A History of the Mahrattas v2.c47.9

v2.c47.9

¹ The Mahrattas excuse Filoze’s treachery, by saying that he was entirely ignorant of Sindia’s intention to seize Nana; that there was no premeditated deception on his part, and that he was compelled to the act by a sudden order, accompanied by threats and promises, from Shirzee Rao, through a person named Meer-Assud-Alee Wahid. The mere circumstance of their wishing to defend Filoze is honourable to the European character; had it regarded any of their own countrymen, the story would have been received without investigation, as a matter of course. Mahrattas wishing to be polite always disparage themselves, and, in addressing a European, nothing is more common than to speak of themselves as a treacherous, deceitful race of marauders, on whom no dependence should be placed. One unacquainted with their manners, or who has superficially observed them, would not readily suppose that they merely intend an indirect compliment, knowing how highly truth and plain dealing are estimated among us.