અકબર ચરિત્ર. enterprise of his grandfather. His age was a solemn warning-a soul torn asunder by doubts, and uncertain- ties about things spiritual, now yielding to the unctuous fanaticism of the Mohls, then resuming its usual calm dignity, falling back upon "the saving grace of common sense." His end was hastened by quarrels between his sons and grandsons-it is awful to contemplate the foundations of a mighty intellect thus sapped by domestic broils. ૧૩૩ As a conqueror Akbar's career was not perhaps so dazzling of one two others, but in the essential qualities he was second to none. What does him infinite credit is that our hero was never wanton in aggression nor relentless in retribution. As a ruler he tempered justice with humanity-I can conceive no spectacle more sublime than Akbar standing under the canopy of Heaven dispensing justice in person and in sight of the "wide world" the álam. He gathered round him the best advisers Hindu and Mussulman. The elegant Abul Fazal and the ac complished and sagacious Todar Mull would grace any court or deliberative assembly, and of any time. The English have learnt a great deal from Akbar. They have some- thing more to learn-his almost divine impartiality between Mussulman and Hindu-and his making India his Home, obviating all Home Charges! Akbar has been charged with treachery in one or two instances, But the charge has never been brought home to him seriously. The great seldom escape envy. His domestic character was blameless. To be sure, he was too much married even for a wise and powerful monarch. But his instinct seems to have been monogamous. Why did he take to him so many wives -Well, I think these were political marriages, to strengthen the bond of union between Hindu and Mussulman. The Hindu wives were,
