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OF
MEMOIRS
OR,
FIEST
CADET'S
INDIA.
BELLEW.
CAPTAIN
FROM
ILLUSTRATED
IN
YEAE
DESIGNS
BY
THE
AUTHOR.
EDITION.
NEW
LONDON:
H.
ALLEN
"
CO.,
PUBLISHERS
PLACE,
13, WATERLOO
TO
THE
1880.
INDIA
OFFICE.
S.W.,
LONDON
PRINTED
BY
MTLFORD
MfcNKT
WOODFALL
LANE,
AND
STRAND,
KINDER,
W.C.
TO
MAJOR-GEN.
Sm
EGBERT
CUNLIFFE,
C.B.,
BAHT.,
OF
ACTON
PARK,
LATE
DENBIGHSHIRE,
THE
IN
WHOSE
DEPARTMENT
THE
THE
THIS
18
RESPECTFULLY
BENGAL
COMMISSARY-GENERAL
ARMY,
HAD
AUTHOR
HONOUR
TO
FOR
SOME
SERVE,
LITTLE
DEDICATED,
OF
WORK
AS
MARK
OF
514766
HIS
SINCERE
ESTEEM.
YEARS
PREFACE.
GOOD
wine,
principle,
same
be
true,
this
but
there
of
them,
one
subject,
and
clear
of
out
to
has
been
to
"
ago
men,
the
keep
correctness,
alias
the
sketch
the
present
mature
its
teens.
The
first
view
things
in
considerable
I
have
drawn,
doubtless
age
Griffin,
apply
of
the
or
his
century,
Greenhorn,
and
have,
its
well
as
to
indeed,
that
its
main
original
Griffins
when
to
career
since
still, in
years
likely
was
admitting
as
object
my
military
general
changes
vouring
endea-
thirty
or
"
of
or
characters,
Griffin
year
which
always
scenes,
"
the
the
in
narrative,
in
those
of
unacceptable
five-and-twenty
cadet"
and
will
of
deem
between
though
vraisemllable
some
during
the
fiction
some
period, undergone
features,
little
may
creating
"
depict
manners,
to
by
be
not
may
"
jolly
encounter,
and
leave
understanding
following
fact
this
nature
observations,
In
the
take
peculiar
the
pleasant
which
adventures,
from
when,
reader,
blended
have
and
readable,
rule
general
the
on
if
book,
occasions,
are
gentle
the
place.
As
bush;
no
that
preface.
possibly
and
author
think
will
preliminary
few
needs
proverb,
some
with
dispense
may
the
says
it
was
in
in
though
PREFACE.
Vlll
like everythingelse, to
subject,
incident
and
to
time
and
"
"
the
which
characters
(for the
shadows
exist till
to
of doom."
crash
The
states, or
changes
fashion,is,perhaps,fundamentally
of the "never
one
essentially,
external
the
of
most
introduced
have
part
in my
the
as
transiently
as
rative
nar-
fleeting
spectrum)are all
intended to represent respectively
classes having more
or
less of an Oriental stamp, some
still existingunchanged
the wane
others on
and
a
few, I would fain hope,
and Westerns
who, like the Trunnions
(parva componere
before
magnis] of the last age have wholly disappeared
tion
the steadily
increasinglight of knowledge and civilizamagic
"
latern
across
"
influences
"
destructive
those
of
humours,
coarse
and
eccentric traits,which, however
prejudices,
amusing in the pages of the novelist, are wondrously
appearan
disagreeablein real life. It is true, the gradualdis-
narrow
of
imposes on the
of cultivating
the necessity
a
painterof life and manners
and of
nicer perception of working with a finer pencil,
less obvious indications of
seizingand embodying the now
the feelings
and passions the more
delicate lightsand
these
features
coarser
"
"
shades
great
mind
of
with
measure
broad
character
the
but still in
"
materials
for
coarse
partingin a
and
drollery
satire,the world
gainer;
which
and
minister
"
expose.
In the
followingpages,
my
wish
has
been
to
amuse,
PREFACE.
and
where
I could
without
"
IX
detriment
the work
lightand jocularcharacter of
improve. To hurt or offend
contemplation if such could
has
do it under
not
deem
it
make
to
necessary
this
officer I
young
besetting
sins,
of
out
he
as
friends.
or
personages
avoided
stored
writer
of
of them
making
the
congruity,
arrange
and
cover,
taken
been
should
sly shot
characters
at
lightly
from
life
"
furnished
exact
portraits
invidiously
tissue
the
embody
of
brain, so,
in like manner,
must
readers
my
by real
candidlyallow, though I
measure
some
story
of in
standing the
no
been
have
impressionsof
a
en
heard
once
was
the
have
the
I in
"
That
Memoirs
these
in
in
observation
of his
hearing some
thought, pointedlydenounced, flung
of
some
chaplain'spersonalities,"
think that I have been taking,under
have
I should
object,
"
themselves
into my
on
the
sketched
entered
be my
and
mask.
lest,like
passant,
professedly
instruct
to
"
never
ever
"
the
to
events
; as
of course,
though
his scattered
with
of
out
the
more
recollections,
in the exact
necessarily
shape and order in
the objects,"c., originally
which
presentedthemselves.
Moreover, I believe I may safelyadd, that the originals
though
of
not
sketches
my
brought
To
"
"
the
life'sfitful fever
kind
care
"
to
of the
India, a
spent, the
my
account
scene
severest
of his
"
close.
now
portion of
consign the
it connected
country
where
most
public I
that
to
Griffin,"particularly
with
of
my
best
PREFACE.
especial
if
trusting,
the
they
reason,
same
London
hope
for
have
"
deal
with
encouraged
If
public,"
Brevet
at
his
"
of
of
under
liver,
It
time
some
is
somewhat
of
the
The
proper
last
state
form,
first
hot
that
saw
late
dire,"
in
the
with
ing
remainwho
gentleman,
nature
and
schirrous
summer.
these
light
the
in
Memoirs,
in
the
pages
Journal.
Asiatic
arms
the
should
different
of
the
experiences
Chimeras
lamented
"
impart
contained
as
decay
during
"
your
discriminating
period,
and
that
gradual
are
post-griffinish
home,"
autobiography
"
of
future
Pindarics,
impressions
sunk
smiles
the
some
Burmahs,
my
of
the
City
of
London
supported
grounds,
Griffin
"
support
Gernon's
Captain
amongst
not
for
will,
they
Griffins*
patronage.
by
may,
that
him,
sympathetic
on
"
why
then
supporters,
munificent
your
commend
also
tenderly.
him
cities
bowels,"
any
of
queen
"
critics
the
To
protection.
by
Griffins
or
Wyverns.
LIST
OF
ILLUSTEATIONS.
PACK
Cadet
Mr.
falls
Gernon,
in
with
anxious
discover
to
Royal
Tiger,
Bengal
Bear
60
.
Capsicum
General
board
on
the
Roticribeam
Castle
66
...
Griff,
on
Landing,
from
Returning
the
Rattleton
Ensign
and
the
Native
The
besieged
Griffin
74
Baboos
351
Hog-hunt
receiving
from
Reports
Morning
the
Fat
Lord
177
Lion
Red
Court-Martial
Mudlarking
202
the
in
Heliogabalus
Colonel
by
Jheels
Bluff
and
246
Orderly
taking
Stroll
Morning
253
.
Griffin
Marching
to
Join
in
Patriarchal
Style
336
....
The
Last
Night
of
his
Griffinage"
Marpeet
372
Royal
.
PREFACE.
especial
if
trusting,
the
they
reason,
same
London
for
"
deal
with
of
encouraged
If
public,"
Brevet
at
may,
his
of
under
liver,
It
time
some
is
somewhat
of
the
The
should
different
last
state
form,
first
hot
that
saw
late
with
dire,"
in
the
ing
remainwho
gentleman,
nature
and
schirrous
summer.
these
the
in
Memoirs,
light
in
the
pages
Journal.
Asiatic
arms
the
during
I
proper
of
decay
gradual
the
experiences
Chimeras
lamented
"
impart
contained
as
that
of
"
your
discriminating
period,
and
home,"
autobiography
are
post-griffinish
Pindarics,
Burmahs,
"
of
of
the
City
of
London
supported
grounds,
Griffin
my
future
some
for
will,
they
Griffins*
smiles
Gernon's
"impressions
sunk
support
the
him,
sympathetic
on
"
not
commend
that
patronage.
by
Captain
amongst
!
"
why
then
supporters,
also
tenderly.
him
cities
bowels,"
any
munificent
your
critics
the
have
queen
"
hope
To
protection.
by
Griffins
or
Wyrerns.
LIST
OF
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PACK
Mr.
Cadet
falls
Gernon,
in
with
anxious
discover
to
Royal
Tiger,
Bengal
Bear
60
.
General
Capsicum
board
on
Rottcribeam
the
Castle
66
...
Griff,
on
Landing,
from
Returning
besieged
the
by
Baboos
Hog-hunt
351
..
Rattleton
Ensign
the
and
receiving
Red
74
Morning
..
from
Reports
the
Fat
Lord
177
Lion
.
Native
The
Court-Martial
.202
.
Griffin
Mudlarking
Jheels
Bluff
Heliogabalus
Colonel
the
in
and
246
Orderly
taking
Stroll
Morning
253
.
Griffin
Marching
to
Join
in
Patriarchal
Style
336
....
The
Last
Night
of
his
Griffinage"
Marpeet
.372
Royal
.
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
CHAPTER
days
PLEASANT
life's desert
of
I.
Griffinhood
my
oasis
green
"
of
waste
"
"
when
broke
what
upon
and-
twenty
griffinsin
there
are
Zadig,
by
Griffins
animals
nobody
are
the
law
looks
of
Griffins
Assuredly,
Zoroaster,
!
"
Did
sir.
in
quoted
is
prohibited to be eaten
different
presidencies
I will
tame."
very
"
them,
at
"
exclaim,
"
the
at
common
so
that
India
East
flesh
griffins'
which
are
the
reader
raw
of
hear
never
you
I hear
I think
But
years
not,
and
of
most
however,
?
of
these
abuse
the
traveller's
privilege.
Griffin,or more
familiarly a Griff,is an Anglo-Indian
whose
lot has been
cant
term
applied to all new-comers,
in
the
East."
"
Whether
the
appellation
with
the
fabulous
has
connection
the
compound,
any
of
armorial
or
blazoning, is a point
gryphon
gryps
feel
decide.*
which
I
A
to
myself incompetent
of the
whose
East, one
griffinis the Johnny Newcome
stand
and
ideas
in
ludicrous
out
manners
European
cast
can
Milton
gorgeous
speaks
clearly have
respect
to
the
no
of
the
Gryphon
connection
precious metals
as
with
are
our
quite of
"guardian
animal,
an
whose
of
gold,"
but
propensities
opposite tendency.
B
that
in
DEMOTES
OF
GRIFFIN.
contrasted with
relief when
different
those, so essentially
appertainto the new
country of
respects,which
in most
is a
sojourn. The ordinaryperiod of griffinhood
time the novus
homo, if apt, is supposed
year, hy which
with the language,
to have acquired
a sufficient familiarity
his
hahits,
and
customs,
of
manners
the
country, hoth
"
addition
of
return
our
to
At
period,our
with
condiment.
But
to
subject.
termination, then, of the above-mentioned
if he has made
of his time,
the most
griffin,
the
becomes
before-mentioned
the
entitled
those
associate
to
sun-dried
"
with
the zeal of
his modicum
convert,
of local
all novices
not
blessed
with
experience.
of a
plasticnature, and the
proverbially
of instances,
in the majority
juvenile
griffin,
consequently,
himself to the altered circumstances
readilyaccommodates
of mature
in which
he is placed;but not
the man
so
years, to whose moral and physicalorganizationforty or
winters have imparted their rigidand unmalleable
fifty
which commonly
influences.
