They were written at the time when the Imperial spirit was at its nadir.

The nadir is the lowest point in the heavens and the zenith is the highest.

The sun does not spring at once from the nadir to the zenith.

It is also on record that Nadir Shah took guns as far as Saighan.

Such were the counsels of the sage; and Nadir departed to begin life.

Nadir left the cavern, and reflected on the meaning of his words.

One of the friends of Nadir hastened to him with these words.

It is the woman Nadir has sworn never to see—the woman Zurga also loves.

Leila is for soprano, Nadir tenor, Zurga baritone, Nourabad bass.

The calif knew not which to admire most, the generosity of Nadir or the soldier.