Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 19: SECTION IX.

A Translation of the Seir Mutaqherin (Haji Mustafa) 19

Language
English

Contents

SECTION IX.

19.1.1

Ram-narain, Viceroy of Azim-abad, submits to Mir-djaafer-qhan — The Author's family greatly disappointed — Hazyr-ally, slave to the former family, seizes the province of Pùrania — Mirza-mehdi, a child of fifteen, youngest brother of Seradj-ed-doula, is barbarously put to death by Mir-djaafer-qhan's order — Qhadum-hassan-qhan, a very strange character, sent to Pùrania, expells Hazur-aaly — His conduct — His behaviour to an innocent astrologer — Ram-narain manages so as to put himself under the safeguard of the English Government — The Author recovers his Djaghir, or family estate — Shitab-rày makes his appearance on the stage of the world — Mir-abdollah, a gentleman of the Imperial family of Persia — Wretched administration of the Navvab's, and of his son — The troops, headed by two principal officers, conspire against him — The conspiracy is discovered and severely punished — Mir-cazem, an officer of importance, enveloped in the punition — Several illustrious but defenceless women sent into a loathsome confinement — The Navvab's detestable conduct renders Seradj-ed-doula regretted — Radja Sunder-sing, one of the most zealous friends of a revolution, is accidentally killed — The Imperial Prince, Aaly-goher, undertakes an expedition against Bengal — Is strongly recommended by his mother to our author's father, Hedaiet-ally-qhan — Mahmed-cùli-qhan, Lord of Ilah-abad, joins the Prince — Ram-narain tampers with the two parties — Our author rendered suspected on account of his father, justifies his conduct — The author sent on an embassy to the Shah-zada, or Imperial Prince — Faithless proposals of our author's rejected with indignation by his father, and by the General of the army — Azim-abad besieged by the Shah-zada — The siege raised on the report of the arrival of the Bengal Army, and of Mahmed-cùli-qhan's having been circumvented by his kinsman, Shudja-ed-doula — The Shah-zada joined by the Frenchman Moosie-Lass — Mahmed-c8li-qhan's army waylaid and stripped by his kinsman's troops, and his person confined — Resolute behaviour of an officer who stands upon his defence;

19.1.2

his noble character — The refractory Governor of P8rania is reconciled, by the interposition of the English — Second expedition of the Shah-zada's in Bengal — The Shah-zada hearing that his father had been murdered ascends the throne under the title of Shah-aalem — He beats Ram-narain in battle, but misses Azim-abad — He marches forward to encounter the Navvab of Bengal and Colonel Clive — Beats the Indians, but is beaten by the English — Camcar-qhan detaches himself from the Shah-zada, to fall by stealth upon M8rsh8d-abad — Is prevented by the old Navvab and a body of English — The Navvab orders an officer of character to be blown at a gun — The refractory Governor of P8rania wants to join the Shah-zada — Azim-abad assaulted twice, is succoured by Capt. Knox, who makes a successful sally, and then with a handful of men attacks and beats the Governor of P8rania — The Colonel and Miren arrive — The latter is killed by the lightning. The deplorable death of Seradj-ed-doulah, by transferring the sovereignty to another family, had not put an end to the troubles of the country. Mir-djaafer-qhan, who had been his General and kinsman, now became his successor, and was everywhere acknowledged with an unanimity which doubtless had something very surprising for him as much as for others. One of his first cares was to write to Radja Ram-narain, Governor-General of Azim-abad. The letter contained an invitation to submit to the revolution that had taken place;

19.1.3

and it was therefore filled with many promises and many kindnesses. This letter produced all the effect expected from it. The Gentoo at a loss how to act on so sudden an intimation, thought it best for his own interest to acquiesce for the present. In a few days he received an order to set at liberty Mirza-gholam-aaly-beg, son to Doctor Hekim-beg, and to send him with honour to Court. The poor man, who had been dragged back from Arvel, by Seradj-ed-doulah's order, and expected nothing but what was sinister, from Court, was very much surprised at a polite letter the Radja wrote him on the occasion; and he set out immediately for M8rsh8d-abad. As his humour and character were much akin to that of Mir-djaafer-qhan's, he was received with affection, and treated with so much distinction and regard, that he came soon to eclipse all the courtiers and favourites. But meanwhile, the news of such a revolution had flown to Banaress, where it soon became public that Mir-djaafer-qhan had been transported half asleep, from his bed-chamber to a throne; and that he already enjoyed the Sovereignty in full. Such a piece of intelligence could not fail to cheer up the spirits of our family, which was then in that city.

19.1.4

As we had been exiled by Seradj-ed-doulah's order from his dominions, and we had left behind houses, possessions, and a Djaghir, or landed estate, such a revolution seemed to us a favourable opportunity for our returning to a city that had become our home, and to which we were attached by a variety of ties. But ambition seemed likewise to have a share in our eagerness. We had been at all times, and from our very childhood, intimately acquainted with the new Sovereign, as well as connected with his family; he had at all times shewn the sincerest attachment, and the most respectful regard for my illustrious father; insomuch, that whenever he had any occasion to take a journey to Mbrshbd-abad, it was always he that paid me the first visit; nor was it returned but several days after, when I had seen my house cleared of the crowds of visitors; nor did his son, Miren, behave less respectfully. This young nobleman, out of regard, doubtless, to some years which I had more than him, made it a point to abstain from smoking his hocca in my presence. As to the father, he had such a predilection for my younger brother, Naky-aaly-qhan, that he seemed to be his companion, and the partner of all his pleasures. Nor was it easy to conceive a stricter union than that which seemed to subsist between these two bosom friends.

