110 HISTORY OF THE STATES
being probably the cause of, or at least very much con¬
tributing to, his ruin. These barbarous kings are devoid of
true generosity, and little restrained by any promises which
they have made. Seldom guided by considerations of
good faith, their present interest is the sole guide of their
conduct, and they appear insensible of the mischief which
may accrue to themselves from their perfidiousness and
cruelty. To escape out of their hands, either you must
have nothing to tempt their avarice, or you must be
possessed of superior strength. It was in vain that Sultan
Sujah evinced the utmost solicitude to depart for Moka;
the King turned a deaf ear to his entreaties; became cool
and uncivil, and reproached the Prince for not visiting him.
I know not whether Sultan Sujah considered it beneath
his dignity to associate with him, or whether he appre¬
hended that his person would be seized, and his treasure
plundered, if he ventured into the palace. Emir-Jemla
had offered the King, in the name of Aureng-Zebe, large
sums of money, and other considerable advantages, on
condition of his delivering up the Prince. Though Sultan
Sujah would not himself venture into the royal residence,
yet he sent his son. Sultan Banque, who, as he approached
the palace, bestowed largesse to the people, throwing
among them half roupies, and also whole roupies, both of
gold and silver; and, when he came before the King,
presented him with various rich brocades and rare pieces
of goldsmith's work, set with precious stones of great
value; and apologising for the unavoidable absence of
his father, who was indisposed, entreated the King to
remember the vessel and the promise which he had
made.
This visit proved as unavailing as every preceding effort
to induce the barbarian to fulfil his engagements; and to
add to the mortification and perplexity of the illustrious
fugitive, the King, five or six days after this interview,
made a formal demand of one of his daughters in marriage.
Sultan Sujah's refusal to accede to this request exasperated
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