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by the account of the penetrating statesman, Vizir Nezam, to have been the chief, though secret spring of every ministerial movement. She was handsome, and endowed with uncommon parts; a steady friend, and a determined, but not a cruel enemy. She protected her favourites in the most dangerous situations; and hurled with a sure and inevitable arm, disappointment and disgrace on the heads of those that wished to rise upon their ruin.

Altun Tash was the first omra of the divan; when the government of Kharezme being vacant, he solicited the appointment. As he was esteemed the chief pillar of the throne, the court was surprised that he should have accepted it: and a friend begging to know what could induce him to resign the power he had over so vast an empire, to take the charge of a court? he replied, "By the God who created heaven and earth, the secret which I shall now disclose to you I have not revealed to any living soul. It was the enmity of Jemila Kandahari,and that only, which made me give up the power I had over this great empire. For many years have the affairs thereof been under my management; and in that time, whatever I tied she unloosed, and whatever I unloosed she tied. Whatever she resolved upon I was incapable of opposing; and whatever she opposed, it was in vain for me to attempt. Vexed with being continually foiled, and unable to apply a remedy, the world