(39)
They are not only rich; they have acquired much landed property. By this time they have got an estate worth a lack of rupees, more or less.
All is under the government of Fortune. Only see, what they were, and now what they are. This finger has grown to a plantain tree.
Continuation.
We all know the history of their family. There was no end to the trouble of their father and mother.
As long as the great Pandit gave them any thing, they were supplied for the day, otherwise Huri-Mutook.[1]
Now God has amazingly increased them. All things are under God. He can make the great small, and the small great.
I have been a long time out of that country. What table do they keep, and what customs do they observe?
They live well and clothe well, truly.
They help their relations and friends, but are not remarkably charitable.
The manner in which they now live, and their religious conduct, are not to be despised.
Tell me how is the estate managed which they have bought?
They never had an estate before; now they have, but do not manage it remarkably well. They are not acquainted with these matters. The tenants don't speak very well of them in this respect.
Tell me, do they act the great men or not? What furniture have they?
Their whole conduct is not of a piece with their ability.
- ↑ Huri-Mutook is the name of a man who lived from hand to mouth. The mention of him is proverbial for a precarious subsistence.
