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 employes [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: