The twilight darkened into night so fast, that it was only by his white
dress that Hartley could discern his guide, as he tripped along the
splendid Bazaar of the city. But the obscurity was so far favourable,
that it prevented the inconvenient attention which the natives might
otherwise have bestowed upon the European in his native dress, a sight
at that time very rare in Seringapatam.
The various turnings and windings through which he was conducted, ended
at a small door in a wall, which, from the branches that hung over it,
seemed to surround a garden or grove.
The postern opened on a tap from his guide, and the slave having
entered, Hartley prepared to follow, but stepped back as a gigantic
African brandished at his head a scimetar three fingers broad. The young
slave touched his countryman with a rod which he held in his hand, and
it seemed as if the touch disabled the giant, whose arm and weapon sunk
instantly. Hartley entered without farther opposition, and was now in a
grove of mango-trees, through which an infant moon was twinkling faintly
amid the murmur of waters, the sweet song of the nightingale, and the
odours of the rose, yellow jasmine, orange and citron flowers, and
Persian narcissus. Huge domes and arches, which were seen imperfectly in
the quivering light, seemed to intimate the neighbourhood of some sacred
edifice, where the Fakir had doubtless taken up his residence.
Hartley pressed on with as much haste as he could, and entered a
side-door and narrow vaulted passage, at the end of which was another
door. Here his guide stopped, but pointed and made indications that
the European should enter. Hartley did so, and found himself in a small
cell, such as we have formerly described, wherein sate Barak el Hadgi,
with another Fakir, who, to judge from the extreme dignity of a white
beard, which ascended up to his eyes on each side, must be a man of
great sanctity, as well as importance.
Hartley pronounced the usual salutation of Salam Alaikum in the most
modest and deferential tone; but his former friend was so far from
responding in their former strain of intimacy, that, having consulted
the eye of his older companion, he barely pointed to a third carpet,
upon which the stranger seated himself cross-legged, after the country
fashion, and a profound silence prevailed for the space of several
minutes. Hartley knew the Oriental customs too well to endanger the
success of his suit by precipitation. He waited an intimation to speak.
At length it came, and from Barak.
“When the pilgrim Barak,” he said, “dwelt at Madras, he had eyes and
a tongue; but now he is guided by those of his father, the holy Scheik
Hali ben Khaledoun, the superior of his convent.”
This extreme humility Hartley thought inconsistent with the affectation
of possessing superior influence, which Barak had shown while at the
Presidency; but exaggeration of their own consequence is a foible common
to all who find themselves in a land of strangers. Addressing the senior
Fakir, therefore, he told him in as few words as possible the villanous
plot which was laid to betray Menie Gray into the hands of the Prince
Tippoo. He made his suit for the reverend father's intercession with the
Prince himself, and with his father the Nawaub, in the most persuasive
terms. The Fakir listened to him with an inflexible and immovable
aspect, similar to that with which a wooden saint regards his eager
supplicants. There was a second pause, when, after resuming his pleading
more than once, Hartley was at length compelled to end it for want of
matter.
The silence was broken by the elder Fakir, who, after shooting a
glance at his younger companion by a turn of the eye, without the least
alteration of the position of the head and body, said, “The unbeliever
has spoken like a poet. But does he think that the Nawaub Khan Hyder Ali
Behauder will contest with his son Tippoo the victorious, the possession
of an infidel slave?”
Hartley received at the same time a side glance from Barak, as if
encouraging him to plead his own cause. He suffered a minute to elapse,
and then replied,--
“The Nawaub is in the place of the Prophet, a judge over the low as
well as high. It is written, that when the Prophet decided a controversy
between the two sparrows concerning a grain of rice, his wife Fatima
said to him, 'Doth the Missionary of Allah well to bestow his time in
distributing justice on a matter so slight, and between such despicable
litigants?'--'Know, woman,' answered the Prophet, 'that the sparrows and
the grain of rice are the creation of Allah. They are not worth more
than thou hast spoken; but justice is a treasure of inestimable price,
and it must be imparted by him who holdeth power to all who require it
at his hand. The Prince doth the will of Allah, who gives it alike in
small matters as in great, and to the poor as well as the powerful.
To the hungry bird, a grain of rice is as a chaplet of pearls to a
sovereign.'--I have spoken.”
“Bismallah!--Praised be God! he hath spoken like a Moullah,” said the
elder Fakir, with a little more emotion, and some inclination of his
head towards Barak, for on Hartley he scarcely deigned even to look.
“The lips have spoken it which cannot lie,” replied Barak, and there was
again a pause.
It was once more broken by Scheick Hali, who, addressing himself
directly to Hartley, demanded of him, “Hast thou heard, Feringi, of
aught of treason meditated by this Kafr [infidel] against the Nawaub
Behander?”
“Out of a traitor cometh treason,” said Hartley, “but, to speak after my
knowledge, I am not conscious of such design.”
“There is truth in the words of him,” said the Fakir, “who accuseth not
his enemy save on his knowledge. The things thou hast spoken shall be
laid before the Nawaub; and as Allah and he will, so shall the issue be.
Meantime, return to thy Khan, and prepare to attend the Vakeel of thy
government, who is to travel with dawn to Bangalore, the strong, the
happy, the holy city. Peace be with thee!--Is it not so, my son?”
Barak, to whom this appeal was made, replied, “Even as my father hath
spoken.”
Hartley had no alternative but to arise and take his leave with the
usual phrase, “Salam--God's peace be with you!”
His youthful guide, who waited his return without, conducted him once
more to his Khan, through by-paths which he could not have found out
without pilotage. His thoughts were in the mean time strongly engaged
on his late interview. He knew the Moslem men of religion were not
implicitly to be trusted. The whole scene might be a scheme of Barak, to
get rid of the trouble of patronizing a European in a delicate affair;
and he determined to be guided by what should seem to confirm or
discredit the intimation which he had received.
On his arrival at the Khan, he found the Vakeel of the British
government in a great bustle, preparing to obey directions transmitted
to him by the Nawaub's Dewan, or treasurer, directing him to depart the
next morning with break of day for Bangalore.
He expressed great discontent at the order, and when Hartley intimated
his purpose of accompanying him, seemed to think him a fool for his
pains, hinting the probability that Hyder meant to get rid of them both
by means of the freebooters, through whose countries they were to pass
with such a feeble escort. This fear gave way to another, when the time
of departure came, at which moment there rode up about two hundred
of the Nawaub's native cavalry. The Sirdar who commanded these troops
behaved with civility, and stated that he was directed to attend upon
the travellers, and to provide for their safety and convenience on
the journey; but his manner was reserved and distant, and the Vakeel
insisted that the force was intended to prevent their escape, rather
than for their protection. Under such unpleasant auspices, the journey
between Seringapatam and Bangalore was accomplished in two days and part
of a third, the distance being nearly eighty miles.
On arriving in view of this fine and populous city, they found an
encampment already established within a mile of its walls. It occupied a
tope or knoll, covered with trees, and looked full on the gardens which
Tippoo had created in one quarter of the city. The rich pavilions of
the principal persons flamed with silk and gold; and spears with gilded
points, or poles supporting gold knobs, displayed numerous little
banners inscribed with the name of the Prophet. This was the camp of
the Begum Mootee Mahul, who, with a small body of her troops, about
two hundred men, was waiting the return of Tippoo under the walls of
Bangalore. Their private motives for desiring a meeting the reader
is acquainted with; to the public the visit of the Begum had only the
appearance of an act of deference, frequently paid by inferior and
subordinate princes to the patrons whom they depend upon.
These facts ascertained, the Sirdar of the Nawaub took up his own
encampment within sight of that of the Begum, but at about half a mile's
distance, despatching to the city a messenger to announce to the Prince
Tippoo, as soon as he should arrive, that he had come hither with the
English Vakeel.
The bustle of pitching a few tents was soon over, and Hartley, solitary
and sad, was left to walk under the shade of two or three mango-trees,
and looking to the displayed streamers of the Begum's encampment, to
reflect that amid these insignia of Mahomedanism Menie Gray remained,
destined by a profligate and treacherous lover to the fate of slavery
to a heathen tyrant. The consciousness of being in her vicinity added
to the bitter pangs with which Hartley contemplated her situation, and
reflected how little chance there appeared of his being able to rescue
her from it by the mere force of reason and justice, which was all he
could oppose to the selfish passions of a voluptuous tyrant. A lover
of romance might have meditated some means of effecting her release by
force or address; but Hartley, though a man of courage, had no spirit of
adventure, and would have regarded as desperate any attempt of the kind.
His sole gleam of comfort arose from the impression which he had
apparently made upon the elder Fakir, which he could not help hoping
might be of some avail to him. But on one thing he was firmly resolved,
and that was not to relinquish the cause he had engaged in whilst a
grain of hope remained. He had seen in his own profession a quickening
and a revival of life in the patient's eye, even when glazed apparently
by the hand of Death; and he was taught confidence amidst moral evil by
his success in relieving that which was physical only.
While Hartley was thus meditating, he was roused to attention by a heavy
firing of artillery from the high bastions of the town; and turning his
eyes in that direction, he could see advancing, on the northern side of
Bangalore, a tide of cavalry, riding tumultuously forward, brandishing
their spears in all different attitudes, and pressing their horses to
a gallop. The clouds of dust which attended this vanguard, for such it
was, combined with the smoke of the guns, did not permit Hartley to see
distinctly the main body which followed; but the appearance of howdahed
elephants and royal banners dimly seen through the haze, plainly
intimated the return of Tippoo to Bangalore; while shouts, and irregular
discharges of musketry, announced the real or pretended rejoicing of the
inhabitants. The city gates received the living torrent, which rolled
towards them; the clouds of smoke and dust were soon dispersed, and the
horizon was restored to serenity and silence.
The meeting between persons of importance, more especially of royal
rank, is a matter of very great consequence in India, and generally much
address is employed to induce the person receiving the visit, to come as
far as possible to meet the visitor. From merely rising up, or going to
the edge of the carpet, to advancing to the gate of the palace, to that
of the city, or, finally, to a mile or two on the road, is all subject
to negotiation. But Tippoo's impatience to possess the fair European
induced him to grant on this occasion a much greater degree of courtesy
than the Begum had dared to expect, and he appointed his garden,
adjacent to the city walls, and indeed included within the precincts of
the fortifications, as the place of their meeting; the hour noon, on
the day succeeding his arrival; for the natives seldom move early in the
morning, or before having broken their fast. This was intimated to the
Begum's messenger by the Prince in person, as, kneeling before him, he
presented the _mizzar_, (a tribute consisting of three, five, or seven
gold Mohurs, always an odd number,) and received in exchange a khelaut,
or dress of honour. The messenger, in return, was eloquent in describing
the importance of his mistress, her devoted veneration for the Prince,
the pleasure which she experienced on the prospect of their motakul,
or meeting, and concluded with a more modest compliment to his own
extraordinary talents, and the confidence which the Begum reposed in
him. He then departed; and orders were given that on the next day all
should be in readiness for the _Sowarree_, a grand procession, when
the Prince was to receive the Begum as his honoured guest at his
pleasure-house in the gardens.
Long before the appointed hour, the rendezvous of Fakirs, beggars,
and idlers, before the gate of the palace, intimated the excited
expectations of those who usually attend processions; while a more
urgent set of mendicants, the courtiers, were hastening thither, on
horses or elephants, as their means afforded, always in a hurry to show
their zeal, and with a speed proportioned to what they hoped or feared.
At noon precisely, a discharge of cannon, placed in the outer courts, as
also of match-locks and of small swivels, carried by camels, (the poor
animals shaking their long ears at every discharge,) announced that
Tippoo had mounted his elephant. The solemn and deep sound of the
naggra, or state drum, borne upon an elephant, was then heard like the
distant discharge of artillery, followed by a long roll of musketry, and
was instantly answered by that of numerous trumpets and tom-toms, (or
common drums,) making a discordant, but yet a martial din. The noise
increased as the procession traversed the outer courts of the palace in
succession, and at length issued from the gates, having at their head
the Chobdars, bearing silver sticks and clubs, and shouting, at the
pitch of their voices, the titles and the virtues of Tippoo, the great,
the generous, the invincible--strong as Rustan, just as Noushirvan--with
a short prayer for his continued health.
