Abbas Kuli Khan was one of those gifted ambiguous natures who, without
inspiring confidence, always know how to work an imposing effect,
inasmuch as they hold to the principle of displeasing no one, as a first
rule of prudence.
It so happened then that even Mirza-Schaffy, bribed by the flattery
which the Khan of Baku, when he once surprised us in the Divan of
Wisdom, lavished upon him, declared him to be a great Wise Man.
The mutual praise, so overflowing in its abundance, which they bestowed
on one another put them both in a very happy humor. From the Koran, from
Saadi, Hafiz, and Fizuli, each authenticated the other to be the moving
embodiment of all the wisdom of earth.
A formal emulation in old and original songs took place between them;
for every piece of flattery was overlaid with a tuneful quotation.
Unfortunately, however, the entertainment flowed so swiftly that I was
unable to note down any coherent account of it.
Nevertheless, being unwilling to let the long session go by without any
gain on my part, I requested the Khan to write for me one of his
artistic songs in remembrance. He nodded with an approving look, and
promised to write the most beautiful song that ever the mouth of man had
uttered; a song in praise of his Fatima, playing on her stringed
instrument.
Whilst Mirza-Schaffy raised a questioning look on hearing the praise
which the Khan expended on himself, the latter took the kalem (reed-pen)
and wrote what follows:--