Page 86 - Early English Adventurers in the Middle East_Neat

86 EARLY ENGLISH ADVENTURERS IN THE EAST

was a desire that the pearls of wisdom which fell from his
lips, whether when he was drunk or sober, should be recorded
for the edification of posterity. To this end he had at his
elbow a sort of Court reporter, who was charged with the
special duty of noting his comments on any matter, either
with reference to State affairs or to the most intimate
concerns of his private existence. It is probable that
this precious record which was to go down to remote ages
did not outlive the reign. But we know quite enough of
Jehangir’s habits from the writings of unauthorized Bos­
' I:.
wells to be able to dispense with the Court newsman’s
transcripts.
Jehangir’s personal characteristics are further illus­
trated in interesting fashion by several anecdotes which
Hawkins relates from experiences within his own know­
ledge.
One day a young Pathan from the frontier applied for
employment to one of the Emperor’s sons. He was asked
what pay he expected. The man’s reply was that he
would not serve either the prince or his father under
\
. Rs. 1,000 a day. The prince smilingly asked what was
I in him that he demanded such extravagant remuneration.
i “ Make trial with me,” responded the Pathan, “ with
all sorts of weapons, either on horseback or on foot, and
if I do not perform as much as I speak let me die for
it.”
Amused at the man’s conceit the prince later in the day
related the incident to his father. Jehangir, who was
“ merry ” at the time, commanded the Pathan to be
brought before him. It happened to be an occasion on
which the Emperor was diverting himself with a lion fight,
and the lions were about to be brought into the arena as

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