Griffins of this description,
comprises bishops, judges, com manders-in- chief, and
Youth
is
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
why
reason
sanctioned
in
to
trace
"
small
incidents
whollydeviate
as
which
the
usage.
often
It is curious
gradualdevelopment of
in
great"men ; to note
determine
the
nature
no
doubly
custom
character
"
as
see
of
the little
our
future
idea at
shootingsof the young
that vernal season
when they first begin to expand into
of good or evil. In an old manor-house, not thirty
trees
miles from London, on a gloomy November
day, I first
the light. Of the home
of my
saw
infancyI remember
littlebut my nursery, a long, bare, whitewashed
ment,
apartwith a tall,
diamond-paned window, half obscured
by the funereal branches of a venerable yew-tree. This
window
yard,
looked.out, I remember, on the villagechurchmemorials
of
thicklystudded with the moss-grown
successive generations.In that window- seat I used to
sit for many
hour, watching the boys idlingon
a weary
the gravestones, the jackdawswheeling their airy circles
round
old one-eyedhorse cropthe spire,
or the parson's
ping
the rank herbage,which sproutedfresh and green
above the silent dust of many
a
villageHampden."
The recollections of infancy,
like an old picture,
become
often dim
and
obscure, but here and there particular
and rich Eembrandt
main
events, like brightlights
touches,reto defy the effects of
deeplyimpressed,which seem
career,
and
well
from
and established
by reason
sometimes
"
I should
describe the
"
time
of this kind
is
most
of
MEMOIRS
uncle
venerable
lived with
could
to
me
whose
the
givenurse
welcomed
of my
and
us,
OF
GKIFFIN.
mother's, an
knee
old
Indian,
always sought
uncle
slip. My great
his littlesanctum
in
Frank
the
green
of the sacred
who
I
when
always
parlour,
rightsof
had
loss I have
lament.
to
My
"an
combined
was
with
from
much
of the
Though
of
estate
in
an
an
fire and
ancient
the
his
family,
sister
dirtyacres
having somehow
very limited,the
from
generation to generation,become
or
He
was
nervous
frame, and of that delicate,sensitive,
which, though often the attendant
other,
small
"
beautifullyless."
tune,
for-
kingdom, was
"
"
degrees,and
brilliancy
of
by
tender
ment,
temperaon
genius,
he
interest and
Trades
welfare
of her children.
and
if not
I, Frank
from
line of Blacksmiths, and
intellectual,
a
Gernon, inherit certain atrabilious humours,
from
maternally,
long series
of very
"
respectableQui
MEMOIRS
My mother,
which
felt
OF
too, used
served
GRIFFIN.
entertain
to
feed the
to
How
to
us
ardent
with
her
ences,
experi-
longing which
eveningsof
"
and
Bangalore and
Severn Droog, and
Cuddalore, and
of
dars, and
host
of
Hookhaburdar
others,excite in
happy accordance
she gave
descriptions
In what
the
clime
the luscious
"
guava
"
and,
productionwhich
the
and
exact
mango
with
sonorous
Nundy Droog
and
our
Soontabur-
minds
young
school-boythoughtswere
us
"
the
huge jack
"
sunny
the ing
refresh-
above
What
never
contained
of milk
which
of
Patna
and
how
another
venturous
relative shot
"
my
mother
to
me,
at
the conclusion
of
breakfast,
"
MEMOIRS
OP
henevolent
good
have
Mr.
given me
news
for
infantrycadetship
an
GRIFFIN.
my
;
you
"
you
seized the
letter,and
read
the
take
advantageof
I will
bid
the
on
I embraced
of whom
many
to
to
me
goodness."
with
contents
as
to
trust
eagerly
kind
of
ties,
difficul-
mother's
come
tinued,
con-
London
and
Suffice
it to
his offer.
dwell
not
say, that
and
invitation
an
here," she
retain,
ever
ecstasy. It expressedsympathy in my
and
of men,
and
application,
those
was
parting scenes.
dear objectsof
destined
never
to
my affection,
embrace
again,
sorrowful
"
"
India
House,
indefinable
I
with
the
ordeal which
dread.
From
forget,
though
now
of that
an
mischievous
feelingsof
told
was
an
tion
informa-
the
probably from
jokers,who love
but
with
view
to
was
tribe of
youth ;
led
I received
whom
it
was
some
to
that
one
sport
it
was
absolutely
necessary that I should learn by heart, as an
Articles of
indispensable
preliminaryto passing,the
War
and Mutiny Act," then forming one
What
volume.
of alarm
state
and
was
despondencyas I handled
my
that substantial yellow-backedtome, and reflected on
the
task I had to perform of committing its whole
contents
"
to
me
memory
in my
of
one
week
It haunted
carried it about
it with
with
me
where-
desperatedetermination
leisure moment,
of which
I had very few,
would
admit ; but what
I forced into my sensorium
one
the eternal noise and racket of London
drove
moment,
a
MEMOIRS
OF
To
GRIFFIN.
of it the next.
cut
"
of War
three clauses,the "Articles
I was
in despair
sealed volume.
; to
or
inevitable.
At
last
came
"
were
be
the awful
to
me
as
disgracedappeared
and
summons,
the
"
"
"
"
"50
per annum,
and
fifteen small
children, on
the
nouncement
an-
MEMOIRS
himself
found
Gernon
Francis
casting a lingeringgaze
embarkation
Bengal.
Saving
I had
world
to
which, by givingfresh
served
feelings,
when
the
it
banish
to
incidental
with
my
for
first
ship
presented a new
sightsand sounds
thoughts and
my
was
All, at first,
confusion
land.
Eng-
the
was
measure
some
old
of
Castle,bound
varietyof
occupation to
of home.
remembrance
but
in
foot, and
"
eyes
closed
packet,this
set
ever
observation
my
drama
the Rottenbeam
Irish
an
tearful
II.
eventful
this
board
on
which
on
of
scene
with
shores
the
on
CHAPTER
first
the Eottenleam
board
on
Channel, and
Castle, steeringdown
THE
GRIFFIN.
OF
tristful
the
chaos
to
embarkation
to
me
and
women,
et
hoc
genus
oinne,
had
sided,
sub-
teristic
things speedilyfell into that regularorder characindividual
of vessels of
this description each
took
and entered in an
orderly
position,
up his proper
his prescribedand
manner
on
regularroutine of duty ;
and I began to distinguish
officers from
passengers, and
to learn the rank
and importance of each respectively.
Before
proceedingfurther with ship-boardscenes, a
not
slightsketch of a few of the dramatis persona
may
be unacceptable.And
commander, the autocrat
our
first,
of this littleempire. Captain McGuffin
was
a raw-boned
six foot three ; a huge, red-headed
Caledonian, of some
of great physicalpowers,
of which, however, his
man
whole
demeanour, singularlymild, evinced a pleasing
he was
unconsciousness; bating the latter quality,
just
"
such
of
man
Falkirk
or
tower
of
nerves
and
Bannockburn,
amidst
strength,
sinews
one
the
as
could
din
in the olden
time, at
fancystanding like
and
clash of
arms,
10
"
MEMOIRS
"
off heads
slaughing
and
fanatical
"
his
rueful
whigs
of
who,
"
countenance
of whom
''
and
effect.
had
read"
in
sombre
looked
never
thought
saw
the
of
covenanters
stern
of those
one
"crop-eared
and
lonelymoor
on
had
He
and
but
of those
one
broad-sword
muckle
arms,
expressionof visage;
genuine descendant
yore,
GRIFFIN.
OF
for the
discovered
that
soon
another
cadet
mouthed
from
enigma
all
to
was
destined
like
locks
never
was
village. It
pound
calves ;
fair to infer had
was
and
in my glory,"
the
with me
to share
alone
his
his native
of wonder
"
Griffinage."He
half-wayup
it
not
was
was
fellow,with
trousers
miles
"
of the
honours
gawky, wide-
of candles, and
who, from
one
before
never
his pearance
apbeen
ten
standing source
board
on
(and to my knowledge the
solved),by what strange
satisfactorily
was
concurrence
Fortune's
had
attained
of being
honour
distinguished
allowed
to
sign himself
gentleman cadet," in any
old
The
it was.
warrant, bill,or quittance;"but so
ually
adage,however, appliedin his case ; he turned out eventto
the
"
"
to
Our
and
be much
less of
first officer,
Mr.
no
less
fool than
Gillans,was
thorough John
Bull
he looked.
a
thorough
he had
seaman,
the then
mon
com-
imputed vices of
the Scylla
to avoid
"c., and in endeavouring
insincerity,
of Gallic deceit,
went
lish
plump into the Charybdis of Engin truth, a blunt, grufffellow,who
rudeness.
He was
and poltroonery
vertible
conwere
evidently
thought that civility
The
terms.
captainwas the only person whom
'to address
allowed
him
his respect for discipline
ever
without
a
growl ; in short, the vulgar but expressive
phrase,as
sulkyas a bear with a sore head," seemed
could it have been
made
for him expressly,
for in no
case
more
justlyapplied. The second mate, Grinnerson, was
detestation
"
of
the French
and
their
MEMOIRS
OF
11
GRIFFIN.
eternal
gentlemanlyfellow on the whole, but a most
had plainly,
for many
a voyage,
wag and joker. Cadets
furnished him with subjectsfor the exercise of his facetious
Tom," i. e. Mr. Thomas
vein, and
Grundy, and
If I
myself,received diurnal roastingsat his hands.
dear sir," he
expressed an opinion, Pardon
me,
my
would
gravity, but it strikes me that,
say, with mock
being only a cadet, you can know nothing about it ; or,
a
"
(i
"
"
"
in about
ten
sion,
commis-
get your
you
things in general'may
the peaceableGrundy
able."
valu-
be
evinced
advise us to keep
his back,*'he would
our
temper, to be cool, assuringus, with dry composure,
that the
cadets on the last voyage were
never
permitted
to
disposition
hog
"
passion." In a word, he so
that I longgravelydebated
self-complacency,
with myself,whether
I ought not to summon
to
get into
lists when
As
the
more
answer
the
human
him
to
and
the
and treated us
considerably,
raillery
and respect; therebyshowingthat he
nature,
my
question
of his
deference
studied
to
disturbed
knew
how
to
restore
with
had
the
locked
"
"
himself
up for three
or
four hours
per
diem
with
12
MEMOIRS
his
books
and
OF
ledgerslike
GRIFFIN.
praiseworthy
purser.
with
Moreover, he carved for a table of thirtyor forty,
exemplary patience,and possessedthe happy knack of
in the smallest
disposingof the largestquantityof meat
I ever
met
with, in
given quantityof time of any man
order to be ready for a renewed
round at the mutton.
Of passengers
had
the usual number
and variety
we
:
civilians,
returningwith wholesale stocks of English and
continental
cratic
experiencesand recollections of the aristoassociation,"c., for Mofussil
consumption; old
their
officers,going back to ensure
off-reckonings
;" juniorpartners
preparatory to their final "off-reckoning
a
very
"
"
in mercantile
houses
Invernesshire
and
(would
the
that
sixteenth
cousins
had
we
from
kindred
attraction
of its influence
littlemore
Torres
of
south
of
and tear
supply the wear
cholera and dysenteryin his (then) Majesty's
regiments;
matrons
returning to expectant husbands, and brightthe country
to
at
a peep
eyed spinsters
nothing
get
! ) ; officers to
Tweed
"
then
fait
at
more
"
au
we
had
whist
"
assistant-surgeonor
an
Galenicals, and
than
the
shall
and
list.
