Burnes, Alexander: Travels into Bokhara: containing the narrative of a voyage on the Indus from the sea to Lahore, ... and an account of a journey from India to Cabool, Tartary and Persia ; performed by order of the supreme government of India, in the years 1831, 32, and 33 (Band 3) (London, 1835)

CHAP. I.

DEATH OF THE VTZIER.

241

as he owed his life and his power to his minister.
But, if the parent was content to govern on these
terms, his son, Prince Kamran, discovered the
strongest discontent at the Vizier's proceedings
and resolved to rid himself of a person so formi-
dable, opposed as he was to some ambitious designs
which he himself entertained. The prince at last
worked upon his father, and succeeded in per-
suading him that he might govern his country,
now that it was consolidated, without the assist-
ance of his Vizier. He, therefore, determined on
ridding himself of that powerful chief, his friend
and benefactor. Kamran availed himself of an
early opportunity, seized Futteh Khan at Herat,
and gave an immediate order for his eyes being put
out. After a lapse of five or six months, Kamran
put the Vizier to death, between Cabool and Can-
dahar, with the full consent of the king. This rash
act was perpetrated in the year 1818, and drove
the whole of Futteh Khan's brothers into re-
bellion.

The tragedy which terminated the life of Futteh
Khan Barukzye is, perhaps, without parallel in
modern times. Blind and bound he was led into
the court of Mahmobd, where he had so lately
ruled with absolute power. The king taunted him
for his crimes, and desired him to use his influence
with his brothers, then in rebellion. Futteh Khan
replied without fear, and with great fortitude, that
he was now but a poor blind man, and had no con-
cern with affairs of state. Mahmood irritated at
his obstinacy, gave the last orders for his death;

VOL. III. R