A History of the Mahrattas v1.c19.151

v1.c19.151

‘ Your Excellency is pleased to say, “ if I had regard to the weal of the people, and favoured commerce, my power would be much augmented, and my port become like that of Surat ” ; but I never have been wanting to favour the merchants, trading according to the laws of this country, nor of chastising those transgressing the same as your Excellency well knows. “ The increase of power depends on the divine will, in which human diligence little availeth.” Until this day, I have kept up the power that was necessary : whether I shall continue it or no for the future, who can tell ? but that will be as God is pleased to determine.