But
only select
half
of
a
the
dozen
characteristic of the
as
the
more
two
and
two,
raw,
pleted
myself comafore- mentioned
I
variety,
for particular
description,
"
mass.
convince
that
the world
egad, sir,it
standard
common
in
Colonel
was
opinionin
the
that he had
was
dangerous
soul
for
humanity to look
slightest
degree. His
of
above
at
excelled
which
(in his
he told with
an
own
him,
was
inches,
above
man
He
his
or
the
differ
in truth
way,
extraordinary
minuteness
of detail.
14
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
and
equivoque,
na'ivete
wink
nessy, and
part of Mr.
to
devotion
uncommon
an
the
Grinnerson
Mr.
from
at
Goldmore
sometimes
told such
cuddy-table,
ing
producEnsign O'Shaughthe
to his plate on
himself.
of the
Dragoons soldierly,
like,
gentlemanof
and five-and-thirty commanded
the detachment
attached
and
Ensigns Gorman
troops, to which were
animals/' that had recently
O'Shaughnessy, two fine
of Kerry ; and an
ancient
heen caught in the mountains
must
centurion,Capt. Marpeet, of the Native Infantry,
peet
conclude these samplesof the masculine
gender. MarMajor Rantom,
"
"
"
was
character, upon
the
whole
and
whist
Hodgson's pale
Magazine, Taplin'sFarriery,and
short
Manoeuvres, seemed
conversation
reading,though some
"zubber,
zeer,
and
Kuhannee,
Tota
entered
the
on
Dundas,
pesh,"and
seemed
to
The
Dundas's
of
for
man
Sporting
Nineteen
the extent
of his
indicate that he
his
was
he
that
flowerypaths
however,
ale.
constituted
have
to
great
"
had
Oriental
at
least
literature.
tower
of
idea.
Ye
! how
strength his one
amazingly
powers
and
he
fluent
when
took
he
that subject
was
convincing
in hand ! Many a tough discussion would he have with
littlecolonel,whether
the rightor left stood
the pompous
fast,"c., and who, having been a Resident,and knowing,
of course
knew somethingof that
therefore,everything,
"
also.
Let
!
Miss
demoiselles!
places aux
But
me
Kittyand
introduce
Miss
Miss
first two
going to
Presidency;
the Madras
haunted
Anna
"
the
sters
way for the spinreader's acquaintance
grave, and
were
to
make
Maria
Sophia
Maria
Dobbikins.
BalThe
father,a generalofficerin
the eldest,Kitty,was
a
prude,
their
the youngest,
propriety,"
dear Olivia, a perfectgiggle with such
a
pair of eyes !
but
therebyhangs a tale." Miss Maria Balgrave
was
consignedto a house of business in Calcutta,to be
forwarded, by the first safe conveyance, up the country
by
the
demon
of
"
"
"
MEMOIRS
Kurrybhat,who
of
but
course
Miss
of temper.
amiability
Clifton belle,hackneyed and
of a splendidface
remains
strange that
15
GRIFFIN.
Mrs.
friend
dear
to her
OF
fine
so
Dobbikins
Bath
and
but exhibitingthe
passe,
and figure;it was
passing
should
creature
was
have
attained
she
certain age without having entered that state which
well calculated to adorn, whilst doubtless
so
was
many
a
thing had.
snub-nosed
I have
seen
such
many
gone
cases
her
off under
and
it is
those
investigation,
why
philosophical
marries.
every one" admires "nobody
Having given these sketches of a few of my
let me
now
proceed with my voyage.
Deal
nose.
curious
for
"
own
lem
probwhom
"
had
we
contend
to
with
ions,
compan-
Leaving
"
all that
was
me,
dear to
but
land
Can
That
now
of my
Hitherto
me.
excitement
mortal
haul
me
to
thy rugged
strand ?
had
tained
sus-
16
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
myself up
gave
to
side stretched
one
of the Isle of
"
I looked
my native shores, as
for the last time, till the
at
mistress
gun,
time
and
The
few
the
were
waves
murmuring,
days
of
Bay
we
soon
Castle
beam
bounds,
and
almost
to
the
it
was
shrouds
almost
to
crests
ever
Bay
of
asleep.
Biscay
"
the
gale;
the vessel
cracked
the
"
splittingand
"
and
and
began.
wind,
boisterous, and
the winds
III.
when
rough
and
in the
were
we
CHAPTER
of this
evening
that
me
his
scarce
troubles
my
THE
on
gazes
of the
boom
darkness, warned
increasing
the
Calm
now
lover
go below.
to
In
anon
mountain
burst
over
its
little time
began
few
the Rotten-
moderate,
hitherto
in
character;
to
sails
seas
us,
stormy
became
freshened
roll
pitch and
set
were
with
"
strained
wild, foamy
clearingthe
waist
MEMOIRS
OF
17
GRIFFIN.
"
"
making the
good ship quiver
These
sublimities
through every plank and timher.
were
quitenew to me, and produced their usual effects
the unseasoned
tribute to Old Ocean
an
on
involuntary
of a less spiritual
but one
not
a metrical outpouring,
which it would be superfluous
to dilate.
on
quality,
first day's dinner on
Our
board, with thingsin the
and
and
forecastle,
"
"
described
I have
state
staggeringlike
and
comical
and
affair,
had
nausea
my
the
been
scene
was
Castle reeling
"
drunken
should
have
man
was
"
most
enjoyed it extremely
less.
"
"
"
"
ballet
"
now
halt, then
simultaneous
run
"
then
the moment
balancingon one leg and finally(hitting
of an equipoise)
a dart into the cuddy,where, with
some
each contrived to deposit
little difficulty,
his dish.
The
passengers, emerging from various doors and openings,
and holdingon
best theymight, now
made
as
tottering
"
their way
to
seats,
and
amidst
the
most
abominable
tremendous
lee-lurch sent
tureen
c
of pea-
18
OF
MEMOIES
GRIFFIN.
and
the doctor's kerseymerewaistcoat
over
soup souse
tie ; and a roast pig,as if suddenlyresuscitated
Brummel
of frenzy,darted from its dish,
spirit
and, canteringfuriouslydown the whole length of the
effected a lodgment in Miss Dobbikins' lap,
tahle,finally
to the infinite dismay of that young
lady,who uttering
a faint shriek,hastily
essayed,with Ensign O'Shaughnessy's assistance, to divest herself of the intrusive
by an
porker. I, for my part, was nearly overwhelmed
Olivia;
involuntaryembrace from the charming Miss
whilst,to add to the confusion, at this particular
Mr. Cadet
Grundy, governed rather by sight
moment,
endued
and
than
due
with
consideration
of circumstances
and
the laws
made
a
desperatelunge at one of the
gravitation,
swingingtables, which he thought was making a most
in order to
dangerous approach to the perpendicular,
steadyit,and the immediate result was, a fearful crash of
libation of port
glassesand decanters,and a plentiful
and sherry.
of
"
"
the capexclaimed
tain,
ye mod, sir,to do that ?
of
at the destruction
with ill-suppressedvexation
Are
table."
The
heave
colloquyended, there
yo ho ! away
went
the
was
further
ship
on
the
lull, when,
side ;
other
rolls
legs
againstthe bulk-head
purser jammed up
all
and wings boiled beef, carrots, and potatoes,
racing,
if to see which
would first reach the other side of
as
"
"
"
the table.
At
this instant
snap
went
chair-lashing,
MEMOIRS
and
the ex-resident
the
cuddy door,
of
Paugulabad
thunder-bolt.
like
19
GRIFFIN.
OF
whirled
was
of
out
"
! exclaimed
the second mate
again'
;
"hold
well-timed,
gentlemen." The caution was
on,
the opposite tack ; once
she went
for down
on
more,
colonel
back
with
the
the recoil brought the
again,
attended
force of a battering-ram,
by an awful smash
and other deafeningsympof the butler's plate-basket,
toms
of reaction.
Oh, 'tis brave sport,a cuddy-dinner
in an
Indiaman, and your
ship rolling gun-wales
"
There
she
goes
under.
but
the
"By
now,
powers,
exclaimed
Ensign
entirely,"
was
and
griff,
had
this bates
Gorman,
witnessed
never
everything
who,
myself,
anything of the
like
sort before.
"
what
at all this
child's
mere
"
mate,
"
The
deuce
take you,
the
Grinnerson, for
now,
play,to
second
Jove's
the ensign,
comforter,"rejoined
laughing; "sure if it's
than this,it is we'll be sailing
bottom
worse
upwards,and
ateingour
"
and
Oh, I
males
with
our
assure
you,
it's a
pitchingI
mere
myself have
rolling
said the
experienced,"
little
colonel,who
"
"
"
seen
; we
were
swam
actually
the board
the whole
"
half
our
through
live stock
so
under
cuddy
the
"
all washed
Bombay ducks,and
time
on
forth.
water
"
everythingwent
away
"
couldn't
shark
by
cook
biscuit,Bologna sausages,
To
giveyou
an
idea of it
"
20
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
me
"
"
moment."
"
*'
confederates);
his
of
still
extraordinary.When
kind
the
China
last in the
was
but I think
more
seas,
mention
can
John
in the
stance
circum-
I
she
Tomkins,
so
colonel."
"
unpleasantto
looked
All
the colonel
he
saw
had
the
grave
a known
struggledto
juncturewell
and
somehow
or
affair
that
of
to
was
removed,
"
bottom
take
was
wine,"
very
serious
"
all the
came
"
it
was
of impudence
powers
gentleman; but,
of the scrape,
out
cleverly
to the colonel's dignity,
or
own,
from
and
the
the
Ferdinand
and
that
happilyno
us
be
forward
to
unfortunately,
convinced
it may
his composure
before
magnanimous challengeto
to
or
becoming
was
test
very
without
a
else, and
one
expense,
preserve
calculated
tact
my
some
overshot
but
at
disposedto be
beg in future
of us."
"
was
jokes for
at
not
cloth
son,
Grinner-
colonel
(who at
though addicted,
Mendez
other
Mr.
the
sort
Pinto
of
vein),
challenge
22
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
said I,
doom
of
crash
giving him
execration
been
around
shake.
all it elicited.
were
Hollo
grunt and
A
I
"
him.
! here,"
mumbled
repeatedthe experiment,
and
made
me
bother
him
with
at
nonsense
my
that
of
that my
region on
'list?'"
boots
"why
voyage
had
of
exclaimed, in
did
ever
sailed away
to
discovery.
"Oh!
the
bitterness
'list?'"
Ye
unknown
some
of
why
my
did
fort;
discom-
cadets, attend
to
ME"OIRS
the moral
which
OF
this narrative
23
GRIFFIN.
and
conveys,
learn,by my
and
and
De
and
of
to
"
coral isles
those
of
visit
"
in the
roseate
visions of the
scenes
he is
hues
with
which
the
young
excited
Virgina Eobinson
all for
and monkeys
ye are
bound
heart by the golden links of early
to my
ever
nandez,
association
and
Happy Juan Feracquaintanceship.
of the wave
Atalantis
too !
