'The History of Persia, from the most early period to the present time: containing an account of the religion, government, usages and character of the inhabitants of that kingdom. By Colonel Sir John Malcolm, KCB, KLS Late minister plenipotentiary to the court of Persia from the supreme government of India. In two volumes.' [‎101] (126/786)

THE HISTORY OF PERSIA. ^
extreme danger, both to himself, and to a nation which had been chap.xvii.
saved by his valour and his genius.
After expelling the barbarous invaders of his country from
the central provinces of Persia, and after obtaining the most signal
victories over the Turks, the next labour of N^dir was to restore
the throne to its former glory: and when he had conquered Can-
dahar and Cabul, he sought (and with success) to add to the
strength of the empire, by converting the most dangerous of her
enemies into the bravest of her defenders. The causes of his ex
pedition to India have been explained; and, though it brought
misery to thousands, there, perhaps, never was a conquest of such
magnitude made by an Asiatic prince, with less crime to the indi
vidual by whom it was accomplished. The riches and the renown
which he obtained by this enterprise, gave him great means of
restoring Persia to all her ancient splendour; and his invasion of the
territories of Bokharah, while it was the best, and indeed the only
way in which he could secure the continued tranquillity of his own
possessions, added, perhaps, still more to his fame and to his power.
His generous treatment of the humbled monarch of that country,
and his conduct to the Emperor of India, showed that Nadir de
sired to trust more to the impressipn of his arms, than to the extent
of his dominions, for the future security of his power.
Hitherto this monarch, whether we consider the noble and
patriotic object which first stimulated his ambition^ the valour and
ability he displayed, the comparative moderation with which he used
success, or the glorious deeds he had done, is entitled to great, if not
unqualified admiration. The dreadful change which took place in
his disposition and character, has been stated. Prom the moment