19.1.5

No wonder then, if on the first intelligence of so mighty a revolution, my brother should have conceived that all this power, and all this sudden flow of wealth, were articles in which he could claim a share; and he reckoned, that the least object he could now aspire to, would be the office of Deputy-Governor of Azim-abad. Full of these high-flown notions, he wrote the new Sovereign a respectful letter of congratulation; and taking his father, brother, family, servants, dependants, and effects, with him, he made haste to embark for Azim-abad, sensible that now was the time to reap the benefit of his late connections. But I, who knew that his late friend was now a high-seated Sovereign, that touched the firmament with his forehead; who felt the comparative inferiority of my station and rank; and who was thoroughly apprised of Mir-djaafer-qhan's character (a man incapable to remember of past obligations, or to mind rights of old date); and who was abundantly sensible that his garden would never afford a flower of good smell; I, who knew the man completely, was far from being so sanguine; and I thought it more prudent to tarry some time more at Banaress, and to act with more propriety and circumspection. My shyness was disapproved; and my younger brother soon found himself landed at Azim-abad.

19.1.6

But this arrival having been notified to the new Prince by the Governor of the province, the latter soon received a letter, full of reprimands and bitter reproaches, for what was styled the Governor's supineness; and it conveyed a peremptory order to send back to Banaress the new arrived folks, without delay, and without fail. This letter opened Naky-aaly qhan's eyes; then indeed he repented of his hastiness. Luckily for him that Mir-cazem-qhan, elder brother to the new Prince, was these many years in Ram-narain's service, both as Paymaster and Commander of his troops. He was a plain man, with very little brilliancy in his character; but who, however, (and justice is due to every one) seemed very valuable on other accounts, being a good-natured man. My younger brother, who thought this man's acquaintance of some resource, paid him a visit, in which he informed him that he had just received, by a chopdar, or mace-bearer, of Ram-narain's, an absolute order from the Prince to return forthwith to Banaress. This intimation affected the good-natured man; and it produced the following message to the Radja-Governor: Sir, I inform you, that these noblemen are my friends; and that I consent to share their destiny, whatever be their chance. If therefore, you turn them out of Azim-abad, you must think of turning me out of it too. Ram-narain returned a respectful answer; in which "he excused what he had done, on the plea of necessity;

19.1.7

and "added, that he also had the honour to be an acquaintance and "a friend of those noblemen, and would have never sent so bitter "a message, had he not received an express order from Court." This answer having not satisfied the good-natured man, he backed his request by a note, in these words : Sir, my brother knows not what he is about. I take the matter upon me. Pray do not give yourself any further trouble on that head. The Radja did not reply ; but the good-natured man, in the effusions of a feeling heart, took pen immediately, and wrote to his brother whatever came uppermost in his mind ; so that the Prince finding himself reprimanded by his elder brother, desisted from his pursuit. It was just at this conjuncture I chanced to arrive at Azim-abad, but it was to give some umbrage to my younger brother, who became fearful lest the Prince's ill will, and the Governor's injunction, might be renewed on my occasion. Finding how uneasy he was, I desired him to give himself no trouble on that head, as I would, myself, give the Governor notice of my arrival ; adding, that if I received his leave, I would stay ; else, that I would instantly return. After saying these few words, I wrote a short note to Ram-narain. This was immediately answered by a polite letter, in which he not only gave me leave to remain, but expressed a desire to see me. I, therefore, paid him a visit, and this was followed by some others, but at great intervals ;

19.1.8

making it a point to live retired with my mother and my brothers. And things went on smoothly enough, until a report spread, that Mir-djaafer-qhan had quitted his capital, and shortly would be at Azim-abad. This journey, or expedition of his, was on account of the umbrage he had taken at the revolution that had lately taken place at Purania ; where one Hazyr-aaly-qhan, who from a slave-boy to Sayd-ahmed-qhan, had become a man in favour with his master, and a Superintendent of his hall of audience, was now availing himself of the influence which he had in the country, to seize the government of it. This man, in confederacy with Achel-sing, who had been Divan to young Shaocat-djung, had laid his hands upon the son of Mohon-lal, whom he confined ; and he had set up his ownself for lord of the province. Mir-djaafer-qhan, therefore, was coming, both to quell that insurrection, and to take possession of Azim-abad.

19.2.1

It must be observed that although the new Sovereign had been opposed nowhere, it was rather through incertitude how to act, than out of any affection to his person, or any opinion of his talents; so that every one had thoughts of availing himself of such a time of trouble. Ram-narain, who in his heart was strongly attached to Aaly-verdy-qhan's family, had already wrote to the zemindars of his province, and namely, to Radja Sunder-sing, and Radja Pahluvan-sing, the most powerful amongst them, to exhort them to join with him in a common effort, calculated to revenge the death of their master's son. But he received no favourable answer from anywhere; and he soon found that his situation, by becoming critical, required a deal of dissimulation, and some apparent compliance with the revolution; for by this time, strong suspicions had arisen in his mind, nor were they totally groundless. One day as he was amusing himself with viewing a seat and garden he had raised, he was informed that Mir-cazem-qhan, who was indeed the Commander of his troops, but who was also elder brother to Mir-djaafer, had suddenly made his appearance at the gate with a great throng of friends and attendants. The Governor, surprised at the suddenness of the intrusion, retired to another set of secret apartments that had a communication with his garden; from thence he sent to complain of the abruptness of so unexpected a visit, and also to excuse his not seeing him at present.