Utopia of the
roving imagination how oft have I longed to abide in
"
Paul
and
and
"
"
"
"
"
honest
his fate
ye, and envied Kobinson
and unrivalled resources
! But
one
"
a
ingredient,
felicity
; had you but
wife,was
wanting to completeyour
rescued
of the Miss
one
Fridays from
designedfor her brother,and made her
you would
Griffin
of goatskins
man
have
been
the most
comfortable
the
culinaryfate
companion,
your
fellow
on
record.
was
"
"
24
and
OF
MEMOIRS
GRIFFIN.
calculated
awaken
to
the
elevated
most
thoughts of
the
admiration
for
language,painting,
most
adequately portray that
sunset.
gloriousof spectacles a tropical
Ensign O'Shaughnessyhaving sworn
by all the bogs
in Kerry," that he would
put a brace of pistol-balls
God
of them
sa
through Neptune, or Juno, or any
all, that should dare to lay hands upon
him; and a
determination
to resist the initiatory
process of ducking
in bilge-water,
and
shaving with a rusty hoop, having
manifested
itself in other quarters, Captain McGuffin,
glad of a pretext, and reallyapprehensiveof mischief,
poetry,
nor
can
"
"
"
"
had
it intimated
to
the
of
son
Saturn and
his
spouse,
customs
observance;"
with
honoured
more
"
Maid
samples
one
which
Marian,"
of the
"wisdom
"
in
may
the
well
the Lord
of
breach
our
be
in
than
allowed
to
Misrule/' and
ancestors/' who
of
the
sleep
other
were
MEMOIRS
OF
"
but
children
emphatically
horse play and "tinsel" were
the
of
of
25
GRIFFIN.
On
attractive.
most
ing
cross-
harmless
more
joke
played off
its taking
was
exhibitingthe line through a telescope
of
soft to admit
one
greenhorn,sufficiently
on
whom
largergrowth,"to
effect.
"
Do
had
you
make
got up the
it out, Jones
scene,
intently
engaged in
as
long as himself.
"I
think
middys,
through
reconnoitering
to
of the
one
suppressedgrin.
What is he lookingfor
"
"
The
Line,
it
cross
Grinnerson, who
said
?"
be
to
to-day?
sure
?"
asked
the
youngster
glasshalf
difficultly-
simplevictim.
to
were
we
"
"Oh
see
"
the glass."
Oh, certainly
; Jones, giveMr. Brown
The soft man
took it,looked, but declared that he saw
nought
but
sky
and
sea.
"
"
a
a
wire
or
the
across
largeend
"
of it.
;
one
Now
'
tis
with
do you
it?"
see
"
I think
do
reallyis
the line ?
This
the
oh, yes,
Bless
distinctly.And
most
me,
small
how
it is !
that
"
climax
the
the poop.
on
Well,
the
the
"
those beautiful
Partout
those
Adam's
and
shores, where
on
et les
on
voit
e'clore,
presents de Flore ;
which
Peak
admired,
26
MEMOIRS
and
the
OF
GRIFFIN.
"
"
duly
spicy gales from cinnamon
groves
snuffed up and appreciated(entre nous,
burnt pastile
a
of Mr.
the
Grinnerson's, and not
Ceylon, furnished
spicygales on this occasion),we found ourselves at
"
"
last off
the
far-famed
of
coast
Coromandel,
and
fast
approachingour destination.
It is pleasant at certain seasons
to
the
glide over
of these
summer
seas
delightfullatitudes,whilst the
vessel spreadsabroad
all her snowy
to
arrest
canvas
the side,
every lightand vagrant zephyr, to hang over
and whilst the ear
is soothed
by the lappingrippleof
small,crispwaves, idlybreakingon the vessel's bows as
she moves
scarce
perceptibly
through them, to gaze on
the sky and
and
indulge in that half-dreamy
ocean,
listlessness when
and go.
gentlethoughtsunbidden come
How
beautiful is the dark blue main, relieved by the
milk-white
flash of the sea-bird's wing ! how picturesque
the Indian
craft,with their stripedlatteen sails,as they
along those palm-coveredcoasts, studded with
creep
templesand pagodas ! and seaward restingon the far-off
horizon,how lovelythe fleecypilesof rose-tinted clouds,
seeming to the fancy the ethereal abodes of pure and
!
There is in the thoughts to which
such
happy spirits
scenes
as
improvingto the heart
give birth a rationality
it is remote
from a forced and mawkish
as
sentimentality.
Such
as
were
we
crept along the Indian
my sensations
Castle came
to
coast, tillin a few days the Rottenbeam
anchor
in the roads
first
man-of-war's
of
number
the
amongst
impressment
crew,
to
boat, manned
by a stout
fellows,in straw
hats, and with tattooed arms,
and the lieutenant,with the air of
alongside,
the deck.
men-
He
was
whom
was
siderable
con-
the
was
The
mounted
of
Arab
sensation
prospect
Madras, amidst
of-war,Indiamen,
The
of
was
a
monarch,
tall,
strappingman,
loose
hanger banging against his heels,,-
soon
with
trousers,
MEMOIRS
swab
cocked-hat
beau
ideal
the
chapter I
last
arrived in
glazed
head
in
first leftenant."
"
of
CHAPTER
IN
27
GRIFFIN.
tarnished
my
OF
IV.
Eottenbeam
left the
Castle
just
hoat
frigate's
the
of
announced
manner,
himself
lieutenant
as
of H.M.
"
turn
to
ship Thunderbolt, and desired him
up the
hands."
strate,
was
beginning to remonCaptain McGuffin
of his best sailors had
been
declaring that some
presseda few days before (which was the fact),and that
he had barelysufficient to carry the shipround to Bengal,
he had
"o., when the lieutenant cut him short, declaring
nothing to do with that matter ; that his orders were
be obeyed.
peremptory, and must
I shall appeal to the admiral," said our
skipper,
"
rather
"
ruffled.
You
whom
appeal to
may
the
lieutenant, somewhat
hanger a kick, to cause
"
but
you'llorder
his
on
a
were
own
few minutes
The
he
felt that
than
his
own
but
was
was
muster.
he
had
"
"
crack ;
reigned absolute but
to
"
of all he
right there
the
upon
He
was
iron
survey'd,
to dispute.
none
heel
him, and
of
that
stronger despotism
he had
no
resource
submission.
orders, and
for McGuffin
nuts
monarch
But
in
too, where
before
Whose
it
giving his
its hindward
to resume
tion
posithe meantime, if you
please,
"
hard
deck
haughtily,and
men."
your
up
"
These
and
now,
choose, sir,"replied
you
28
MEMOIRS
"
and
rank
the
the
OF
GRIFFIN.
Onward
man
boarders),and
after the
his fat
turned
sheep,and
worthy of
several
in which
manner
"
to head
cutting-outparty, or
putting aside
and
those
knocks"
hard
of
about, something
in Smithfield
butcher
then
honour
of them
column
selects
he
in his
thought
Majesty's
forthwith
to
service,he ordered them
bring up their
hammocks
and kits,and prepare for departure. Amongst
those
thus
unceremoniouslychosen
of the Thunderbolt,
who
had
out
come
two
were
or
swabs,
as
or
increase
to
the
crew
ruddy,lustylads,
loblolly
boys, and were
three
"
home,
sweet
home,"
and
would
what
as
"
old
mother
man-of-
I had
hawk, pounced
often
instan-
his
in the long
experienced
eye detectingat once
and
pigtail,cork-screw ringlets,
devil-may-careair of
ter ;
honest
noble
Jack, the
but eccentric
prime seamen.
takinghim by
out.
"
(who
had
had
juice,and
the air of
ground.
rummaging
a
tin
dimensions,from
Jack
was
tar, and
You'll do
words
unassailable
British
two
with
sarvice),
characteristics of that
biped,a downright
There's
said Jack
therefrom
outward
true
to
quantum
one
So
his
who
bargain,sir,"
suff.of the reg'lar
that there
knew
that he
stood
on
than
ordinary
tobacco-box, of more
which, after considerable fumbling (for
unused
evidently
to
handling literarydocu-
30
MEMOIRS
and
brown
He
GRIFFIN.
(for such
drippingsavage
board.
on
OF
sprung
bling
looked) scram-
he
the deck, as
upon
favourite
head
his
from
conical
which, secured
under
dry;
salt-basket
fold
caused
this messenger
griffsof all
of linen, he
these with
of
sort
produced
"
the words,
the frame
as
the
hat, from
chit,sahib,"
of the
The
captain.
his
speaker,
arrival of
considerable
cuddy
retreat
on
have
made
at him, but
peep
perceivingthe paradisiacalcostume
to
rapid
of
our
hero.
shall
never
"
in all his
Horror
Mute
Our
and
admiration
when
of the
far
catamaran
Avast there, my
appearance.
"
and
rough voice of a seaman,
he
sided
hardly sub-
extraordinarycharacter
more
"
As
had
man
spoke,
the
hearties !
make
"
made
sounded
his
the
modore."
way for the comof sailors and recruits
crowd
his
out, and
Excellency Commodore
Cockle, chief of the catamarans, was
seen
advancingin
This potent commander,
great state from the gangway.
opened
who, by the
after
naval
way,
had
performed his
passing through
the
coat, under
swarthybosom ; a
which
transitu,
attired in
surf, was
uniform
an
appeared his
old
naked
"
and
toilet in
as
ever
remember
to
have
seen
out
of
field.
corn-
MEMOIRS
"
the powers,
By
Mick
Nolan,
one
OF
of
31
GRIFFIN.
have
we
"
here?
said
Pat
Casey.
"
"
"
Alas
! poor human
nature
Dear
the same.
to
essentially
power
thy
"
and
authorityin
fantastic tricks"
as
thee
art everywhere
is
little
exhibitest
any shape, and thou
much
in the bells and feathers
! thou
coif of
"
the
judge,
Commodore,"
"
or
to whom
the
the
Cockle
had been
of
cised
English cognomen
given, exerunder a commission
his high functions
furnished
him by some
he was
quite as proud
wag, but of which
if it had emanated
from royalty
itself. It was
couched
as
in the proper lingua technica
of such
instruments, and
commenced
in something like the followingmanner
:
Know
all men
by these presents, that our trusty and
well-beloved
Cockle
is hereby constituted Commodore
and Commander
of the Catamaran
Squadron, and duly
empowered to exercise all the high functions thereunto
aforesaid
Cockle
is authorized
appertaining. The
his services to all partiesrequiringthem, on
to render
their paying for the
All captainsand
same.
manders
company's
Comof his Majesty'sand the Honourable
soever,
ships,and of all other ships and vessels whatare
hereby requiredand directed to take fruit,
fish, eggs, "o., from the said Cockle (if they think fit),
their paying him handsomely in the current
coin of
on
the realm, "e."
"
32
MEMOIRS
The
day
next
OF
the
passengers
full fig; ladies,civilians,and
attire,crowding the
GRIFFIN.
ashore; officers
went
benches
Of all
balancing,and holding on as best they could.
of the Greenlander
to
sea-goingcraft, from the canoe
boat is, perhaps,
the line -of-battle-ship,the Massoolah
of the most
extraordinary.Imagine a huge affair,
one
of those paper
cock-boats
something in shape like one
tureen,
stem
make
children
which
for amusement,
section of
the transverse
or
and
or
a
an
pear
old-fashioned
pumpkin,
or
stern
planks,sewn
gullon the heaving wave, the sides rising six feet or so
above its surface,the huge empty shell crossed by narrow
seated, or rather
planks or benches, on which, when
tom
roosted,your legsdangle in air several feet from the botin the fore-parta dozen
or
more
: further,picture
unwieldy polespare black creatures, each working an
chant
and you
like paddleto a dismal and monotonous
idea of a Massoolah
boat and its equihave some
page
may
live in the
only thing, however, that can
; the
"
tremendous
"Are
shouted
"
Ay,
you
one
ay,
of Coromandel.
boat?"
right there, in the Massoolah
of the ship's
officers.
sir,"responded a little middy in charge of
all
us.
on
gentlyrisingand falling
were
soon
to
assume
the
the
more
long undulations,which
formidable
character
of
As we
advance, I honestlyconfess,
bursting surges.
confoundedly
though I put a bold face on it,I felt most
under
serious
of
being
apprehensionsthat one
nervous,
sharks I had just seen
would
have the
the many
soon
pleasureof breakfastingon a gentleman cadet, cotelettes a la Griffin,
doubt, if gastronomy ranks as an
no
that voracious fraternity.
