This sovereign had two powerful enemies: one in the north, Tippoo Sultan, now prince of _Maïssur_ and _Concam_; and another in the south-east, the prince of _Arrucate_, Mohamed Aly Khan, of whom I have already spoken in the preceding chapter. The latter has it in his power to make an attack, by _Tovala_, one of the fortresses which lie near Cape Comari, towards the east; and the former can attempt the same thing in the district of _Palacaticeri_, the last city in the kingdom of _Concam_, towards the west. Through a dread of these two dangerous neighbours, the king of Travancor found himself obliged to conclude a treaty of alliance with the English, and to make a common cause with them both in peace and war. As long as he enjoys the friendship of these allies, from whom he purchases freedom and security at a sufficiently dear rate, and as long as he pays regularly what is due on that account, his dominions will be protected and defended; but if ever a quarrel should arise between him and the governor of Madras, he is one of the first Indian princes that will fall a sacrifice. The annual tribute which he is obliged to pay to the English, amounts to half a lack of rupees, or 25,000 Roman scudi. In the time of war he must supply them, over and above, with horses, cannon, soldiers, and rice. He is an affable, polite, contented, prudent, and friendly man. On account of the integrity of his character, and his many good moral qualities, it is the more to be lamented that he is so zealously attached to idolatry, and is so much blinded as not to perceive the value of the Christian religion. It cannot, however, be denied, that nothing tends so much to rivet the affection of subjects, as when the sovereign adheres to the established religion, and worships the deity in the same manner as his people. _Rama Varmer_ never omits being present at the ceremonies and devotional exercises of the Pagans, as will be seen in the following chapter[99]. CHAPTER VIII. _Missionary Affairs--Audience of the King of Travancor._