19.2.2

A couple of hours after he retired to his palace, which was in the citadel; where he made several observations on a visit that afforded such a handle to suspicions, both on the visitor's account and on that of his brother. The latter, informed of a miscarriage that might bring disagreeable consequences, sent him two envoys, who had orders to pacify his mind, by every means in their power. The first of these was Mir-sheriff-din, an ancient officer, who after having successively served the three preceding Viceroys, was now a friend of the new Prince. The second was Govind-mul, an agent and friend of Djagat-seat's. The envoys spared no pains in persuading the Governor to remain quiet during the troubles at Purnia; for by this time Hazyr-aaly-qhan supported by Achel-sing, had taken possession of the capital, confined Mohon-lal, who was Deputy-Governor on the part of Seradj-ed-doulah, and seized the money he had under his guard. But Achel-sing, in fact, was at the bottom of all the contrivance; his credit in the province knew no bounds, having been for a length of time strictly connected with Government as lessee of the Districts of Tadj-pûr, Seripûr, Gundvara, and Carangola, in which station he had acquired both riches and a character. The farmers of the revenue, as well as all the military Commanders, had connections with him so early as the first year of Sayd-ahmed-qhan's administration; and the same may be said equally of Hazyr-aaly.

19.2.3

Both passed for men of consequence, and people had contracted an attachment to their persons. And, as on the other hand, the inhabitants of Pûrania are exactly the counterpart of those of Bengal; those tame, cowardly wretches, at all times so crouching and so ready to submit to any one that offers; no one will wonder at Hazyr-aaly's having brought into his views both the troops and inhabitants. But he forgot himself not a little in confining the Deputy, Mohon-lal. It was after that performance, that he marched up to the Mesned of command and independence, and very unconcernedly took his seat in it. That day he appointed Achel-sing, for his Divan or Prime Minister declaring publicly, from thence, that he was the person on whom he had conferred the management of the finances. However, it may be said with truth that he was himself no better than a pageant, and that he acted entirely under the other's guidance. Such an intelligence could not but confound the Prince; who under pretence of a journey to Azim-abad, was really marching against Ram-narain. Fain he was to divide his attention betwixt two objects become equally important; and in the month of Sefur, 1171, just five months after having acquired the precarious sovereignty of Bengal, he quitted his capital, and encamped in the plain, leaving his worthy son, Miren, to command in his stead as his Deputy.

19.2.4

Unfortunately, on the very first days of his march, he chanced in one of his sober moments, to remember Mirza-mehdy, younger brother to Seradj-ed-doulah, a youthful Prince, who had been early decorated with all his father's titles, but who was now under a severe confinement. Straight he sent an order for his being put to death instantly. The report ran then, and it was generally believed, that the unfortunate, innocent, youth had been forced between two of those wooden frames, called taqhtas, where they conserve shawls and other precious goods; and that the ropes having been strained hard at one and the same time, he had been squeezed to death; and it is from that kind of rack, that his guiltless soul took its flight towards the regions of unalterable innocence and eternal repose. It is true that some persons said, that he had been made away with by a strong dose of poison ; but some others, even after having admitted the kind of death we have mentioned, assign for cause, the dissensions that had early risen between the two confederates, Mir-djaafer-qhan, and Radja Dooloob-ram. These dissensions had risen to such a height, that those two men, once such fast friends, could not bear an intercourse, and had already conceived a mortal dislike to each other.

19.2.5

Now it must be remembered that Dooloob-ram had been an eminent Minister, son to a man of consequence, had enjoyed the highest favour of Aaly-verdy-qhan, his master, and was in possession of important offices, and in full possession of a fringed Paleki, a kettle-drum, and other honourific insignia, at a time, when Mir-djaafer-qhan, actually convicted of malversation and infamous management in his then office of Paymaster-General, was obliged to look out for a shelter, under the Minister's wings. A service of that consequence deserved, in the Gentoo's opinion, very high acknowledgments ; for it was acknowledged as such, by all the officers, and all the soldiers of the army. No wonder then that he should now prove too high-minded, to bear Mir-djaafer-qhan's assumed superiority, and too incensed, to submit to his sway ; so that his discontent and indignation had prompted him to take measures for releasing Mirza-mehdy, whose person was to be sent him secretly by some men that had it in custody, and whom he had gained underhand. Be it as it may, Mir-djaafer, who somehow had suspected the probability of such a management, and who was thoroughly sensible of all that could be performed by a man ; who to his immense personal property joined an unbounded influence over the hearts of all the troops ; resolved to be beforehand with him, and he without hesitation, dispatched an order for murdering that youth, whose innocence and beauty drew tears from every eye.