On approaching
art amongst
chant quickened to
the surf,the boatmen's
monotonous
MEMOIRS
wild
ulluloo.
GRIFFIN.
in
medias
OF
We
were
33
I
res.
looked
astern, and
ullee !
nllee!
"
shouted
up flew the
wave
went
the
ladies,over
while
"ex-resident,
held
seats
and
rowers;
stern, down
canted the
those
went
smash
the
prow
squall
more
the
the
came
with
on
dashed
the
one
with
hand
the
other.
worth
wave
thousand
then
Here
soil of India
was
"
miles of salt-water.
I
at
of that
earliest
agination
thoughts and imthat land whose
barbaric pearl and gold
the cupidityof nations
has stimulated
down
the long
of time, from
stream
Sabrean, Phoenician,Tyrian, and
Venetian, to Mynheer Van
Stockenbreech, and honest
himself
Bull
whose
John
visionary luxuries have
full many
Western
warmed
a
poet'simagination,and
whose
strange vicissitudes have furnished such ample
my
"
"
"
"
matter
to adorn
historian's pages.
crowds, the flaunting
"
"
34
MEMOIRS
GRIFFIN.
OF
first entrance
is there
music
new
and
in every
sound
on
untrodden
land.
What
What
exhilarating
an
terfly's
object!The peach's bloom, the butdown, or the paintedbubble, however, are but
Alas ! as of all sublunary enjoyments,
types of them.
they vanish upon contact, or at best,bear not long the
grasp of possession.
stillin a state of tumultuous
ment,
excitewere
My feelings
when, gazingabout, I observed a native,in flowing
robes and largegold ear-rings,
bearing down upon me.
the smirking smile of an
With
a profoundsalaam, and
he proceededto address me
old acquaintance,
:
"How
d'yedo, Sare ? said he.
but who
Pretty well,thank you," said I, smiling;
freshness in
every
"
"
"
are
you
"
"I, Bamee
master
proper
shore;
on
Dabash,
Sawmee
Sare,
too
surf, I think,
see
and
make
to
come
safe
master
master's
coat
leetle wet."
"
Not
said I,
little,"
sousing."
Oh, never
"
mind
for
we
have
all had
Sare; I take
souse,
makee
there
"
to
complete
Navy
Navy
Tavern
Tavern
changee eat good dinner.
very good place plentygentlemen go there."
said I ;
"Where
I am
service."
at your
you please,"
Ver
well, Sare ; but (in a tone of entreaty)you
Bamee
Dabash
Sawmee
pleasenot forgetmy name,
"
"
"
"
"
master's
dabash
gentleman
Here
as
soon
know
Ramee
had
"
am
ver
Sawmee
afterwards
too
much
unconsciouslyspoke
full occasion
of these
more
services; butRameeSawm.ee,
by
man
every
me."
besiegedwith
pluck me,
honest
reason
of
to
the
discover.
truth,
I
was
gentry offeringtheir
MEMOIRS
OF
35
GRIFFIN,
risks by unnecessary
to incur
; and not
indignantly
to
delays,he called a palankeen,and requestedme
get
off
started
the
for
lose
wishingto
side
tumbled, wrong
In I
into it.
He
Navy Tavern.
sightof me for
in
ear
we
alongside,not
pouring his
ran
moment,
voluble
one
and
tinuous
con-
stream.
"
"too
and
Master, you
much
some
pleasetake
dam
rogue,
rascal dabash
dis
place,"said he,
this Madras; plentybad beebee,
much
cheatee gentlemen. I
ver
care
in
the
Sawmee
above
had
littleoverestimated
particulararticle
of
honesty.
of
Swelteringthrough a broilingsun, and abundance
dust, we reached the Navy Tavern, a buildingsomewhat
if I recollect rightly,
of our
one
own
resembling,
green
suburban
verandah'd
in which
taverns,
comfortable
cits
drink
and
appointedfor young
These consisted of
spot, within
besides
some
went
Bengal
the
next
day
to
ance
non-appearthe
the
officers detained
at
Navy
quarters
Madras.
tents
36
MEMOIRS
with
dignified
largerone
a
the
GRIFFIN.
of
appellation
the
mess-
Here,
tent.
OF
at
so
personages
called
at
home
as
can
welt
be
imagined,
and dinner, on
table at so much
placedbreakfast,tiffin,
For two
three days I revelled in the delights
a-head.
or
of sour
and skinny kid, with
Madeira, tough mutton,
for European vegetables.
yams, and other miserable succedanea
An Egyptian plague of flies,and a burning sun
beating through the singlecloth of the tent, made up
the sum
of the agreeablesto which
were
we
subjected.
of
had
faith
"luxuries
the
East"
received
in the
a
My
delity
fast tending to downright infishock, and I was
severe
that
on
head, when
fellow,with
big-whiskered
he has taken
Gernon, and thanks him for the care
his daughter, Mrs.
of the letters,"c., from
Hearty,
will be happy to see
Sir J. Skeggs' sister,
Mr. G., and
Mr.
will send
palankeenfor him."
all (an operationsoon
I packed up my
effected),
got
into an
made
its appearance
elegantpalankeen,which
shortlyafter the note, and escorted by a body of silverstick men
in authority
(for Mr. Hearty was
"),
a man
I bade adieu to the tents, and leavingGrundy and some
other cadets,though with a strong commiserative
feeling,
with the discomforts
to struggle
I have
mentioned, was
dence,
conveyed at a slappingpace to my host's garden resia
"
on
the
Mount
Eoad.
This
was
flat roofed
38
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
His
indeed,
pleasingaddress.
manners,
peculiarly
and
were
quiteof what is termed the old school, dignified
but withal a littleformal ; far superior,
however,
polished,
modem
to
brusqverie,and that selfishness of purpose
sets
at nought the
which, too often disdaining
disguise,
existence.
small courtesies
which
so
greatlysweeten
His wife, much
handsome
his junior,was
of
woman
a
and- twenty, gay
and lively,
and apparentlymuch
eightattached to her lord,in spite of the disparity
of their
and
"
"
in
He,
years.
fact, was
of those
one
rarely-seenwell-
woman
a young
preservedold men, of whom
might be
both proud and
fond.
My host lived in the good old
of which absence of unnecessary
styleof Indian hospitality,
of good cheer, and
the most
abundance
restraint,
unaffected
and
essential
the
elements.
has
had
or
full
room
doing good," in
around
the social
the
frequently
"
luxury of
expansion; and the
the shape of assembling happy faces
board, can be enjoyed,without, as too
for
of
dread
running
out-
deeply on the
next
our
Certainly,
day's quantum of hashed mutton.
close packing in these denselypopulated lands may
give
enamel
much
of
off
natural
it
of
rubs
the
us
polish,but
our
virtues.
Mr.
Hearty'shouse
meaning. Each
fullest
he could
could
room
and
intellectual
whole
doze;
shoot
squirrels,
;
with
party, from
various
his
it,he
preferred
if he
rifle,as
enjoy any
quarters,
meals,
were
wont
friend,the
my
ing
the draw-
in
the ladies
between
its
where
bedroom,
or
sit with
amusement,
in
guest had
read, write, or
hunt
Scotch
was
other
at
equally
which
to
the
assemble,
manner,
rubbing their hands, and greetingin that v/arm
results
well
where
which
have
been
commonly
people
employed in the interim,and not had too much of each
MEMOIRS
OF
39
GKIFFIN.
other's company.
Mr. Hearty'shouse
from all pointsof the compass.
and
There was
of cavalry
a captain
full of visitors
was
lore
lady,from Bangafrom Yizagapatam ;
doctor
dyspeptic-looking
a
missionary,bent on
making the natives "all same
master's caste," through the medium
of his proper vernacular
cadet,before alluded
; a strappingScotch
artillery
six feet two, and
who was
to, some
particularfriend
my
;
and
very
with
crony,
Amongst
like self.
myment,
astonish-
these, to my
delightand
great
the
forth my
"confessions."
Yes,
as
honest
an
chronicler
bound
the candour
to tell it
events, I am
demands
head
that it should out.
I fell over
"
love
'twas
"
most
violent
attack
had, and
of
of
griffin
in
and
ears
think
"
my
voyage
to
Calcutta,for
the
next.
CHAPTER
"PEACE
be
with
the
soul
V.
of
that
charitable
and
benefit of his
author, who, for the common
fellow- authors, introduced
the ingeniousway of laneous
miscel-
courteous
"
40
MEMOIRS
ceed with
OF
story,which
my
GRIFFIN.
begins to
now
assume
graver
aspect.
Love, that passion productiveof so many pains and
pleasuresto mortals, the most easily,
perhaps,awakened,
difficult to control, begins full earlywith
and the most
of
some
to
(idiosyncratically
susceptible)
us
manifest
its
her, in the
muslin
her flaxen
forehead.
came
my
curls
in all conceivable
and
of
eye
for Master
Frank
Gernon
and
his brother
Tom
to
Anodyne's. How
motherly and kind
was
good Mrs. Anodyne on these occasions ! how truly
liberal of her pound-cakeand syllabub!
which
Dear
all
! spite of thy many
woman
failings,
drink
"
tea
at
Dr.
relations of mother,
side,"in the sweet
shipped.
wife,sister,
friend, thou art a being to be almost worlean
to
virtue's
Tis
hands.
Harden
you
who
your
hold
minds
destinies
man's
without
the
in
your
limits of blue-
stockingism, as
courage,
the
will yet convert
you
of Twickenham
The
little bard
and
paradise!
whole, maligned
you
mistaken
the
world
into
has, on
factitious
the
for the
MEMOIRS
faults
original;the
the belle of
but
stillrightwhen
for the
1700
41
GRIFFIN.
education
of
nature;
was
OF
for
the
defects
of all time
woman
of
"
he said,
Courage with
softness,modesty
with
pride,
"
"
PrettyLouisa
of
mother
soundly in
villagechurch-yard!
own
your
sometimes
vision,you
quittingfor
visit
manhood,
my
of
fairy
me
my dreams, or, when
the stern, hard realities which
viron
enI lose myself in the sweet
brances
remem-
season
like
in
boyhood'sdays !
my
I deem
it a fitting
next, to which
preliminary. Griffins,look to your hearts, for you will
that susceptible
have
some
tough assaults made
upon
love affair ;
the other
on
organ
now
for my
first grand
side of the
of the
doom!
is my
the
to
not
valete !
toils of
inscribe
"or, led
on
have to
you do not
of the facial muscles,
by
your
premature matrimonial
"
over
your
domicile,
sensibilities
union, you
spes et
for tuna
"
party
at
Mr.
"
"
"
42
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
secure
of Olivia
Jenkins
felt that
ardour
of
was
decided
too
was
favourite,and
to
griffin
be mistaken.
to
I burned
"
with
sentiment
all the
si doux"
accustomed
the
house.
hour
in the coco-nut
saunter
There
was
which
of
from
the
well-wheel,an
distant fields,
and
their
of
the
plaintive
cooingsfrom
neighbouringgarden
I walked
one
and
air,a
sound,
came
ing
ring-doveswere utteramidst the shady bowers
the
the
most
chartered
libertine,was
of nature,
of
rural
"
The
scenes
Indian
still.
on
the
animated
me, when
always delight
suddenly
her
of
all
works, a beautiful
charming
which
girl,appeared before
me.
