Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 42.25.7

42.25.7

And although I rightly conjectured that such a publication even in England, would cost me no less than two thousand rupees, and in India, no less than three or four, I thought it incumbent upon my gratitude to overlook the expense of three or four hundred pounds, for supporting the character of a man whom I highly respected, and who, moreover, had put ten or twelve thousand in my pocket. This resolution once taken firmly, the printing it in India, that is, the adding some more money to the intended sum of four thousand, became a consideration that did not stop me a moment. These pecuniary matters naturally bring to mind your proposal of putting a stop to the printing of the remainder of my History, and of recommending it to another person for dressing it in better language. Sir, the first part of your proposal is impossible, at least it is out of my power. The second is totally repugnant to the natural sincerity of my heart, say, to the natural pride of my mind. Please to attend to the following detail: —