was from the sound of the public bands of music. Confounded and astonished at the intelligence that was now brought him, he consulted his friends what ought to be done. Most of them were of opinion, that as his father had received his commission from court, and had taken possession of his office, and secured the palace and the city, as well as the treasury, there remained no alternative but quiet submission. The young man accordingly having left his princely retinue behind, and taking with him only a few servants, came and threw himself at his father's feet, and presented his offering of congratulation. Shujah-khan now turned his mind towards putting into order the affairs of his government. Alia Verdi-khan became his prime-minister, but he availed himself also of the talents of Haji-Amed, and Ray-Aalem-chand, his former divan, who was certainly a Hindu of great merit, and deserved all the confidence reposed in him. He also called to his councils several other persons, among whom was Jagat-set Fateh-chand, a banker, whose wealth amounted to millions. So much for the public business.
With regard to private disputes between man and man, he trusted no one; but sending for the parties, he would listen patiently and leisurely to the story of each, and with much judgment drew
