in the capital, determined upon seizing 
this opportunity of slaking his rancourous thirst for 
vengeance. He entered into a conspiracy with the 
equally envious Mirza Zaffi, and laid a scheme for 
alluring the minister from the court, so that his rival 
being at hand with his troops might enter the city 
and usurp the office of vizier. 
