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

98 ATSTORYV OF THE PARSIS. [CHAP. 1.

cabinet ;—you, sir, have sought to distinguish yourself by your philanthropy, your munificence, and your patriotism: and you have, sir, your reward. This beautiful medal, thus publicly presented to you by Her Majesty’s command,—the esteem and approbation of which this medal is a token,—these, sir, are your rewards—the rewards of your ‘munificence’ and of your ‘ patriotism.’

“T could have wished, however, that to these two words Her Majesty's Government had added that of ‘benevolence.’

“Tn inquiring what were the instances of public munificence by which you had distinguished yourself, it was impossible for me to avoid gaining an insight into your acts of private charity; and according to the best information I have been able to procure through inquiries made with every desire to avoid hurting your feelings, I have learned that your private charities, though so bestowed that many of them are unknown even to the members of your own family, have been nearly as unbounded.

“For these acts of benevolence, sir, you may look for another and a still higher reward at the close of your well-spent life: when you shall lay your head on your dying pillow, the remembrance that you have so used the wealth with which Providence has blessed you will be your greatest and best comfort, and the thoughts of your numerous deeds of bene-