to read but a few lines; on which the King took the treaty from his hands, and carefully perused each article.
"His Majesty then gave vent to his feelings in a passionate burst of grief, and exclaimed —
"Treaties are necessary between equals only: who am I now, that the British Government should enter into treaties with me? For a hundred years this dynasty has flourished in Oudh. It has ever received the favour, the support, and protection of the British Government. It has ever attempted faithfully and fully to perform its duties to the British Government. The kingdom is a creation of the British, who are able to make and to unmake, to promote and to degrade. It has merely to issue its commands to ensure their fulfilment: not the slightest attempt will be made to oppose the views and wishes of the British Government: myself and subjects are its servants."
"His Majesty then again spoke of the inutility of a treaty: he was in no position to sign one. It was useless; his honour and country were gone, he would not trouble Government for any maintenance, but would proceed to England, and throw himself at the foot of the throne to entreat a reconsideration of the orders passed, and to intercede for mercy. The Resident begged His Majesty to reflect that, unless the King signed the treaty, he would have no security whatever for his future maintenance, or for that of his family; that the very liberal provision devised by the British Government would evidently be reconsidered, and reduced; that His Majesty would have no guarantee for his future provision, and would have no claim whatever on the generosity of the Government. The Resident's instructions were concise, clear, and definitive: the resolution of the Government irrevocable and final; and the Resident entreated the King to consider what evil consequences might alight upon His Majesty and family by the adoption of any ill-judged line of conduct. The Prime Minister, Nawab Ali Naki Khan, warmly seconded and supported the Resident's advice; and protested that he had done everything in his power to induce His Majesty to accede to the wishes of the British Government Here upon His Majesty's brother exclaimed that there was no occasion for a treaty. His Majesty was no longer independent, or in a position to be one of the contracting Powers. His office was gone, and the British Government was all-powerful. His Majesty, who was moved to tears, recapitulated the favors which his ancestors had received at the hands of the British Government, and pathetically dwelt upon his helpless position. Uncovering