19.2.6

This order had been entrusted to Miren, that virtuous son of his, who after having signalised himself anew, by shedding so much innocent blood, and laid up thereby, as he thought, an abundant stock of ease of mind, for his own occasions, now abandoned himself to all kinds of excesses ; and as he imagined that with the title of Shahamet-djung, which he had so much longed for, and had now assumed, he had likewise inherited all the other qualifications of the late Nevazish-mahmed-qhan, who had always borne it, he modelled his household accordingly, took in his service all the officers and servants that had belonged to that much regretted nobleman, and therefore appointed Hadjee Mehdy, for his Superintendent of the hall of audience, and Radja Bullub, a Bengalee of Djehan-ghir-nugur-dacca, for his Prime Minister. But whilst he was new-modelling his household in that manner, there arose under his very eyes, a man whose fortune became prodigious. This was Qhadum-hassen-qhan, the very man who had lately cut so conspicuous a figure, in driving away the disconsolate mother of Seradj-ed-doula's. He boasted assiduously of his being related to Mir-djaafer-qhan, although in reality he was no relation of his in any degree; for he was born, not of Mir-djaafer-qhan's sister, as married to Seyd-qhadem-aaly-qhan, but only from a Cashmirian wife of his, whom the latter had likewise married;

19.2.7

and this was all the foundation of a relationship, he now so loudly claimed, styling himself his nephew, and never mentioning the new Prince, but by the appellation of his Mamoo, or maternal uncle. But although his relation to the new Sovereign was so very slight and groundless, he was very much related to him in other weighty respects. He was nearly of the same age, extremely addicted to voluptuousness and profligacies, and above all, had an invincible inclination to some particular species of unnatural lusts, to which the two friends had taken an habit from their earliest youths, and which the two friends practised reciprocally; living mostly together, and frequently retiring together. However he was superior to his Mamoo in other respects. Quick-sighted in matters of account and book-keeping, thoroughly skilled in the arts of making money, ready-handed enough at quarrels and frays, and above all, deeply conversant in all the secret subtilities and contrivances of non-conformism, and unnatural practices, which last were his peculiar taste and particular turn of mind; and as on the other hand, he had been long enough in the service of the late Sayd-ahmed-qhan, to have acquired thereby a competent acquaintance, not only with whatever concerned the finances of the country, but also with the inlets into the province of Poorania, and with its strong and weak sides; so he thought himself well-qualified for a Governor; and he accordingly requested the government of that country.

19.2.8

"He "reminded Mir-djaafer-qhan of the activity he had exhibited in serving him with his person, in his disputes with Seradj-ed-doula (although in reality it was he that had escaped by taking shelter under Mir-djaafer-qhan's protection, as Seradj-ed-doulah had got information of his cabals, and wanted to punish him according to his deserts), he represented, I say, to his friend, that now that fortune had bestowed upon him so much power, and such extensive dominions, he hoped he would allow him to better his fortune in that little corner of Púrania, a favour which after all would not be bestowed on a stranger." This representation being made at a time when Mir-djaafer-qhan had set out on purpose to chastise the revolted of Púrania, and to quiet the troubles of that province, could not fail of being listened to, especially as Qhadum-hassen-qhan, who was master of much ready money, and had furnished himself with a nobleman's equipage, had offered to quell the troubles of that province, at his own charge and peril, provided he had the government of it, and was assisted with a small force.

19.2.9

The old Navvab, who had been at all times indolent and averse to labour, but who now detested the very thoughts of it, on finding himself fated to taste of the sweets of sovereignty, no earlier than in the evening of life, was glad to rid himself of such an out-of-the-way expedition, the more so, as it interfered with his intended scheme against Azim-abad, which last he thought much more important. He therefore bestowed on Qhadum-hassen-qhan the investiture and qhylaat of Púraniah; and Mir-cazam-qhan, an ancient Commander of Aaly-verdy-qhan's time, was ordered to attend him with his corps, and to obey his commands; this officer who was a man of character, and a little related to me, the poor man, had cut so great a figure at the battle in which Shaocat-djung lost his life, that the new Navvab desirous to win his heart, had augmented his brigade, and had bestowed upon him the Paymastership of several other corps.

19.3.1

As soon as the appointment took place, the new Governor crossed the Ganga with a small train of artillery, and his own body of troops; and from thence he wrote circular letters to every principal man, and to every civil and military officer in the province: all men whom he knew personally. These letters with now and then a menace, contained a variety of promises, and were calculated to gain the heart of every one. This passage of the Ganga roused the attention of Hazyr-aaly-qhan, who had forgot himself totally on seeing six or seven thousand foot, and two or three thousand horse under his command; he armed himself and resolved to repel the enemy, and he made choice of a post which he fortified with intrenchments. But all this while he was unaware that his troops, being no better than so many farmers of Pùrania, were faint-hearted, and unfit for a day of battle; those people making nothing of throwing away their arms, and abandoning their officers, without any sense of shame. Instead of that knowledge so necessary in a man of his station, he had provided himself with certain astrological predictions, which a certain Gentoo, called Ratan-pat, had been brewing for him, and he had strengthened his post on his own notions of success and victory. However, he took care to gain the hearts of his troops, by bestowing much money amongst them from the large sums that had been brought together with so much trouble by Seradj-ed-doulah's Deputy.