It
was
Olivia, who
met
me
MEMOIRS
OF
of course) at
(undesigneclly
of the
turn
43
GRIFFIN.
She
avenue.
Oh,
Mr.
Gernon, is this
Your
you ?
(courtesying
half-coquettishly)
; who
to
you here
there any
meet
"Is
Olivia,"said I,
thing more
"
than
to
find
human
hearts
Chinese,
united from
are
last.
What
think
familiar
grow
"
not
may
you,
generallyon
such
some
broughtus togetherat
Olivia looked
expected
"
birth
by
choly
of melan-
shade
the
believe, think
Olivia ?
the
invisible
eve
means
"
that
silken cords,
unseen
which
at
The
have
solemnlymusing ?
extraordinaryin it, Miss
ing
you also alone, and enjoy-
'
boughs?'
would
sir !
so
your
servant,
together
I continued
of
(we
declaration),
of attraction have
this moment?"
the
character of a pebble,or
engaged in investigating
distinct
something of the sort, that lay on the walk, and inmuch
replied,that she had really never
considered
such
weighty and mysterious subjects,but
that it might be even
so.
Encouraged by this reply,yet
tremblingat the thought of my own
audacity (bullets
whizzing past me since have not produced half the
I placedmyself near
her, and gentlytaking
trepidation),
the little,
but invitingly,
soft,white hand which listlessly,
hung by her side,I said (I was
sorelypuzzledwhat to
say),
"I
"
"
visitor here
delighted,dear
was
Olivia,
to
find
you
day."
Were you, Mr. Gernon," said the lively
turning
girl,
which
her soft blue eyes, in a manner
brought
upon me
of delirium
on
tremens
a fresh attack
delighted is
;
on
my
"
"
'
'
"
Strong!
"
replied,
instantlyfallinginto
heroics
44
MEMOIRS
"it
but
OF
"feeblyexpresses
Oh,
you.
barriers of
dearest
GRIFFIN.
the
pleasureI
Olivia," I
feel
on
ing
see-
"
"
your
A
look
heart."
slightand
almost
from
from
the
abashed
received.
It
was
her
to
my
closer
mine
had
of
followed
reached
Oh,
silent
than
more
the
soft
climax
in
once
my
love
Swelled
my
vows
there
said
and
breast
sung
sort
emotions
sweet
ever
fate to
forgetye
accord
kiss
?
moment
woke
and
the
any
trembling sigh,
melting eye.
filled the
"
been
"
was
dwell,
trembling accents'jfell
;
that
in
acknowledged
fond
that
column
can
fancy on
fond
vertebral
preciousfor
too
how
"
The
thousand
existence
an
Let raptured
When
and
a
long and
imprinted
downy cheek of Olivia.
and
of
requitedaffection
"When
subdued
now
"
"
blissful
but
its movement.
on
pressure
timid
I
expressive answer
I drew
at least.
enough, for a griff,
head ;
side
her
she slowly averted
exquisiteto endure,
too
of
the
"
kiss
mine, and
in
surrender
fervent
locked
generallylivelybut
girl,was
of
increase
imperceptible
time
heaven
for
thousand
showed
read
he
is
the
love," as
last
himself
made
the
three
deeply
chief delight
it to
it swells the heart, causes
which, when
overflow,like a mantling fountain,to refresh and fertilize
;
all around.
with which
No, I shall
I committed
never
that
forgetthe
daring act
thrill of
of
delight
petty larceny.
46
MEMOIRS
"
Do
"our
"Ah
OF
said
remember,"
you
more
say no
of my
GRIFFIN.
sigh,"I
to
recurrence
the
do
the
sad
me
"
Madras?
at
grove
indeed;
but
sunshiny days
let us
speak of
******
There
He
was
one
bitee de blackmans, he
then
the
runs
"
recorded.
believe,however, it would
be
difficult to
as
originalabout musquitoes as to
entirely
pleasure,or the long sought desideratum
perpetualmotion; nevertheless,my subjectbeing
say anything
discover a new
of
India, it would
in
set
which
gether
altoover
pass them
suffice it therefore
to
say, the first
silence;
nights of my
oversightput
a
be
not
of gauze
stay
into
en
at
bed
regie
Mr.
Hearty's I
without
curtains.
to
The
was
the usual
door
by a cruel
appendage
"
of my
the
apartment,
was
the
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
of light,'
fire-flies,
gems
of
the
Bright jewels
tropic night,
Countless
"
MEMOIRS
OF
47
GRIFFIN.
din's
spangledthe trees in all directions. The idea of Aladgarden,to which his soi-disant uncle introduced
him, was presentingitself to my mind, when the nip of a
tion
musquito recalled me from the fanciful to the consideraof painfulrealities. The
sultryheat of an Indian
terrific: not
hreath
a
night in the rains is sometimes
moving ; hut, to make up for it,a universal stir of reptile
and
insect
with
life,
hiss,and
croak, hum,
buzz, perfectly
"
"
"
At
I made
breakfast
mornings
pityand amusement
cheeks puffedout,
all of which, to
in those
my
ludicrous
:
like
bunged
bullyAjax
eyes
man
young
days,rather valued
was
exceedinglyannoying.
look
in which
the comic
appearance
the
figure,
and
up,
in
on
two
cutive
conse-
objectat once of
lipsswelled,and
Homer
Travestie,
of decent exterior,and who,
himself
Mrs.
on
his
appearance,
Hearty,though with
the
tragicstruggledfor the
took compassion on
expressedgreat
me,
mastery, now
and furnished my bed with a set
regret for the oversight,
"Whine
curtains.
said
of musquitoaway, you rascals,"
blow your penny
I then to the musquitoes,exultingly
;
vagabonds ! you have had your
trumpets, you everlasting
"
48
MEMOIRS
last meal
had
GRIFFIX.
assured."
rest
me,
on
OF
What
glorioussleep I
after that !
After
Sawmee
for Ramee
mine
to
Madras, and
Dahash, who, having
fortnight's
stay
at
account
appearance,
embarked
on
bid
adieu
board
to
the
my
of
trouble"
search
linen of
some
balance
"
vain
to
money
make
to
his
hospitablefriends, re-
Rottenleam
Castle, and
set
sail for
humour.
and
matters
quiteout
colonel
to
of
the
be
told,
with
several
and
wondrous
had
had
"
met
followed
common,
Grinnerson
"
had
as
strange,"and
natural
a
"
some
old friends,
rare
quence.
conse-
larks
and
"
"
"
Hulls
"
cant
term
for Madrassees.
MEMOIRS
OF
CHAPTER
ON
roads
leavingthe
eastward.
the
For
of
agreeableweather, and
a
cloud
of snowy
VI.
Madras,
day
two
or
bent
we
had
we
gallantvessel
our
like
canvas,
49
GRIFFIN.
our
lightwinds and
glidedon, under
stainless
some
to
course
before
swan
McGumn
looked
He
grave.
brewing)held
and
then
taken
in.
At
(forthere
now
brief consultation
mate,
windward, shook
to
of the
P.M.
I was
told,were
as
topsails,
mainsail and maintopsail
furled.
with
to
next
morning,the
the
albatrosses
wildlyover
breeze
which
and
"
broke
over
admit
much
We're
in for
first mate,
"
the
You
'*
may
strong, and
ship,causing her
can
sea
to
and
the
got up,
now
roll
heavily,
water.
and
it,I'm
to the
mistake."
no
say
afraid/'said Grinnerson
that, when
be
fore and
day,the
same
main
still continued
head, and
appeared
mischief
evidently
was
immediatelyordered
about
his
lookingat
tell you."
the end
to your
you write home
sententious worthy; "I'd
than
the
beginning of it,I
E
50
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
fearful heel
"
her
How's
starting
up,
"
"
head
the
to
at
man
"
said
the wheel.
"
and
the tars
went
away
little
shiveringmiddies
soon
performed,the
duty was
Towards
wore
There
swarming
and
all, and
sail
being set
and
the
rigging,
the perilous
to steadyher.
up
increased, and
sea
the
stillmore
few
are
wind
the
noon,
weather
than
now
poor
leeward.
to
threateningappearance.
situations which
more
thoroughlycall
of man's mind,
energiesand resources
working of
vessel in
steadyas
rock,
the
tempest, or
battle.
cool
ing
order-
head, and
in
essentially
necessary
McGuffin
both.
was
quite a Wellington in his way;
and on the present occasion,I felt a pridein my countrymen,
and men,
I marked
him, the officers,
as
calmly preparing,
the
it
for
as
by move,
coming onset
were, move
of the gale.
"Down
royal-mastsand top gallantyards,"shouted
the iron-tonguedGillans ; and down, spiteof the flapping
and banging of blocks and ropes, they
of canvas
in a trice. This
not
came
was
precautionarymeasure
taken a whit too soon, for the wind
rapidlyincreased to
and the ship rolled heavily,
from the violence and
a gale,
of the sea.
At
this moment,
dently
Grundy, eviirregularity
nerves
as
very
thought, than
mate
and
uneasy,
decorum, began
the first
to
with
upon
are
in
all nautical
whistle,less,probably,from
a
view
him
to
it.
want
of
This
brought
we
got wind
enough,
Drop
drown
immediately.
of
violation
more
that
music,
MEMOIRS
OF
51
GRIFFIN.
of
the
officers and
the
gale.
roaringof
indeed, was
as
heard
rough cradle,and
this,for myself and the
above
dismal
other
the
laby,
lul-
nautical
board.
infantson
At
seamen
1 1 o'clock
about
wind
the
increased
the
decks
continually
submerged, the fore and mainafter the shipwas
the
furled,and soon
were
topsails
wore,
top-mast
sea
running mountains high, under the fore and mainstay-sail.The
captain,having ordered the
foresail to be hauled up, the ship,in nautical language,
was
hove-to, the gale blowing with uncommon
fury.
The
most
to
assume
a
threateningand
sky now began
lurid aspect. Just such
a
us
murky gloom surrounded
is finelydescribed
that in which
Satan
as
by Milton ;
the dusky air,"he hovered
when
aloft incumbent
on
that
unblest
over
ever-burning region,which his
feet
The
barometer
fell rapidly,
about to tread.
were
and our courage, that is,of us landsmen, in a proportionate
almost
were
"
"
"
"
"
ratio,whilst the
maned
steeds
over
above
vast
friend tillwe
angry
With
quiveringbark.
our
and
intense
what
think
of the snug
green
Ah ! thought
coal fire at home
!
