1 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS. lhi
2 great favourite with the Maharajah, being
3 Singh, is a
4 constantly with him, and honored with a chan- m
5 his presence, a mark of respect denied even to his
6 father; The degree of familiarity existing between
7 this young man and Itunjeet is of a childish nature,
8 and would amuse an European unacquainted with
9 the domestic habits oi the Silchs. 1 hough quite a
10 youth, Heera Singh is already a rajah, and holds He«. si„ g h,
11 the command of several regiments in the Maharajah s
12 service. His appearance is effeminate; and his
13 character for energy and intellect inferior to that
14 of his father, Dhyan Singh. Next in power and
15 influence is the fukeer Azeezoodeen, who is, at A*eeio P <fc«»
16 once, chief secretary and physician to Bvmjeet.
17 The fukeer is an aged man, though of a hale con¬
18 stitution ; simple in his manners, and dress; £oi a
19 mild disposition; but possessed of great, energy,
20 talents and address. He is thoroughly versed in
21 the native science of medicine *, both as regards its
22 theory and practice. His memory is extraordinai v,
23 and he brings forward on every occasion, appro¬
24 priate verses from his favorite Persian and Arabic
25 poets to illustrate and enforce his arguments. AU
26 the confidential correspondence of Ilunjeet’s court
27 is conducted by the fukeer, and he is always
28 employed to treat with European officers, civil and
29 military, who visit Lahore. On the occasion of.
30 Runjeet’s attack of paralysis in 1835, the fukeer, as
31 well as all the courtiers, was in great alarm. The
32 Maharajah was for some hours speechless, and
33 during this eventful period, the fukeer’s attentions
34 r