'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.' [‎527] (584/786)

THE HISTORY OF PERSIA.
Amid the vicissitudes to which they are liable, few persons look char:
further than to provide for their own welfare. The history of
Persia affords numerous instances of men being led, by religious
sentiments, or a desire of fame, to disburse great sums in charity:
and many, even among the lower classes, who have acquired wealth,
have wished to perpetuate their name by building caravansaries,
baths, and other structures of public utility. But they neither
profess nor entertain any feelings connected with the general good
of their country : all their views are avowedly personal: and, from
the character of their government, it is impossible that they can
be otherwise. A monarch, or a prince, may, from the excellence
of his disposition, or the goodness of his understanding, indulge
in plans of improvement: but even his views are limited by his
condition ; and he desires to effect the work of half a century*
in one or two years. His precipitation produces failure: for that
which depends upon system, cannot be effected by power. Be
sides, all great improvements are gradual: and even when they
are introduced, the society must take the shape to which they
are suited, or they cannot be permanent.
The above reasons will account for the inhabitants of Persia hav
ing made no essential progress in the arts of civilized life. That
# I observed to a very ingenious Persian who was employed in casting cannon,
that some of the guns he had just made appeared to me to be imperfect, and that
one seemed rather crooked. He replied, it was very true, but that it was not his
fault: he had been commanded to do the work of ten months in ten days. " Byt why
" do not you represent the impossibility of doing so ?" said I. He shook his head,
and said, he knew better. " My master," he added, " is an excellent and just man, but
" still he is a Persian prince; and his orders, whatever they are, must be obeyed."
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