I
now
it
is,
lose him
"
we
never
know
the value
"
but every
to
effected by our
gable
indefatiwas
thingpracticable
by the" recent impressment,
crew, althoughreduced
the masts
from the evidently
cane.
secure
increasinghurriThe
snug
hatches
for the
breathless
were
battened
"
down, and
all made
All
was
now
the boldest
on
E
52
MEMOIRS
when
countenance,
the
ship on
mainmast
OF
sudden
GRIFFIN.
and
tremendous
blast
threw
went
confusion
confounded
worse
"
and
passengers
beneath
the wreck
he
but
seamen
or
little understands
are
composed,
relaxation
the
were
officer
was
and
the
who
of
energy
efforts made
here.
heard
instantly
the
active
stuff
thinks
to
crew
servants
"
the
of
there
of
disasters
heart ;
stoutest
which
was
Sudden
repairit.
above
chaos
sailors
"
as
The
the storm,
any
the
English
quailing
voice
disaster
of the
tions,
giving direc-
immediatelyat work,
with
to
threaten
and
sides,
this operation
fected,
at last efwas
difficulty,
and the short but delusive "pleasures of hope"
On
dawned
us.
once
more
gettingclear of the
upon
wreck, the vessel partially
righted,the hurricane raging
with awful violence,the sea running right over
her, and
sweeping,with resistless force, every opposing article
Our
from
the deck.
only remaining sail,the foresail,
taken in, and the vessel
with much
was
difficulty,
now,
bare
under
scudded
poles. Throughout the remainder
of the day, the hurricane raged with unabated
fury: the
poured in
ship rolled gunwales under, and the water
Never
through the aperture caused by the broken mast.
the groaning
below
I forgetthe sounds and scenes
can
of the timbers, the labouringand lurchingof the ship,
of a dying man
like the throes and struggles
; the moans
and cries of the women
stores, cargo, cabin, bulk-heads,
adrift,and
or
two, all loose and
baggage, and a cannon
side to side, as if
violence from
dashing with frightful
of destruction.
animated
maddening spirit
by some
With
infinite
"
"
54
MEMOIRS
OF
Bulls
grumbling John
of
GRIFFIN.
grade, who
every
the
own
bolts of
heaven, which
troduces
effect,in-
the
pictures"the roar of elements
lumbered vessel,rollingand plunging like
into
and
crippled
fine
his
"
of a
the wreck
with
steed, encumbered
shattered vehicle,the few dim lanterns,buttoned up, and
maddened
hugged
the bosoms
to
quarter-masters, the
dripping,
captainand
of the
see
the
portionof
and
of
of what
worst
the
formed
a
encounter,
the stifled sobs,and shrieks
had
picture. Then
from
prayers
we
the
women
to
the violent
againstthe
the stout
even
with
well-founded
formed
"
the
hearts
of its
some
Gillans, we
ruin
of
maun
us
of
the
lullingsof
the momentary
wailing spirits,
the
mast,
like
whole
ing,
vessel, and fill-
captain and
all," shouted
gale;
catapult,
the
or
his
crew
thump,
'twill be
captain through
his
trumpet.
Gillans
said
he
mountain
paused
"
but
how
"It
moment:
to
get
to
her
must
head
be
done, sir,"
through
this
hardlyknow."
"I'll try it," said the
the wag
gallantGrinnerson
transformed
into the hero
now
"happen what may."
Saying this,he seized an axe, and accompaniedby a
tered
part of the crew, dashed forward, holding by the shatbulwarks
A
few seconds
of
as
they advanced.
breathless suspense
when
a
now
elapsed,
long dazzling
flash illumined
the vessel; down
she lay, deep in the
trough of the sea, whilst,by its light,a mountain wave
sea
"
"
MEMOIBS
OF
55
GBIFFIN.
of evil,and
appearedhangingover her,like a spirit
to break by its own
enormous
weight. It broke
about
down
"
it came,
with
stunning smash,
devoted
the
on
vessel,
"
of sailors on
blow, and another flash exhibited a group
the forecastle,
actively
cuttingand hacking away at the
ropes
eased
the
shrouds.
and
;
the
heroic
amongst
us.
fellows who
to
a
"
In
had
few seconds
been
the
vessel
seemed
and
shortly after,
away,
Grinnerson, streaming with sea-water, was
He had escaped,
though two of the gallant
mast
had
cut
accompanied him
had
been
swept
away
watery grave.
The
Lord
be
thankt
McGuffin, wringingthe
gripe;
"
ye ha'e
saved
! ye
second
the
ha'e
done
mate's
weel, sir,"said
hand
in
his
iron
ship."
"
56
MEMOIES
OF
the wild
upturned;
gratefully
GRIFFIN.
and
sea
and
our
man,
yet simple-hearted
restingon the capstan, his left hand
the
on
leaves,and
"
death."
To
is
particular
providence
prove a
task ; but we
rightside
can
never
when
"
we
err
out
pour
if
or
"
hard
and
do
it is
we
hearts in
our
deliverance,come
what
it may.
By
an
serim
the
At
the
of
concurrence
observation
The
coast.
causes
we
found
now
ship'shead
northward, and
on
was
we
on
the
gratitudeto
to us
by
were
consequentlyput
sailed towards
we
baffling
our
to
destination.
on
a fine blowing day in the S. W.
monsoon,
length,
Castle, after a five months'
good shipthe Rottenleam
we
had
lost.
the look-out
time, anxiouslyon
All
were, at this
for the pilot. At length
eyes
long,a rakish
little brig,with the Company's Yankee-looking pilotcolours flyingfrom the peak,came
bowling down, and
to be (strangemisnomer) the
was
con.
pronounced nem.
Not
moment
a
elapsed ere a boat,
pilot schooner.
manned
by lascars,put off from her, and in a few
a
sail
was
visible
minutes
more,
whistle
announced
the
accompanied by
seaman's
business
round
was
on
the
rattle of
its
horizon, and
bronzed
the
and
the
boatswain's
alongside.The pilot,
striplingof fifteen,in a
large straw hat, and whose
arrival
jacket and
to cast
oars
ere
lead, now
mounted
the
side,and
MEMOIRS
as
OF
57
GRIFFIN.
he
"were
small
no
weather, for
in
men,
latitudes.
these
believe
he
consequential
that pilots
Mr.
called,was
class,variouslysubdivided, called
numerous
so
service,whose
studies
was
none
utility
extreme
Merryone
of
the
pilotquestion who
can
the
springsof
of
the sea-breeze.
of
an
He
by copiousindraughts
Merryweather had quitethe cut
Mr.
and
original,
I feel to
existence
sketch
nation
incli-
of him.
of about forty,
of
sturdy,square-built
man,
whose
it might be trulysaid,and in
jollycountenance
the languageof the Latin
qui color albus
grammar,
albo."
It presented,
at one
est contrarius
erat, mine
of the most
view, one
singularcompounds of brown,
beheld ; clearly
brickdust, and purple I ever
indicating
that it had long been the scene
of a fierce strugglefor
the ascendency between
of the
the skyey influences
was
"
Sand
of
seemed
had
have
to
was
button,
of
the
best
most
nose,
their
attired in
of it ; but
determined
from
which
the
stand
there
being dislodged.
Our
forces
on
of
that
appeared
sturdy
camlet
resting
days,like a dying dolphin,a varietyof inteshades ; a pair of tight nankeens, extending
ties,
about half-waydown the calf,encased his lower extremivery fullyexhibitingtheir sturdy and unsymmetrical proportions,
the line of beauty,admitting
in which
that to be a curve,
had
Nature
been
most
by Dame
applied. He would have met with a discapriciously
in its latter
58
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
tinguished
receptionin Laputa, being built on strictly
mathematical
principles
; for one
leg exhibited the segment
of a circle, the other something very
like an
beaten hand,
obtuse angle. In a sinewy and weather
spottedlike the toad," he graspeda huge telescope,,
covered with rusty green
baize, the length of which
whilst a large
was
nearly the standard of a man;"
white
bore
hat, which
nearly the same
proportionto
bis size that a mushroom
does to its stalk, completed
a
portrait.
manly, but not very inviting,
Mr.
Merry weather, ma
gude friend,I'm glad to
Scotch
weel," exclaimed
our
mander,
comsee
ye luking sae
old acquaintanceof
who, it appeared,was
an
the pilot's."Why,
somebody telt me at Madras, that
ye'ed been near
deeiug sin' we were here last."
Ay, ay, they told you right,captain; I had a very
'tis
touch
of the mollera
corbus, or whatever
tightish
within a pint of
Yes, I was
called,after you left us.
gettinga birth in Padree Shepherd'sgodown ; howsomand
'ooman
Dr.
Dusgooly brought my
ever, the old
"
"
"
"
head
round
fresh
as
ready
little
the wind
to
lark,as
for
tumbler
daylightin
Thus
he
ran
it
style,gave
which,
the
and
now
I'm
man
as
and
as
"
as
on
similar
to
somehow,
us
best
"
for
time, and
some
the latest
of
news
in
then
of the
presidency,
consisted
recollection,
my
of
whom
The
took
the
of
none
us
had
heard
before.
captain now
duly deposed,Mr.
charge of the vessel, and marched
deck
with
all the
"
confidence
of
Merryweather
and
up
small
man
down
vested
in-
now
peeringunder
authority,"
the sail,and conning the bearings of the buoys, which
here and
there rode gallantly
in the channel, like the
huge floats of some
giant bobbing for whale ; anon
her
head
how
the wheel
at
asking brisklythe man
with
littlebrief
"
"
MEMOIRS
thunderingout
shorteningthe
or
was,
OF
59
GRIFFIN.
ming
peremptory order for trim-
some
glidedon through
the turbid channel, whilst strong ripples
or
long lines of
there the slanting
either hand, with here
and
surf,on
of a stranded vessel,indicated the perilousnature
masts
of the navigation. At
last we
caught a glimpse of a
small island,hut recently
emerged from the waves, being
like many
others at the mouths
of great rivers,of rapid
diluvial formation,and immediately
after,the low, marshy
and junglebroke in
shores of Saugor Island
covered
sight.
To those whose
Oriental imaginingshave led them to
lovelyscene
expect in the first view of Indian land some
the sight
of groves, temples,and clustering
palm-trees,
and
sunderbund
of the long low line of dismal
swamp
be a little disappointing.Saugor,however,
not
must
and the fate of young
ated
Munro, are associBengal tigers,
earliest recollections.
blended with our
subjects,
naturally
I gazed on
Full oft in my boyishdays had
a
the monster
picturerepresenting
springingopen-mouthed
or
on
his
sail.
victim,and wondered
Thus
we
if it would
ever
be
my
lot
disturbed by such
were
country where pic-nics
ferocious intruders.
Viewed, then, as the head- quarters
to
visit
of
the
and
tigers,
the
scene
of this memorable
exploitof
nation,
body, and also as the outpost of our destiI deemed
Saugor a sort of classic ground, and
gazed upon it with a proportionateinterest. Many an
the island,
bent towards
eye, too, besides my own, was
one
of their
which
wore
most
sombre
and
miserable
aspect.
Munro's
time.
at
the
same
time
I might by its
thinking,peradventure,
telescope,
in full regalia,
enjoying
descrya royalBengal tiger,
The
pilot
evening perambulation on the beach.
of his
aid
his
as
much
astonishment
Splacknuck,when
he
as
heard
the
him
Brob-
talk,
60
OF
MEMOIRS
Mr.
or
Bumble,
unfortunate
Dickens'
in
asked
Oliver
worth
not
was
GRIFFIN.
admirable
for
that
more
was
his while
novel,when
an
be
to
but
soup
the
soon
and
griffin,
civil to
particularly
arrant
me.
"
o'
Tigers!
"
he
granted
them, I dare
mustn't
talk
wessel.
As
ask
some
To
about, young
to
else
borrow
and
you
me
for the
one
I've
say ; but
think
tigersto
"
out
to
lend you
one."
the
and
communicative
more
that
person ;
could
man
the
at
same
actually
pass
his life in
wind
long been
weather
observe
and
looked
to
that
reached
anxious
measures
the
that
captain,
he
feared
we
it would
uneasy, and
in for
were
overtake
heard
him
north- wester,
before
us
we
wester
northa
anchorage at Kedgeree. What
I did not exactlyknow, but the precautionary
taken of diminishingthe sail,closing hatches
scuttles,"c., and
left me
and
the
was
and
now
no
room
denominations
doubt
to
the
appearance
that it was
one
of the
of the
heavens,
various
family.
with
to
scene
one
unacquainted
moment,
these tropicalvisitants,though rather
alarming,was
singularlywild and magnificent. All around, to the
of the deepestindigo
verge of .the horizon, the sky was
of rollingclouds, like hostile
hue, whilst dark masses
head
to the
squadrons,were
slowly marshalling over
The
of
the hurricane
at this
62
MEMOIBS
derive
much
so
misfortunes
Here
of their
hut, alas !
fresh
other
lf
were
"
and
of
hatch
fruit, and
of Calcutta
of
about
rose
and
vegetables,
papers ; and
dry
sun-
cheerful,and
at
ten
"
morning like
of the
agreeableanticipations
in and
it is.
so
alive
GRIFFIN.
from
intensity
supply
OF
in the
o'clock
turned
scenes
on
which
was
to enter.