After these came a confused body of men on foot, bearing spears,
match-locks, and banners, and intermixed with horsemen, some in complete
shirts of mail, with caps of steel under their turbans, some in a sort
of defensive armour, consisting of rich silk dresses, rendered sabre
proof by being stuffed with cotton. These champions preceded the Prince,
as whose body guards they acted. It was not till after this time that
Tippoo raised his celebrated Tiger-regiment, disciplined and armed
according to the European fashion. Immediately before the Prince came,
on a small elephant, A hard-faced, severe-looking man, by office the
distributor of alms, which he flung in showers of small copper money
among the Fakirs and beggars, whose scrambles to collect them seemed to
augment their amount; while the grim-looking agent of Mahomedan charity,
together with his elephant, which marched with half angry eyes, and its
trunk curled upwards, seemed both alike ready to chastise those whom
poverty should render too importunate.
Tippoo himself next appeared, richly apparelled, and seated on
an elephant, which, carrying its head above all the others in the
procession, seemed proudly conscious of superior dignity. The howdah, or
seat which the Prince occupied, was of silver, embossed and gilt, having
behind a place for a confidential servant, who waved the great chowry,
or cow-tail, to keep off the flies; but who could also occasionally
perform the task of spokesman, being well versed in all terms of
flattery and compliment. The caparisons of the royal elephant were of
scarlet cloth, richly embroidered with gold. Behind Tippoo came the
various courtiers and officers of the household, mounted chiefly on
elephants, all arrayed in their most splendid attire, and exhibiting the
greatest pomp.
In this manner the procession advanced down the principal street of the
town, to the gate of the royal gardens. The houses were ornamented
by broad cloth, silk shawls, and embroidered carpets of the richest
colours, displayed from the verandahs and windows; even the meanest hut
was adorned with some piece of cloth, so that the whole street had a
singularly rich and gorgeous appearance.
This splendid procession having entered the royal gardens, approached,
through a long avenue of lofty trees, a chabootra, or platform of white
marble, canopied by arches of the same material, which occupied the
centre. It was raised four or five feet from the ground, covered with
white cloth and Persian carpets. In the centre of the platform was the
musnud, or state cushion of the prince, six feet square, composed
of crimson velvet, richly embroidered. By special grace, a small low
cushion was placed on the right of the Prince, for the occupation of the
Begum. In front of this platform was a square tank, or pond of marble,
four feet deep, and filled to the brim, with water as clear as crystal,
having a large jet or fountain in the middle, which threw up a column of
it to the height of twenty feet.
The Prince Tippoo had scarcely dismounted from his elephant, and
occupied the musnod, or throne of cushions, when the stately form of the
Begum was seen advancing to the place of rendezvous. The elephant being
left at the gate of the gardens opening into the country, opposite to
that by which the procession of Tippoo had entered, she was carried
in an open litter, richly ornamented with silver, and borne on the
shoulders of six black slaves. Her person was as richly attired as silks
and gems could accomplish.
Richard Middlemas, as the Begum's General or Bukshee, walked nearest to
her litter, in a dress as magnificent in itself as it was remote from
all European costume, being that of a Banka, or Indian courtier. His
turban was of rich silk and gold, twisted very hard and placed on one
side of his head, its ends hanging down on the shoulder. His mustaches
were turned and curled, and his eyelids stained with antimony. The
vest was of gold brocade, with a cummerband, or sash, around his waist,
corresponding to his turban. He carried in his hand a large sword,
sheathed in a scabbard of crimson velvet, and wore around his middle
a broad embroidered sword-belt. What thoughts he had under this gay
attire, and the bold bearing which corresponded to it, it would be
fearful to unfold. His least detestable hopes were perhaps those which
tended to save Menie Gray, by betraying the Prince who was about to
confide in him, and the Begum, at whose intercession Tippoo's confidence
was to be reposed.
The litter stopped as it approached the tank, on the opposite side of
which the Prince was seated on his musnud. Middlemas assisted the Begum
to descend, and led her, deeply veiled with silver muslin, towards the
platform of marble. The rest of the retinue of the Begum followed in
their richest and most gaudy attire, all males, however; nor was there a
symptom of woman being in her train, except that a close litter, guarded
by twenty black slaves, having their sabres drawn, remained at some
distance in a thicket of flowering shrubs.
