The Dabistan

sciences; and after having acquired excellence, he
happened to find himself at the mountain which Is
near the sea-ports of the Frang-is; he took a great
liking to their society, and was attracted by the reli-
gion of the Nasareans: on that account he studied
the Gospel, and derived great profit from their doc-
trines. Afterwards he went to India, where he con-
tracted friendship with some Rajas; he became fond
of their religion; read, with learned Brahmans, the
sastras of the Hindus, that is, their scientific books,
and in these also he became a master of art among
the learned of India. Although ostensibly he adopted
the said faith, yet he remained attached to the reli-
gion of the ancient philosophers. He showed great
aversion to lying, thieving, debauchery, and unna-
tural love; and, according to the custom of the wise,
forbore from killing animals; but now and then he
indulged in a draught of wine, saying that it is very
salutary. He was wont to sing hymns, which are
in use among the Yunian philosophers, and are now
translated, in praise of God, the high intelligences
and spirits, and the stars. He accepted no gift from
any body; he was employed in trade, but he con-
tented himself with a competent capital. Mir Abii
?1 Kasem Kandarsaki called him " a brother dear as
" life/' nay, wrote to him as to an "elder brother."
In the year of the Hejira 1050 (A. D. 1640-1) he
retired to solitude at the Serai Farqh* " the fortu-