DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15172#0194
CHAP. VI.
REFLECTIONS.
159
" they render me no assistance. They forget that
" I have a claim on them for two crores of rupees,
" the arrears of tribute."
Shah Shooja was plainly dressed in a tunic of
pink gauze, with a green velvet cap, something like
a coronet, from which a few emeralds were suspended.
There is much room for reflection on the vicissitudes
of human life while visiting such a person. From
what I learn, I do not believe the Shah possesses
sufficient energy to seat himself on the throne of
Cabool; and that if he did regain it, he has not the
tact to discharge the duties of so difficult a situ-
ation.
The brother of Shah Shooja, Shah Zuman, is an
object of great compassion, from his age, appear-
ance, and want of sight. We visited him also, and
found him seated in a hall with but one attendant,
who announced our being present, when the Shah
looked up and bade us " Welcome." He is stone
blind, and cannot distinguish day from night; he
was as talkative as his brother, and lamented that
he could not pass the remainder of his days in his
native land, where the heat was less oppressive.
Shah Zuman has lately sunk into a zealot: he
passes the greater part of his time in listening to
the Koran and its commentaries. Poor man ! he is
fortunate in deriving consolation from any source.
When taking leave, Shah Zuman begged I would
visit him before quitting Lodiana, as he was pleased
at meeting a stranger. I did not fail to comply
with his wishes, and saw him alone. I had thought
that age and misfortunes made him indifferent
REFLECTIONS.
159
" they render me no assistance. They forget that
" I have a claim on them for two crores of rupees,
" the arrears of tribute."
Shah Shooja was plainly dressed in a tunic of
pink gauze, with a green velvet cap, something like
a coronet, from which a few emeralds were suspended.
There is much room for reflection on the vicissitudes
of human life while visiting such a person. From
what I learn, I do not believe the Shah possesses
sufficient energy to seat himself on the throne of
Cabool; and that if he did regain it, he has not the
tact to discharge the duties of so difficult a situ-
ation.
The brother of Shah Shooja, Shah Zuman, is an
object of great compassion, from his age, appear-
ance, and want of sight. We visited him also, and
found him seated in a hall with but one attendant,
who announced our being present, when the Shah
looked up and bade us " Welcome." He is stone
blind, and cannot distinguish day from night; he
was as talkative as his brother, and lamented that
he could not pass the remainder of his days in his
native land, where the heat was less oppressive.
Shah Zuman has lately sunk into a zealot: he
passes the greater part of his time in listening to
the Koran and its commentaries. Poor man ! he is
fortunate in deriving consolation from any source.
When taking leave, Shah Zuman begged I would
visit him before quitting Lodiana, as he was pleased
at meeting a stranger. I did not fail to comply
with his wishes, and saw him alone. I had thought
that age and misfortunes made him indifferent