When Tippoo Saib, through the dim haze which hung over the Waterfall,
discerned the splendid train of the Begum advancing, he arose from his
musnud, so as to receive her near the foot of his throne, and exchanged
greetings with her upon the pleasure of meeting, and enquiries after
their mutual health. He then conducted her to the cushion placed near
to his own, while his courtiers anxiously showed their politeness in
accommodating those of the Begum with places upon the carpets around,
where they all sat down cross-legged--Richard Middlemas occupying a
conspicuous situation.
The people of inferior note stood behind, and amongst them was the
Sirdar of Hyder Ali, with Hartley and the Madras Vakeel. It would be
impossible to describe the feelings with which Hartley recognized the
apostate Middlemas and the Amazonian Mrs. Montreville. The sight of them
worked up his resolution to make an appeal against them in full Durbar,
to the justice which Tippoo was obliged to render to all who should
complain of injuries. In the meanwhile, the Prince, who had hitherto
spoken in a low voice, while acknowledging, it is to be supposed,
the service and the fidelity of the Begum, now gave the sign to his
attendant, who said, in an elevated tone, “Wherefore, and to requite
these services, the mighty Prince, at the request of the mighty Begum,
Mootee Mahul, beautiful as the moon, and wise as the daughter of
Giamschid, had decreed to take into his service the Bukshee of her
armies, and to invest him, as one worthy of all confidence, with the
keeping of his beloved capital of Bangalore.”
The voice of the crier had scarce ceased, when it was answered by one
as loud, which sounded from the crowd of bystanders, “Cursed is he who
maketh the robber Leik his treasurer, or trusteth the lives of Moslemah
to the command of an apostate!”
With unutterable satisfaction, yet with trembling doubt and anxiety,
Hartley traced the speech to the elder Fakir, the companion of Barak.
Tippoo seemed not to notice the interruption, which passed for that of
some mad devotee, to whom the Moslem princes permit great freedoms. The
Durbar, therefore, recovered from their surprise; and, in answer to
the proclamation, united in the shout of applause which is expected to
attend every annunciation of the royal pleasure.
Their acclamation had no sooner ceased than Middlemas arose, bent
himself before the musnud, and, in a set speech, declared his
unworthiness of such high honour as had now been conferred, and his zeal
for the Prince's service. Something remained to be added, but his speech
faltered, his limbs shook, and his tongue seemed to refuse its office.
The Begum started from her seat, though contrary to etiquette, and said,
as if to supply the deficiency in the speech of her officer, “My slave
would say, that in acknowledgment of so great an honour conferred on my
Bukshee, I am so void of means, that I can only pray your Highness will
deign to accept a lily from Frangistan, to plant within the recesses of
the secret garden of thy pleasures. Let my lord's guards carry yonder
litter to the Zenana.”
A female scream--was heard, as, at the signal from Tippoo, the guards of
his seraglio advanced to receive the closed litter from the attendants
of the Begum. The voice of the old Fakir was heard louder and sterner
than before.--“Cursed is the Prince who barters justice for lust! He
shall die in the gate by the sword of the stranger.”
“This is too insolent!” said Tippoo. “Drag forward that Fakir, and cut
his robe into tatters on his back with your chabouks.” [Footnote: Long
whips.]
But a scene ensued like that in the hall of Seyd. All who attempted to
obey the command of the incensed despot fell back from the Fakir, as
they would from the Angel of Death. He flung his cap and fictitious
beard on the ground, and the incensed countenance of Tippoo was subdued
in an instant, when he encountered the stern and awful eye of his
father. A sign dismissed him from the throne, which Hyder himself
ascended, while the official menials hastily disrobed him of his
tattered cloak, and flung on him a robe of regal splendour, and placed
on his head a jewelled turban. The Durbar rung with acclamations to
Hyder Ali Khan Behauder, “the good, the wise, the discoverer of hidden
things, who cometh into the Divan like the sun bursting from the
clouds.”
