Monk and Monarch

Author(s): Vidyavijay
Publisher: Deepchand Banthia

Page 52

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Muslim religion. But his practical behaviour throughout was such that no one could know his real attitude. A Christian priest Bartoli, who lived in Akbar's life-time, says :
"He never gave anybody the chance to understand rightly his inmost sentiments, or to know what faith or religion he held by...... And in all business, this was the characteristic manner of king Akbar-a man apparently free from mystery or guile, as honest and candid as could be imagined; but in reality, so close and self-contained, with twists of words and deeds so divergent, one from the other, and some times so contradictory, that even by much seeking one could not find the clue to his thoughts." ("Akbar, the Great Mogul," P. 73. )