are beating their heads throughout the day in desperation. How can the dignity of the sovereign be preserved, who employs his power in exacting heavy tributes from a people thus miserably reduced?

"If your majesty places any faith in those books, by distinction called divine, you will there be instructed that God is the God of all mankind, not the God of the Muhammadans alone. The Pagan and the Musalman are equally in his presence.

"Distinctions of colour are of His ordination.

"It is He who gives existence. In your temples, to His name the voice is raised in prayer; in a house of images, where the bell is shaken, still He is the object of adoration. To vilify the religion or customs of other men is to set at nought the pleasure of the Almighty. When we deface a picture, we naturally incur the resentment of the painter; and justly has the poet said, "Presume not to arraign or scrutinize the various works of power divine."

"In fine, the tribute you demand from the Hindoos is repugnant to justice. It is equally foreign from good policy, as it must impoverish the country. Moreover, it is an innovation, and an infringement of the laws of Hindūstān. But if zeal for your own religion hath induced you to determine upon the measure, the demand ought, by the rules of equity, to have been made first upon Ramsing, who is esteemed the principal among the Hindoos; then let your well-wisher be called upon, with whom you will have less difficulty to encounter; but to torment ants and flies is unworthy of a heroic or generous mind. It is wonderful that the ministers of your government should have neglected. to instruct your Majesty in the rules of rectitude and honour."

The best insight into the character of Aurungzebe is perhaps to be obtained from his own writings.

υ

The following letters to his sons are so expressive of the agony which must always accompany even successful guilt, and are so instructive, that no apology will be needed for their insertion here. They are taken from, Waring,' page 206.

AURUNGZEBE to AZIM SHAH.

Health to thee! my heart is near thee. Old age is arrived, weakness subdues me, and strength has forsaken all my members. I came a stranger into this world, and a stranger I depart. I know nothing of myself, what I am, or for what I am destined. The instant which passed in power hath only left sorrow behind it. I have not been the guardian or protector of the empire. My valuable time has been passed vainly. I had a patron in my own dwelling [conscience], but his glorious light was unseen by my dim sight. Life is not lasting; there is no vestige of departed breath, and all hopes from futurity are lost. The fever has left me, but nothing of me remains but skin and bones. My son [Kam Bukhsh], though gone to Beejapoor, is still near, and thou my son art nearer. The worthy of esteem Shah Alum is far distant, and my grandson, Azeem Ooshan, is arrived near Hindustan. The camp followers, helpless and alarmed, are, like myself, full of affliction, restless as the quicksilver. Separated from their lord, they know not if they have a

master or not.

I have brought nothing into this world, and, except the infirmities of man, carry nothing out. I have a dread of my salvation and with what torments I may be punished.

Though I have strong reliance on the mercies and bounty of God, yet regarding my actions fear will not quit me, but, when I am gone, reflection will not remain.

Come then what may, I have launched my vessel to the waves. Though Providence will protect the camp, yet, regarding appearances, the endeavours of my sons are indispensable. Give my last prayers to my grandson [Bedar Bukht], whom I cannot see, but the desire affects me. The Begum [his daughter] appears afflicted, but God is the only judge of hearts. The foolish thoughts of women produce nothing but disappointment. Farewell! Farewell.

To PRINCE KAM BUKHSH.

My son nearest to my heart; though in the height of my power, and by God's permission, I gave you advice, and took with you the greatest pains, yet as it was not the Divine will, you did not attend with the ears of compliance. Now, I depart a stranger, and lament my own insignificance, what does it profit me? I carry with me the fruits of my sins and imperfections! Surprising Providence! I came here alone, and alone I depart. The leader of this caravan hath deserted me. The fever which troubled me for twelve days has left me. Wherever I look I see nothing but the Divinity. My fears for the camp and followers are great; but, alas, I know not myself! My back is bent with. weakness, and my feet have lost the power of motion. The breath which rose is gone, and left not even hope behind it. I have committed numerous crimes, and know not with what punishment I may be seized. Though the protector of mankind will guard the camp, yet care is also incumbent on the faithful, and my sons. When I was alive, no care was taken; and now I am gone the consequences may be guessed. The guardianship of a people is a trust by God committed to my sons. Azim Shah is near; be cautious that none of the faithful are slain, or their miseries fall on my head. I

resign you, your mother and son, to God, as I myself am going. The agonies of death come fast upon me.

Bahadur Shah is still where he was, and his son is arrived near Hindustan. Bedar Bukht is in Guzerat. Hyat ul Nissa, who has beheld no affection of time till now, is full of

sorrows.

Regard the Begum as without concern. Odipooree, your mother, was a partner in my illness, and wishes to accompany me in death; but everything has its appointed time.

The domestics and courtiers, however deceitful, yet may not be ill-treated. It is necessary to gain your views by gentleness and art. Extend your feet no longer than your skirt.

The complaints of the unpaid troops are as before.

Dara Shekoh, though of much judgment and good understanding, settled large pensions on his people, but paid them ill, and they were for ever discontented. I am going; whatever good or evil I have done, it was for you. Take it not amiss, nor remember what offences I have done to yourself, that account may not be demanded of me hereafter. No one has seen the departure of his own soul, but I see that mine is departing.

NOTE D., page 109.

I have decided to suppress all information respecting the economy of the zenana promised at page 109. I cannot think of affording gratification to some at the expense of pain to others.

THE EDITOR.

GLOSSARY.