PERSIAN LETTERS
LETTER 82
Nargum, Persian Envoy in Muscovy, to Usbek, at Paris
OF all the nations of the world, my dear Usbek, none has excelled that
of the Tartars in the splendour and magnitude of its conquests. This
people is the veritable ruler of the earth: all the others seem to be intended
for its service; it is alike that founder and the destroyer of empires;
in all times, it has afforded the world signs of its prowess; in every
age it has been the scourge of the nations.
Twice the Tartars conquered China, and they
still keep it in subjection.
They rule over those vast territories which
form the Mogul’s empire.
Masters of Persia, they sit upon the throne
of Cyrus and Hystaspes. They have subdued Muscovy. Under the name
of Turks, they have made immense conquests in Europe, Asia, and Africa;
and they are the dominant power in these three quarters of the earth.
In more remote times, from them issued forth
some of those races who overthrew the Roman Empire1.
What are the conquests of Alexander compared
with those of Zenghis Khan?
Nothing is wanted to this victorious nation
except historians to celebrate its achievements.
What immortal deeds have been buried in oblivion!
Of how many empires founded by them is the origin unknown to us!
This warlike nation, occupied exclusively with its immediate glory, and
certain of conquest in every age, gave no thought to the commemoration
of its fame.
Moscow, the 4th of the first moon of Rebiab, 1715.
1The
Huns.