19.3.2

By this time Qhadum-hassen-qhan had approached the enemy, but as fear and despondency seemed to have seized him, as well as his antagonist, he thought proper to stop short, and to write pressing letters to the Navvab for his hastening his promised assistance. Luckily for him that the Pùraniah troops no sooner heard of the enemy's approach, than they were seized with a panic, and they disappeared by small parties; each man, as his fear prompted him, quitting the camp in the night, and making the best of his way to his home. The desertion became so general, that the numbers in camp became thinner and thinner, to the great disappointment of Hazyr-aaly-qhan, who was still more intimidated by hearing that the Navvab had sent repeated orders to Mir-cazem-qhan to hasten his march. These orders, however, did not please Qhadum-hassen-qhan; but as he was a shrewd man, and fully informed how matters went in the enemy's camp, he thought it expedient to hasten to an engagement, for fear of being obliged to share the honour of the success with another in a victory which he thought could not escape him. Full of these ideas, he assembled the few troops he had with him, and before Mir-cazem-qhan could come up, he marched directly against the enemy's camp. Hazyr-aaly-qhan, on the other hand, ranged his troops upon the intrenchment, and with his Minister, Atchul-sing, he made his appearance at their head.

19.3.3

But these troops who had already been impressed by Qhadum-hassen-qhan's letters, forgot everything but their own safety; on descrying the enemy's march they wavered, and without being pushed to it by actually feeling the impression of either sabre or spear, they quitted their posts all at once, and fled every one the nearest way to his home. Hazyr-aaly-qhan, without being desmayed by this general desertion, found means to secure his flight. He fled and disappeared, without it being possible to know where, and how. To all appearance, he went towards the mountainous tracts in the north of Purania, which although contiguous to Bengal, are independent from it; and he remained concealed there until he might hear of an opportunity of emerging from thence; and this happened when another revolution was effected in favour of Mir-cassem-aaly-djah. Then he shewed himself again, but was seized and confined for a length of time, without being ever heard of afterwards. After so easy and so complete a victory, Qhadum-hassen-qhan made his entry in Purania, where he took up his abode in the palace built by Sayd-ahmed-qhan; and from thence he proclaimed that whoever had concealed Atchul-sing, should produce him immediately. But there was little need of any vigorous search; for the man himself having concluded that as a pen-man and one that had acted only on a second-hand, there was little danger for him in being apprehended, quietly suffered himself to be taken;

19.3.4

on which the Governor required him to produce a general account of the employ he had made of the public money; after which he resumed every thing that had been bestowed under the former administration. Numbers that had absconded, were seized, and by dint of severities, were made to pay much money, after having refunded all that which they had really received. Such violences made his administration odious, and rendered his person an object of taunt and reproach; but he seemed to pay little attention to it; and, indeed, he had not delicacy enough to feel the detestable part he had chosen to act; and, provided he made much money, he little minded the detestation of an incensed public. Mir-cazem-qhan arrived at this time with his force; but he found the country reduced; and he contented himself with paying a visit to the new Governor; after which he took his leave, and returned to the camp at Radj-mahl. The Governor being now firmly settled, applied himself to the duties of his office, and some months had elapsed in this manner; but Ratun-pal, the astrologer, who had absconded with many others, having thought proper to make again his appearance upon the stage of the world, gave birth to a strange scene. This man claimed the possession of some villages that had been bestowed upon him successively by Saif-qhan, and afterwards by Sayd-ahmed-qhan.

19.3.5

He thought that, as the whole business of an astrologer consisted in keeping great men in good humour with their ownselves, by a variety of predictions suited to their inclinations, the new Governor would not find fault with him for having flattered Hazyr-aaly-qhan a little, nor would object to his being left in the possession of an estate so fairly acquired. "Astrologer," said the Governor, with an air of derision, "have you examined the stars to-day, before you ventured out of your house? Doubtless you have." "Illustrious Navvab," answered the other, "as the business of such men as we, is to draw horoscopes for others, and to examine the Heavens for a favourable hour, you may rest assured that we do not neglect such a precaution for ourselves." "Very well," replied the Governor; "and it is you undoubtedly, that have pointed out to Hazyr-aaly-qhan, a favourable hour for his fine expedition. Have you not?" The man did not deny it; and on that concession, the Governor ordered him to be carried to the public market, there to have his nose cut off, to terrify all the Grandees and principal men of the province; and likewise to teach him to look out with more care about a favourable hour, on his coming out of his lodgings. The order was punctually executed, and the poor man remained mutilated for life. This expedition of Qhadum-hassen-qhan's having put it in the Navvab's power to depart from Radj-mahl, he marched on to Azim-abad.

19.3.6

But Ram-narain, being by this time certain that the Navvab's expedition was solely intended against him, he concluded with himself, that his own power and dominion could never subsist upon a solid foundation, unless he made an alliance with the English. He reposed no confidence on Mir-djaafer-qhan's promises and actions; could not trust his word; and was still more mistrustful of his Ministers. With this view he gained Govinda-mul over to his side; that is, the very man who had orders to persuade him; and he sent him, as his own agent, to the English camp, with a commission to spare nothing that might procure him a letter, according to the wish of his heart, from Colonel Clive. After which, he assured him, he would soon come to terms with the Navvab. Govinda-mul waited on Mir-djaafer-qhan, and informed him, "that Ram-narain would not come to pay him his respects, unless the English mediated some terms with His Highness, and pledged their good faith as guarantees. That otherwise, God only knew what might happen!" On the Navvab's answering, that he had no objections, Govinda-mul applied to the Moonshy, or Persian Secretary; and having gained him over to his party, he obtained from him such a minute of a letter, as he wanted, and brought it to the Navvab. But as the agent was apprised that Mir-djaafer-qhan could neither write nor read fluently, and that when once duly seasoned with his dose of bang, he was incapable of attending to business, especially after his meal;