The Nawaub at length signed for silence, and was promptly obeyed. He
looked majestically around him, and at length bent his look upon Tippoo,
whose downcast eyes, as he stood before the throne with his arms folded
on his bosom, were strongly contrasted with the haughty air of authority
which he had worn but a moment before. “Thou hast been willing,” said
the Nawaub, “to barter the safety of thy capital for the possession of a
white slave. But the beauty of a fair woman caused Solomon ben David to
stumble in his path; how much more, then, should the son of Hyder Naig
remain firm under temptation!--That men may see clearly, we must remove
the light which dazzles them. Yonder Feringi woman must be placed at my
disposal.”
“To hear is to obey,” replied Tippoo, while the deep gloom on his brow
showed what his forced submission cost his proud and passionate spirit.
In the hearts of the courtiers present reigned the most eager curiosity
to see the _denouement_ of the scene, but not a trace of that wish
was suffered to manifest itself on features accustomed to conceal all
internal sensations. The feelings of the Begum were hidden under her
veil; while, in spite of a bold attempt to conceal his alarm, the
perspiration stood in large drops on the brow of Richard Middlemas. The
next words of the Nawaub sounded like music in the ear of Hartley.
“Carry the Feringi woman to the tent of the Sirdar Belash Cassim, [the
chief to whom Hartley had been committed.] Let her be tended in all
honour, and let him prepare to escort her, with the Vakeel and the
Hakim Hartley, to the Payeen-Ghaut, [the country beneath the passes,]
answering for their safety with his head.” The litter was on its road to
the Sirdar's tents ere the Nawaub had done speaking. “For thee, Tippoo,”
continued Hyder, “I am not come hither to deprive thee of authority, or
to disgrace thee before the Durbar. Such things as thou hast promised
to this Feringi, proceed to make them good. The sun calleth not back the
splendour which he lends to the moon; and the father obscures not the
dignity which he has conferred on the son. What thou hast promised, that
do thou proceed to make good.”
The ceremony of investiture was therefore recommenced, by which the
Prince Tippoo conferred on Middlemas the important government of the
city of Bangalore, probably with the internal resolution, that since
he was himself deprived of the fair European, he would take an early
opportunity to remove the new Killedar from his charge; while Middlemas
accepted it with the throbbing hope that he might yet outwit both father
and son. The deed of investiture was read aloud--the robe of honour was
put upon the newly created Killedar, and a hundred voices, while they
blessed the prudent choice of Tippoo, wished the governor good fortune,
and victory over his enemies.
A horse was led forward as the Prince's gift. It was a fine steed of
the Cuttyawar breed, high-crested, with broad hind-quarters; he was of
a white colour, but had the extremity of his tail and mane stained red.
His saddle was red velvet, the bridle and crupper studded--with gilded
knobs. Two attendants on lesser horses led this prancing animal, one
holding the lance, and the other the long spear of their patron. The
horse was shown to the applauding courtiers, and withdrawn in order
to be led in state through the streets, while the new Killedar should
follow on the elephant, another present usual on such an occasion, which
was next made to advance, that the world might admire the munificence of
the Prince.
The huge animal approached the platform, shaking his large wrinkled
head, which he raised and sunk, as if impatient, and curling upwards his
trunk from time to time, as if to show the gulf of his tongueless mouth.
Gracefully retiring with the deepest obeisance, the Killedar, well
pleased the audience was finished, stood by the neck of the elephant,
expecting the conductor of the animal would make him kneel down, that he
might ascend the gilded howdah, which awaited his occupancy.
“Hold, Feringi,” said Hyder. “Thou hast received all that, was promised
thee by the bounty of Tippoo. Accept now what is the fruit of the
justice of Hyder.”
As he spoke, he signed with his finger, and the driver of the elephant
instantly conveyed to the animal the pleasure of the Nawaub. Curling
his long trunk around the neck of the ill-fated European, the monster
suddenly threw the wretch prostrate before him, and stamping his huge
shapeless foot upon his breast, put an end at once to his life, and to
his crimes. The cry which the victim uttered was mimicked by the roar
of the monster, and a sound like an hysterical laugh mingling with a
scream, which rung from under the veil of the Begum. The elephant once
more raised his trunk aloft, and gaped fearfully.
