Bagh O Bahar | Page 9

goods); and in his warehouses
were lakhs of rupis in cash, and merchandise of different countries. He

had two children born to him; one was this pilgrim, who, clad in the
kafni [88] and saili, [89] is now in your presence, and addressing you,
holy guides; the other was a sister, whom my father, during his life
time, had married to a merchant's son of another city; she lived in the
family of her father-in-law. In short, what bounds could be set to the
fondness of a father, who had an only son, and was so exceedingly rich!
This wanderer received his education with great tenderness under the
shadow of his father and mother; and began to learn reading and
writing, and the science and practice of the military profession; and
likewise the art of commerce, and the keeping of accounts. Up to [the
age of] fourteen years, my life passed away in extreme delight and
freedom from anxiety; no care of the world entered my heart. All at
once, even in one year, both my father and mother died by the decree of
God.
I was overwhelmed with such extreme grief, that I cannot express [its
anguish.] At once I became an orphan! No elder [of the family]
remained to watch over me. From this unexpected misfortune I wept
night and day; food and drink were utterly disregarded. In this sad state
I passed forty days: on the fortieth day, [90] [after the death of my
parents,] my relations and strangers of every degree assembled [to
perform the rites of mourning.] When the Fatiha [91] for the dead was
finished, they tied on this pilgrim's head the turban of his father; [92]
they made me understand, that, "In this world the parents of all have
died, and you yourself must one day follow the same path. Therefore,
have patience, and look after your establishment; you are now become
its master in the room of your father; be vigilant in your affairs and
transactions." After consoling me [in this friendly manner,] they took
their leave. All the agents, factors and employés [of my late father]
came and waited on me; they presented their nazars, and said, "Be
pleased to behold with your own auspicious eye the cash in the coffers,
and the merchandise in the warehouses." When all at once my sight fell
on this boundless wealth, my eyes expanded. I gave orders for the
fitting up of a diwan-khana; [93] the farrashes [94] spread the carpets,
and hung up the pardas [95] and magnificent chicks. [96] I took
handsome servants into my service; and caused them to be clothed in
rich dresses out of my treasury. This mendicant had no sooner reposed

himself in [the vacant] seat [of his father] than he was surrounded by
fops, coxcombs, "thiggars [97] and sornars," liars and flatterers, who
became his favourites and friends. I began to have them constantly in
my company. They amused me with the gossip of every place, and
every idle, lying tittle tattle; they continued urging me thus. "In this
season of youth, you ought to drink [98] of the choicest wines, and
send for beautiful mistresses to participate in the pleasures thereof, and
enjoy yourself in their company."
In short, the evil genius of man is man: my disposition changed from
listening constantly [to their pernicious advice.] Wine, dancing, and
gaming occupied my time. At last matters came to such a pitch, that,
forgetting my commercial concerns, a mania for debauchery and
gambling came over me. My servants and companions, when they
perceived my careless habits, secreted all they could lay hand on; one
might say a systematic plunder took place. No account was kept of the
money which was squandered; from whence it came, or where it went:
"When the wealth comes gratuitously, the heart has no mercy on it."
[99]
Had I possessed even the treasures of Karun, [100] they would not have
been sufficient to supply this vast expenditure. In the course of a few
years such became all at once my condition, that, a bare skull cap for
my head, and a rag about my loins, were all that remained. Those
friends who used to share my board, and [who so often swore] [101] to
shed their blood by the spoonful for my advantage, disappeared; yea,
even if I met them by chance on the highway, they used to withdraw
their looks and turn aside their faces from me; moreover, my servants,
of every description, left me, and went away; no one remained to
enquire after me, and say, "what state is this you are reduced to?" I had
no companion left but my grief and regret.
I now had not a half-farthing's worth of parched grain [to grind between
my jaws,] and give a