Storia do Mogor 281.13.3

281.13.3

I have already said several times, and I cannot resist repeating it, the inhabitants of Hindustan are politic and dissimulators to the highest degree. At the first interview they are able to discover adroitly the intentions of those with whom they have to deal. They are self-seeking even to excess. No promises cost them a moment's hesitation ; they are great flatterers, and they always hold out great hopes, in spite of their having not the remotest wish of holding to them. Thus it happens that so many men, when they think they have accomplished their ends, obtain the very contrary of what they had expected. Since I am on the chapter of this ambassador [i.e., Norris], there comes to mind three demands put by Aurangzeb to the Persian king's envoy in the early part of his reign. The replies he made were held to be sensible, and worthy of a man of understanding. First he was asked what strength his king disposed of. 'Sire,' replied the ambassador, 'I know not the number of his soldiers, but this I do know: that they are all united.' Secondly, he was asked what might be the extent of his king's treasures. 'Sire,' said he, 'I do not know, but what I do know is that his people are always prosperous.' Finally, in the third and last place, he was asked his king's age. 'Sire,' said he, 'I do not know, but one thing I know well, and that is, he is very prudent.'