'Journal of a Journey from Persia to India through Herat and Candahar. Also Report of a Journey to the Wahebee Capital of Riyadh in Central Arabia' [‎66v] (132/268)

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of Persia, was in fact the Shah’s vassal, and submitted. On a
calm review of the Sirdar’s predicament, I consider that he
acted as a wise Ruler would have acted, and that it is a proof of
his administrative ability, that notwithstanding the embarrassing
circumstances by which he was surrounded, he has succeeded not
only in holding his own position, but in restoring order; in
retrieving, to some degree, his finances ; in subduing his
refractory tribes, and improving the commercial and agricultural
conditions of his territory.
But the Persian alliance was intended to endure only until
better prospects should appear. Like most strict Afghan Sunnees,
Sultan Ahmed Khan entertains in his heart a contemptuous
hatred for the Persian Sheeah. And he has seen too narrowly
into the state of politics at Teheran not to understand that solid
strength or permanent support is not to be derived from the
Government of the Shah.
In regard to Persia the opinion of the Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. is shaicd by his
people. The people of Herat have a current saying that ‘ f Herat
never submits to Persia so long as there is grain in the Fortthat
it then only submits until the English take the Bunder (Bushire) ;
that it is then retrieved from the tyranny and ravages of the
Persians, and that in two years Herat is flourishing again. Though
broadly stated, there is much truth in this saying, for it is obsexv-
able even by a passing traveller that the Heratees look to England
as their deliverer, and to Persia as their natural enemy and
periodical invader. While in respect to the boast of rapid recovery,
it seems literally true. The commercial and agricultural advan
tages of Herat are so great that it appears beyond the power even
of man to turn it into a permanent waste. Other capitals through
out Asia have flourished, been sacked, and passed away, but
Herat, although besieged, sacked, enslaved, depopulated, through
a long succession of centuries, still thrives among its ruins.
I am aware that M. Khanikoff informed Sir Henry Rawlinson
that the position held by England at Herat was pool, compared
with the trouble and expense incurred there. But it will be
remembered that M. Khanikoff visited Herat shortly after the