19.3.7

so those two shrewd ones, who knew his character, made choice of that moment to present their letter. The old Navvab excused himself on his having a headache, and his not being able to read at present; but he added, however, that he would hear the purport. Such a purport, therefore, was mentioned to him, as differed widely from the real letter, but, however, suited his intention and mind; so that after having heard it, he ordered a letter to be drawn up accordingly, and shewn to Colonel Clive. Govinda-mul having carried his point, folded up the letter, and ran to the Colonel. This Commander took a copy of it, signed and sealed the original, and then returned it to the Navvab. It contained "an invitation to come over to the English camp, with assurances of his taking it upon himself to have him confirmed in his Government, and to see him secured in his life, property, and honour, without being "liable to be called to any account whatever, for either the management of the revenue, or any other matter." Govinda-mul, furnished with such a piece, took his departure from thence, without returning to the Navvab's camp; and spreading his wings full in the expanse of success, he arrived at Ram-narain's palace, where he shewed him the letter, and its minute. Such a sight could not but quiet that Governor's mind; and as he had now carried his point, and was totally freed from his fears, he resolved to wait upon the Navvab;

19.3.8

and having spied a favourable hour, he set out to shift his ground.

19.4.1

As the Radja had had a particular regard for me, shewed a deal of fondness for my company, and did everything in his power to oblige me, I thought it incumbent upon my gratitude to conform myself to the complexion of the times; so far, at least, as to accompany him in his journey, I therefore repaired to the place which he had chosen for changing his ground, and for staying two days; and I put a piece of paper into his hands, the purport of which was, "that even men capable of nothing, happen sometimes to be good for something; and that, if he should think it proper, I would accompany him." He wrote at the bottom of the paper these words: "I am now hastening out, uncertain myself of my own fate; but as I retain a grateful sense of your kind offer, I shall, on my return, remember of it, to see you oftener than ever, and to oblige you in every thing in my power; I think it an honour and a happiness to myself to distinguish a man of your merit." The next day Ram-narain departed, and repaired directly to the English camp. On this proceeding, which did not please Govinda-mul, who was now become his confidant, he observed, that it was highly proper now to repair, also, to the Navvab's camp, and to come to some concessions for his having visited Colonel Clive, first. Ramnarain, who was a shrewd man, would not listen to the advice; but the Colonel gave him one of his Commanders, in whose company he repaired to Mir-djaafer-qhan's camp.

19.4.2

A precaution so injurious, could not but highly displease the Navvab, and render both the agent and visitor extremely disagreeable. However, he for the present, repressed his resentment, and a few hours after, he sent him word to encamp at a spot he pointed out to him; and as the Governor was now sure of protection, he complied with the command, and marched two or three days with him, until they arrived at Djaafer-qhan's garden, which is on the banks of the Ganga, close to the suburb of Azim-abad, where they encamped eastward of that city.

19.4.3

It was there that my three younger brothers, Naky-aaly-qhan, and Ghalib-aaly-qhan, and Seyd-aaly-qhan, were introduced to the Navvab, by his brother, Mir-cazem-qhan. As for my own part, I paid that Prince a visit under the mediation of the Paymaster, Mir-cazem-qhan; who generously remembered the rights of consanguinity, and never made use of the great credit which his many important services gave him, but for doing good and obliging others. However, I must confess, that my heart had but very little share in that visit, as I was thoroughly acquainted with that Prince's character, long before the revolution, that had brought him to the Mesned; and I had not the least inclination for his company; nor did I in the two or three months time, which he passed at Azim-abad, pay him more than two or three visits, and this too after he had reprimanded me for my neglect. The truth is, that on observing that his company was in general such as corresponded with his own profligate character, I had no inclination to mix with such people. It was not so with Mir-cazem-qhan, the Paymaster. I used to visit that amiable man often, and although I was then in circumstances distressed enough, I consoled myself, and kept up my spirits by a frequent repetition of these verses, which His Highness Sheh-mahmed-hazin (whom God may place amongst the highest in his paradise!) had often in his mouth:

19.4.4

"Bring to my ears concerts of music; and you waiter, give that remnant of wine." "Let us kill time as we can, and bid defiance to Heaven." But as I have so often mentioned Mir-djaafer-qhan's character, it will not be improper to give some specimen of it, as he gave them himself at this very period of time. A strict friendship, and an intimate union had subsisted at all times between him and Mirza-shems-ed-din, a very sensible, very ingenious gentleman of MOrshOd-abad. The latter had even lent him a sum of money, when the former was in disgrace with Seradj-ed-doulah, and in want of that timely assistance. So that now, that his friend had possession of all the treasures of that Prince, as well as of his extensive dominions, the Mirza very naturally expected mighty returns from the man's gratitude, and from his sense of the important services he had rendered him, at so critical a time. But he was mistaken in his reckoning, and he saw the very reverse of what he expected; he was seldom admitted to the Navvab's company, that is, to that in which the latter unbent his mind, amongst a number of friends. Not that the old Navvab was estranged from him neither; only that he knew him for a diseur-de-bonmots, and a waggish jester that would spare no man; and he feared lest some severe jokes, upon the neglect of which he was the victim, might throw a slur upon the Prince's importance and weight.

