A History of the Mahrattas v1.c30.1

v1.c30.1

A.D. 1766.—Whilst universally admitted that unwieldy dominion is the forerunner of certain decline, it is not always considered that, under some circumstances, conquest may be too slow as well as too rapid. Illustrative of this observation we have some striking examples connected with the history of Maharashtra, particularly in the decay of the Portuguese and the rise of the Mahrattas. The middle course, as steered by the English, and the steady march of aggrandizement which they have hitherto pursued in the East, is to be ascribed to the remarkable men who have at various periods directed their councils and their armies; and to the caution of a body of merchants, who, though pleased at the gain, were appalled at the venture, and who feared the loss of all they had acquired by each succeeding contest into which they were plunged.