Note 171 — Chapter X
Reading edition
“One of the objects I had in view in coming to Europe was to instruct young Englishmen in the Persian language. I however met with so little encouragement from persons in authority, that I entirely relinquished the plan. I instructed however (as I could not refuse the recommendations that were brought to me) an amiable young man, Mr. S——n, and thanks be to God, my efforts were crowned with success! and that he, having escaped the instructions of self-taught masters, has acquired such a knowledge of the principles of that language, and so correct an idea of its idiom and pronunciation, that I have no doubt after a few years residence in India he will attain to such a degree of excellence, as has not yet been acquired by any other Englishman.” Vide Travels of Mirza Abu Taleb Khan, vol. i. p. 200.