19.4.5

One day, when the Mirza had found means to be one of the Navvab's company, in his private apartments, the latter to prevent an attack which he dreaded, thought it best to soothe his resentment by some handsome excuses. "Mirza," said the Navvab, "do not believe that I have forgotten the services you have rendered me, or that I do not mind you; you know that all the money which fell into my hands, has been employed in satisfying the English, and in promoting some concerns that admitted of no delay; but I can assure you that whenever I am eased of my engagements, and I find a proper opportunity, I shall not let it slip out of my hands, but will avail myself of it, to return you the services you have rendered me." The Mirza, whose heart was alienated by some months' attendance, answered: My Lord-Navvab, do not tell me so much of your distressed circumstances; for they affect the tenderness of my heart, and will melt me to tears. But what can I do? Had not Seradj-ed-d'dula plundered my house on your account, and reduced me to poverty, I would assist you even now with some money, as I think it a happiness to serve you with all my power; no man in the world deserves so well, as you, every thing which friendship can perform. Here it must be observed, that Mir-djaafer-qhan, who was fond of jewels, and had chanced to enjoy them, but at the end of his life, when he got immense quantities of them at once, was actually loaded with those glittering things;

19.4.6

and he actually wore six or seven bracelets at his wrist, every one of a different species of gems; and he had also hanging from his neck, over his breast, three or four chapelets of pearls, every one of inestimable value. Such was his dress that day, and Shems-ed-din looking earnestly at it, said: My Lord-Navvab, the stones you wear at your arms, are of so inestimable a value, that they can be of no use to any one but yourself; but yet they must be pretty heavy, and could you but give me a slap in the face, with that hand of yours, so loaded, it would ease my heart of much of its grief. But the sarcasm he cracked on the Navvab on another occasion, proved much more severe. The Mirza having accompanied him to Azim-abad saw his character traduced by some jealous, who reported that some of his soldiers of his corps had quarreled with Colonel Clive's people; and that there had happened a fray between them. It chanced that Shems-ed-din himself made his appearance at that very moment; it was in full Derbar, and in the hall of audience. The Navvab fixed his eyes upon him, and spoke a few words that seemed to border upon reprimand. "Sir," said he, "your people have had a fray with the Colonel's people. Is your honour to know, who is that Colonel Clive, and in what station Heaven has seated him?" My Lord-Navvab, answered the Mirza, in getting up instantly, and standing bolt-upright before him; Me, to quarrel with the Colonel! Me!

19.4.7

who never get up every morning, without making three profound bows to his very jack ass? How then could I be daring enough after that, to fall out with the rider himself? After that small digression, for which we hope the readers' connivance, it is proper to revert to the affairs of Azim-abad, and to see how Ram-narain availed himself of the letter, he had obtained at the expense of so much art, and so much good luck. One day Mir-djaafer-qhan, after having much amused himself with the songs and dances of the actresses of that city, conferred the government of the province on his own elder brother, Mir-cazem-qhan; and at the same time he required Ram-narain, to render a full account of the management of the revenue for so many years past. Ram-narain, who had attached himself to the English, on purpose to parry such a stroke, did not fail to complain to Colonel Clive. The Colonel sent a message to the Navvab, to dissuade him from such a design. The message displeased that Prince, who in conversing with the Colonel's agent and envoy, grew warm, and expressed himself in these very words: "What does mean, my Lord! Shall I leave such "a Government in the hands of a Ram-narain, and behold my "own brother without employment? What for, pray? And "for whom?" The Colonel sent word in answer, "that it was "for fear of such contingencies as these that he, on the Navvab's "desiring to be accompanied by the English, in his expedition "to Azim-abad, had objected to his being of the party;

19.4.8

and had "reminded him, that it was improper in him to desire the con"currence of the English in what concerned his finances and the "government of his dominions, as he (the Colonel) might come "to observe many actions of his to be contrary to sound policy "and to good faith; and that once the English being embark"ed with him in those regulations, they would think his honour "as well as their own concerned in preventing wrong measures. "I added," said the Colonel, "that the interference of the "English might produce an alteration, and change our union and "friendship into disputes and discontent. All this you would "not hear; and now that you have brought me so far, and have "made me write, as mediator and as guarantee, a letter, con"firming under my hand and seal a number of promises all made "by yourself, how can I take a share in offering so much in"justice? And how can I be guilty of breaking my word after "having solemnly given it?" The Navvab, surprised at the style of the message, denied that either the Colonel or himself had ever entered into any such agreement. The Colonel, in reply, sent him the minute written by the Navvab's own Secretary, minute which the Colonel had kept as a voucher. The Navvab got it read, and paid great attention to the contents. Surprised at what he heard, he sent for his Secretary and Govinda-mul, and expostulated with them on this strange affair.

