Zafar’s handwritten note to his “friend” Metcalfe

A Persian poem written in Bahadur Shah’s hand.

It was a sign of friendship to write out a poem in one’s own personal calligraphic style to give to a friend. It seems that it was written in 1844. And Bahadur Shah gave it to his “friend” Metcalfe.

The English translation of the poem which reads as follows:

A Friend is he, who proffers Friendship’s hand
When care or grief our kindred feelings claim
Not he whom prosperous days alone command
And is a Friend or Brother but in name.

Very ironical, isn’t it?