History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

96 AIISTORY OF THE PARSIS. [CHAP. II.

“You, by your deeds for the good of mankindby your acts of princely munificence to alleviate the pains of suffering humanity, have attained this honour, and have become enrolled amongst the illustrious of the land.

“This honour, of which you may be so justly proud, cannot fail at the same time of being highly satisfactory to your fellow-countrymen, who in this distinguished mark of Her Majesty’s gracious favour to you must see how equal is the consideration Her Majesty extends to all classes of her subjects, and that when deeds worthy of honour are done, upon all will honour be conferred, however different the race, or distant the country of her realm.

“To me who have so long known you, and have so long and fully appreciated your truly estimable character, it is most pleasing that it should have fallen to my hands to present you with this patent of knighthood. I present it, congratulating you most sincerely upon the distinction and honour which your worth has achieved.”

The next year, 1843, Sir Jamshedji Jijibhai was further honoured by the presentation of a medal from the British Government. It bore on its face the image of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen encircled with diamonds. On the reverse was inscribed :—‘ Sir Jamshedji Jijibhai, Knight, from the

British Government in honour of his munificence