19.4.9

These two men who were closely linked together in this business, took care to answer in such a manner, as to confound the old man totally. They observed, "that they had brought that minute to him, and "offered it to his perusal; that he had ordered the contents "to be recited to him, had given his consent, and had requested "that of the Colonel's. They added, that it was not strange at all, "that those contents should have slipped out of his memory, in "the variety of businessess, and avocations that crowded upon "his Princely mind." Mir-djaafer, feeling he was in the wrong, found he had no other party to take, but that of abiding by the Colonel's pleasure, with respect to Ram-narain. He did more; for after having so bluntly published his intention to dispossess the latter, he found it convenient to caress him, and, at the same time, to promise some other preferment to his disappointed brother, whom he desired to quit Azim-abad, in order to live with him at his Court.

19.5.1

These small dissensions were followed by several others of a more private nature. Cam-car-qhan, Radja or Prince of some mountainous tracts in the province of Azim-abad, was this long while attached to Mir-cazem-qhan, the Navvab's elder brother, who had invited him to Court, where he intended to make interest in bringing to an issue some difference which he had with Sunder-sing, another Radja of those parts, but where he received nothing but promises from that Prince; whereas Sunder-sing, who had all along sided with Ram-narain, now carried his point with a high hand. He even did more; for on observing how much stability had accrued to his friend's Government, by the late interference of the English, he made no account of Mir-djaafer-qhan, to whom he seldom paid his court; and on the contrary, he very assiduously cultivated Ram-narain's good will, who now interfered so far in this affair, that he got Cam-car-qhan to be arrested, and confined. Nor did this proceeding much affect the old Prince, who glad to have somehow rid himself of this affair turned his mind towards amusements; and having ordered a numerous assembly of Fakirs and religious men, he entertained them handsomely, and complimented each of them with one rupee gratuity. These assemblies are called Me'ls. From this entertainment he repaired to a pastime of another kind;

19.5.2

where, being heated by the pleasures of the festival of Hôly, he amused himself with seeing dances, hearing songs, and distributing amongst the actors and actresses, a number of lively coloured dresses. It was in one of those moments of mirth and jocularity, that Ram-narain, who had a deal of kindness for me, the poor man, supplicated the Navvab for the release of the Districts of Belofidjana, and of some other lands about Mongher; together with the villages of Beni-nagur and Molla-nugur, which composed a certain Djaghir or estate, hereditary in our family, but that had been confiscated by Seradj-ed-doula. The Navvab, who did not choose to disoblige a man so well supported, gave his consent, and the Governor sent me notice of it immediately. This incident roused the Navvab, who seeing that this affair was as good as done, resolved to assume the merit of seeming to confer an obligation of consequence on Naky-aaly-qhan, my younger brother, who had been an intimate companion of his, and who, as we have already hinted, had fruitlessly conceived mighty hopes from Mir-djaafer-qhan's accession to power and dominion. He therefore sent for him directly; and willing to get rid of a man, whose distressful circumstances reflected a reproach upon his old friend, he told him, that if he had anything to say about the confiscated Djaghir of his family, he ought to present him a paper, and that he would be glad to sign it.

19.5.3

My brother, who knew what had happened, reluctantly presented a petition, in which he requested a release of his paternal estate; and the Navvab having signed it, addressed it to Ram-narain for its execution; and thereby, in his opinion, obliged two persons with a single favour. But as he was now on his return to Bengal, he spent some days in celebrating the festival of the Holy in the Chehel-sutun, that building of stone raised by Zin-eddin-ahmed-qhan. Not content with that, he ordered a sandy spot in the river, through which ran a small stream, to be surrounded by cloth-walls, and there he spent some days in fulfilling the rites of that Gentoo festival, the last of which consists in throwing handfuls of dust and coloured earth at each other, and syringing coloured water on one another's clothes; and this ceremony, likewise, having been fulfilled to his heart's content, he returned in town, where he fixed a day for his departure. But first of all he spent some days in visiting the holy places of the town of Bahar; and especially the tomb of Shah-sherf-ben-yahya, the illuminated, who is the patron Saint of that town, and is entombed in its neighbourhood. And it was here, likewise, that he satisfied his cravings for ox's flesh, fried in sesam oil, which is a kind of minced meat, for which that town is famous, and of which the tary-drinkers of those parts are so very fond. He was heard to say, before his arrival there, that he would eat his bellyful of it;

19.5.4

and I have been told, that quantities of that kind of meat had been ordered to be prepared by such of the inhabitants as had a knack at the frying-pan business. All of whom brought him their performances; on which some were applauded, some loaded with encomiums, and some cursed and abused; just as his taste would point out, and his natural levity prompted. And let the credit of this story rest with my author. It was about this time that Rao-shitab-ray made his appearance in these parts, a man henceforward destined to cut so capital a figure. Originally he had been a clerk in the service of Aga-suleiman, a Georgian slave of Qhandoran's, who was Minister of Mahmed-shah; which Georgian, on Qhandoran's demise, became Steward to his son, Semsam-ed-doulah. At first Shitab-ray had but a small salary, and a small office in this nobleman's house; but his merit and abilities having come to light by degrees, he advanced so far in his family, as to be the centre of all the business transacted therein. Several revolutions having happened meanwhile in the capital, and giving rise to an infinity of troubles, that almost overset the circumstances of every inhabitant of that unhappy city, Rao-shitab-ray who did not think it a secure place of abode, nor such as could afford him a subsistence suitable to his wishes, resolved to quit it, and to seek his fortune elsewhere; but as he had friends at Court, he obtained several offices before his departure.

First 38 of 236 passages. Read on