One ghari of day remained of Monday, the 30th of the aforesaid
(Isfandiyar) month, corresponding to the 12th Rabi`u-l-awwal, 1026
(20th March, 1617), when the sun changed from the constellation of
Pisces into the pleasure-house of Aries, which is his abode of honour
and good fortune. At the very time of transit, which was a fortunate
hour, I sat upon the throne. I had ordered that according to the usual
custom they should decorate the public audience hall with fine cloths,
etc. Notwithstanding that many of the Amirs and chief men of the State
were in attendance on my son Khurram, a meeting was arranged which was
not inferior to those of previous years. I presented the offerings
of Tuesday [582] to Anand Khan. On the same day, which was the 1st
Farwardin of the 12th year (21st or 22nd March, 1617) a representation
arrived from Shah Khurram to the effect that the New Year's festival
had been arranged for in the same manner as in previous years, but as
the days of travelling and service had occurred the annual offerings
of the servants would be remitted. This proceeding of my son was much
approved. Remembering my dear son in my prayers, I besought for him
from the throne of Allah his welfare in both worlds, and ordered that
on this New Year's Day no one should present offerings.
In consequence of the disturbance that tobacco brings about in most
temperaments and constitutions, I had ordered that no one should
smoke it (lit. draw). My brother Shah `Abbas had also become aware
of the mischief arising from it, and had ordered that in Iran no
one should venture to smoke. As Khan `Alam (ambassador to Persia)
was without control in continual smoking of tobacco, he frequently
practised it. Yadgar `Ali Sultan, ambassador of the ruler of Iran,
represented to Shah `Abbas that Khan `Alam could never be a moment
without tobacco, and he (Shah `Abbas) wrote this couplet in answer--
"The friend's envoy wishes to exhibit tobacco;
With fidelity's lamp I light up the tobacco-market."