The courtiers preserved a profound silence; but Tippoo, upon whose
muslin robe a part of the victim's blood had spirted, held
it up to the Nawaub, exclaiming in a sorrowful, yet resentful
tone,--“Father--father--was it thus my promise should have been kept?”
“Know, foolish boy,” said Hyder Ali, “that the carrion which lies there
was in a plot to deliver Bangalore to the Feringis and the Mahrattas.
This Begum [she started when she heard herself named] has given us
warning of the plot, and has so merited her pardon for having originally
concurred in it,--whether altogether out of love to us we will not too
curiously enquire.--Hence with that lump of bloody clay, and let the
Hakim Hartley and the English Vakeel come before me.”
They were brought forward,--while some of the attendants flung sand upon
the bloody traces, and others removed the crushed corpse.
“Hakim,” said Hyder, “thou shalt return with the Feringi woman, and
with gold to compensate her injuries,--wherein the Begum, as is fitting,
shall contribute a share. Do thou say to thy nation, Hyder Ali acts
justly.” The Nawaub then inclined himself graciously to Hartley, and
then turning to the Vakeel, who appeared much discomposed, “You have
brought to me,” he said, “words of peace,--while your masters meditated
a treacherous war. It is not upon such as you that my vengeance ought to
alight. But tell the Kafr [or infidel] Paupiah and his unworthy master,
that Hyder Ali sees too clearly to suffer to be lost by treason the
advantages he has gained by war. Hitherto I have been in the Carnatic as
a mild Prince--in future I will be a destroying tempest! Hitherto I have
made inroads as a compassionate and merciful conqueror--hereafter I will
be the messenger whom Allah sends to the kingdoms which he visits in
judgment!”
It is well known how dreadfully the Nawaub kept this promise, and how
he and his son afterwards sunk before the discipline and bravery of the
Europeans. The scene of just punishment which he so faithfully exhibited
might be owing to his policy, his internal sense of right, and to
the ostentation of displaying it before an Englishman of sense and
intelligence, or to all of these motives mingled together--but in what
proportions it is not for us to distinguish.
Hartley reached the coast in safety with his precious charge, rescued
from a dreadful fate when she was almost beyond hope. But the nerves
and constitution of Menie Gray had received a shock from which she long
suffered severely, and never entirely recovered. The principal ladies of
the settlement, moved by the singular tale of her distress, received her
with the utmost kindness, and exercised towards her the most attentive
and affectionate hospitality. The Nawaub, faithful to his promise,
remitted to her a sum of no less than ten thousand gold Mohurs,
extorted, as was surmised, almost entirely from the hoards of the Begum
Mootee Mahul, or Montreville. Of the fate of that adventuress nothing
was known for certainty; but her forts and government were taken into
Hyder's custody, and report said, that, her power being abolished and
her consequence lost, she died by poison, either taken by herself, or
administered by some other person.
It might be thought a natural conclusion of the history of Menie Gray,
that she should have married Hartley, to whom she stood much indebted
for his heroic interference in her behalf. But her feelings were too
much and too painfully agitated, her health too much shattered, to
permit her to entertain thoughts of a matrimonial connexion, even with
the acquaintance of her youth, and the champion of her freedom. Time
might have removed these obstacles, but not two years, after their
adventures in Mysore, the gallant and disinterested Hartley fell a
victim to his professional courage, in withstanding the progress of
a contagious distemper, which he at length caught, and under which he
sunk. He left a considerable part of the moderate fortune which he
had acquired to Menie Gray, who, of course, did not want for many
advantageous offers of a matrimonial character. But she respected the
memory of Hartley too much, to subdue in behalf of another the reasons
which induced her to refuse the hand which he had so well deserved--nay,
it may be thought, had so fairly won.
She returned to Britain--what seldom occurs--unmarried though wealthy;
and, settling in her native village, appeared to find her only pleasure
in acts of benevolence which seemed to exceed the extent of her fortune,
had not her very retired life been taken into consideration. Two or
three persons with whom she was intimate, could trace in her character
that generous and disinterested simplicity and affection, which were the
ground-work of her character. To the world at large her habits seemed
those of the ancient Roman matron, which is recorded on her tomb in
these four words,