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56
SIYAR-UL-MUTAKHERIN.

when several attendants, who remained behind the curtain, joined their entreaties to hers, and, from sobs and tears, they proceeded to screams and lamentations. At this moment Ferokh-siar, who, on the governor's introduction, had dressed him in one of his own robes, and had made him sit down, now rose from his seat and advanced to fasten his own sabre on the governor's side. The latter, overcome by such unexpected condescension, said, "that what he had hitherto done was nothing more than what became him as a faithful subject, however uncourtly it might appear. I have (said he) nothing but my life to offer, and this I dedicate to your service; and now that I have put on this sabre, I have devoted it, as well as my fortune, to your welfare. Command me then, that I may do as I am bid. Now is the time,—raise troops, and prepare every thing for pushing on the war. Ascend the throne at once, and without allowing the enemy time to look about him, let us follow our destiny."

Ferokh-siar's behaviour produced this great effect. Hussein Ali-khan now required that every one of his followers should pay homage to the prince, and make a tender of his life and fortune. A proclamation to this purpose was issued throughout the province. This brought together a great concourse of people. Several astrologers, fortune-