I was even as the Sun shining in the firmament of the Empire: but the sun is setting in the sorrowful West. It is well for me that I have become blind; for so I am hindered from seeing another on my throne. Even as the saints were afflicted by Yazid; so is the ruin that has fallen upon me, through the appointment of Destiny. The wealth of this world was my sickness; but now the Lord hath healed me. I have received the just reward of mine iniquities; but now He hath forgiven me my sins. I gave milk to the young adder; and he became the cause of my destruction. The Steward who served me thirty years compassed my ruin; but a swift recompense hath overtaken him. The lords of my council who had covenanted to serve me; even they deserted me, and took whatsoever in thirty years I had put by for my children. Moghuls and Afghans alike failed me; and became confederates in my imprisonment. Even the base-born man of Hamadan, and Gul Mohammad, full of wickedness; Allah Yar also, and Solaiman and Badal Beg all met together for my trouble. And now that this young Afghan hath destroyed the dignity of my empire; I see none but thee, O Most Holy! to have compassion upon me. Yet peradventure Timur Shah my kinsman may come to my aid; and Madhoji Sindhia, who is even as a son unto me he also will surely avenge my cause. Asaf-ud-daula and the chief of the English; they also may come to my relief. Shame were it if Princes and People gathered not together; to the end that they might bring me help. Of all the fair women of my chambers none is left to me but Mubarik Mahal. O Aftab! verily thou hast been this day overthrown by Destiny; yet God shall bless thee and restore thy fallen brightness." Francklin's Shah Alum has been constantly referred to. He was an officer of great diligence, who had large local opportunities, having been in Dehli, the Doab, and Rohilkand, from 1793 to 1796, on a survey ordered by the British Government. He had access to many native sources of information; but unfortunately never cites any in the margin but Sayid Raza's MS. I have not hesitated to combat his views on several points; but there are few English writers on the subject to whom we are more indebted. Besides this work, and one to be hereafter noticed, he was the author of books on Ancient Palibothra and on snake-worship. He died a lieutenant-colonel in the Bengal army. PART III. CHAPTER I. A.D. 1789-94. Sindhia as Mayor of Palace — British Policy — Augmentation of Army under General de Boigne — Ismail Beg joins the Rajput rising — Battle of Patan — Sindhia at Mathra — Siege of Ajmir — Jodhpur Rajah — Battle of Mirta — Rivals alarmed — French Officers — Progress to Puna — Holkar advances — Ismail Beg taken — Battle of Lakhairi — Sindhia rebuked — Power of Sindhia — Rise of George Thomas — Thomas quits Begam — Sindhia at Puna - Death and character of Madhoji Sindhia — Koil in the last Century.