CHAPTEK
VII.
"
"
country-coaster.
This
was
day
of considerable
bustle and
excitement.
were
passengers
their letters,or
MEMOIRS
huge
with
or
green
muslin-robes,
swans'-down.
as
to
came
merchants
like my
"
for
constituents
few
others
partiesinterested
keen-witted
on
Dabash, were
all these arrivals,
our
With
pigeons."
secure
or
ship or
63
GRIFFIN.
Some
deputed by
were
OF
in
the
fellows,
the lookout
deck
gan
be-
assume
very
of energy
the want
and
familyunion,
pleasantlysubsisted
The
boldness.
which
had
between
now
our
party
so
board, was
on
dissolved,and
their thoughts
alreadywere
the wing,impatientfor other scenes
and feelings
and
on
objects. The cup of pleasureis seldom unalloyed,and
with mine, at that moment,
mingled a drop of bitterness,
of my
I thought that an
life was
as
important scene
about
to
be
about
even
but
the
now
to
inanimate
"
I heard
your
broad
Scotch
for the
son,
my
roast
last time ?
me
no
more
Grinner?
Git-
the mid-
64
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
Pariar
Eottenbeam
chickens, shall I
of
the
over
hencoops,or
of thy tarred
vision
be
Castle, thou
never
and
again see
ragged
with
hreeks
vator
conser-
scramble
thee
enlivened
more
great
pleasant
? Sic
transit
gloria mundi!
party of
and
us,
numerous
of attendants
group
the
on
chut
or
that
were
we
Marpeet immediately observed
of the Calcutta
about
to be visited by one
big wigs ;
and
claimed,
Grinnerson, applying the glass to his eye, exand
after a little reconnoitring
slappinghis leg
with delight,
By the piperthat played before Moses, if it isn't
that old Tartar, General
Capsicum ; he'll keep us all
roof.
"
alive if he
comes
on
board."
which
the
or
rested
colour
same
whisks,
stood
on
his
as
over
keep
pipeman,
to
the deck
arms
judge.
his head
off
or
the
second
; two
held
more
flies; and
an
umbrella
worked
behind
of
chowries,
his
chair
hookhaburdar, a black-bearded
folded,and looking as grave and
At
the back
of all these
again,and
MEMOIRS
OF
65
GRIFFIN.
were
a body of mace-bearers
rear-guard,
order of the
and silver-stick men,
awaitingthe slightest
chief.
Well, this is somethinglike Eastern magnificence,
Frank
nil desperandum
Gernon,
indeed, thought I
hold up your head ; you may
be a nabob
yet."
within
a
Upon the arrival of the pinnace
very short
distance of the ship,the old gentleman,assisted by his
obsequiousattendants,arose from his chair,and moving
to the verge of the roof
as
or
poop, with a gait almost
unsteady as the toddle of an infant,gave us a full view
odd
of about as
a
figureas can well be imagined. In
below
the middle
size,and as thin and
height,he was
shrivelled as an old baboon, to the physiognomy of which
forming a
sort
of
"
"
"
animal
his
own
till I
saw
bore
no
him, I
inconsiderable resemblance
never
much
thought
of
deed,
; in-
Lord
red camlet
a
theory. He wore
raggie,or
Swiss jacket,
with blue collar and
facings,which hung
in bags about
him, and a white waistcoat,wide open,
from which a volume
of frill protruded. His nether man
encased in a pair of tightnankeens, buttoned
at the
was
old gentlemen
ancle (a singularperversity
to
common
and which exhibited
calves have
whose
to grass),
gone
slenderness of his frail supporters in a
the extraordinary
A queue (the generalbeing
pointof view.
very striking
of the
last of the pigtails
one
"), a round hat of black
silk,a good deal battered,with a bullion loop and button,
completed the outward appearance of the Bengal veteran,
who
soon, however, satisfied us that, spiteof appearances,
he was, as Grinnerson
said, a stout-hearted old fellow,
with plentyof pluck and mental vigour still about him;
E'en in his ashes
of whom
it might be said,that
one
glowed their wonted fires."
Monboddo's
"
"
When
from
man,
squeaky and
astonished
with
gem
"
tone
whom
of the sea,"
Is that the Rottenlame
Castle,sur
"
66
Being answered
Captain McGuffin
OF
MEMOIRS
in
GRIFFIN.
"
the
affirmative,he continued, Is
"board,sur ?
on
to the side,
McGuffin, who
by this time had come
to this questionhimself.
Taking off his hat, and
replied
waving it,he said,
Hoo
air ye, general? I'm gladto see you, sir,luking
Will you come
weel.
board, sir ?
sae
on
"Hah!
are
McGuffin, is that you? How
you,
my
?
his
returned
the
hat, too,,
general,raising
good sur
"
"
"
"
with
all the
"
"
from
her
hand
to
side,and
of
kissingone
her handkerchief
empressement, whilst she waved
the other,soon
afforded him satisfactory
evidence
with
in
of her existence.
After
little trouble,
the
some
alongside, and
the
old
moored
pinnacewas safely
general securely,though with
volleysof abuse to his servants,
and a few
equaldifficulty,
Here, however,
depositedby instalments on the deck.
he appeared in some
danger of suffocation,from the
of the buxom
widow, who
vigorous embraces
young
and regardless
yieldingto the impulsesof natural feeling,
rushed
into his arms,
and kissed him
of standers-by,
with the warmest
affection,
knocking off his hat by the
view the general's
and exhibiting
to our
able
venercollision,
of seventy or eighty
head, white with the snows
winters.
Here, then, in
standingbefore
me,
beheld
warrior
of
their three-cornered
hats and
the
field and
Indian
foundation
in
of
the
this
the
big waistcoats
the
!)had
cabinet, and
proud dominion, on
which
baffled
laid the
was
about
68
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
and lookingextremelylargefor
complacently,
collar-gills
his size, we
are
a new
general; nothing
certainly
man,
for setting
like a few hogsheadsof Cheltenham
waters
a
his legsagain."
on
dyspepticman
Indeed, then that's true ; but, Kilbaugh,though you
and I have had some
rale plissantdays togetherin old
"
"
times
eh?
"
"
by
and
(witha
the g
minus
With
with
eh ?
"
extended
avoided,though
that he
not
was
then
any of us,
the g, too
as
"
"
ha, ha, ha !
made
this, he
his
much
with
complacentchuckle
at this allusion
displeased
which
shewed
youthful
to his
frolics.
"
Well," continued
"
the
general, you'llput up at my
place,and I'll giveyou a cast in the pinnace. By-themember
bye, you liked a good bottle of beer, Kilbaugh, I reI can
rightwell, and justnow
give you one, a
ralefoamer; got in a splendidbatch lately;it is from
it bears a bell,too."
Bell,and by G
So he rattled on ; and the ex-resident having signified
his acceptance of the general's
offer, the trio, after a
board the pinnace,and
were
soon
on
heartyleave-taking,
on
domestics
struck
of
by
becoming
Their
them
and
costume
of
of
India,
and
the
seen
and
manly
those in the
Mohamedan
was
agreeably
and the
appearance,
suite.
old general's
trowsers, and
belts
their crimson
or
girdles,set off by
metal badges,and their massive
silver batons, gave
hanced
ena
very strikingand picturesqueappearance,
by luxuriant beards or mustachios, large eyes,
high features.
There
march
the
part
their handsome
/cummerbunds
and
this
I had
or
strange anomalies
of civilization,
and none
more
are
attendant
some
rather
or
indifference,
want
so,
of real
on
the
perhaps, than
taste, which
na-
MEMOIRS
in
tions
high
state
Whether
costume.
OF
69
GRIFFIN.
of refinement
regard to
and the
pursuits,
of high
matters
evince
it is that scientific
in
"
the turn."
on
few
stowed in Captain
soon
bags and boxes were
adieus from
our
Grogwell'sboat, and after many
warm
friends on
hopes
board, and the expressionof mutual
that we
should
meet
again in Calcutta, off we pushed
for the Rohomany
barque.
As we
faces,
approached her, two or three bronzed
surmounted
the side, and
above
hats, rose
by straw
directed expectantly
towards us, whilst the whistling
were
the
pipe of the serang, or native boatswain, announced
through a
skipper'sapproach alongside. We mounted
stood on
the deck of
bevy of the sable crew, and soon
the country ship,just arrived from
the
to
a
voyage
Eastern
"
Islands.
Welcome
board
the
Rohomany, gentlemen,
where
and
I hope you will make
yourselvesat home
first
comfortable," said
My
Captain Grogwell.
Mr.
he continued,presentDobbs, gentlemen/'
officer,
on
"
70
MEMOIRS
ing
GRIFFIN.
fine- countenanced
tall,brawny, and
OF
Mr.
man.
Dobbs
made
on
ears.
my
"
his best
leg;
began
Trinkum
Garvey de man,"
de
trinkum
man," roared
tremendous
be d
are
inclined
of those
one
and
whom
on
Garvey
you all."
few specimens. On
a
to
was
certainly
of
one
brass
Dobbs, in
"
These
"
said
madman,
was
think
to
capitalbirds
our
the
feed
feed
commons
and
that
who
like
death-warrant
our
on
(excuse
commons,
the
double
Oriental
pun), had been pronounced. I wish some
would
philologist
give us a history of this nautical
jargon, which, I take it, is a sort of olla podrida of
Portuguese,Bengalee,and heaven knows what dialects
besides
the linguafranca of the Indian seas.
On we
silver tree,"a singularvegetable
glided; passed the
production,composed of brick and mortar; "Diamond
"
"
in
Harbour," another misnomer, but very Golcondahish
the sound;
and
stiff wind
a
finally,
settingin dead
to get round
ahead, found it impossible
a certain
sula,
peninsometimes
"
called
in the
sailors,rejoicing
"
Point
Luff
down
so
prospect
and
went
of
our
be d
the
anchor, and
having
to
us
the
pass
dangerous
reader
of
this most
must
shoal
understand
conjugatethe
shift of wind
troublesome
of
seemed
there
verb ennuyer
should enable
James
the
every
was
Mary.
before
The
the
days
the
Cal-
steam.
Leaving
the white
tavern
of
Fultah, where
MEMOIES
OF
71
GEIFFIN.
cutta
vivant
eats
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
of
beautiful
villas, situated
verdant
amidst
lawns
park-likepleasure-grounds,
slopinggentlydown
the eye was
water's edge. Here
caught by some
kiosk
summer-house,
or
such
retreat,
or
gardens
attached
here
home.
at
sseps
before
as
to
the
lust-haus
sometimes
we
see
mansion
some
it rested
There
leadingto
like the
water,
on
with
of
a
in
the
to
chiar-oscuro
or
of
the
pretty
of
Dutch
stately
the
olden
time
flightof
ghaut,or
urns
and
balustrades,
some
hanging
over-
red
chattah
or
umbrella
to
shield
the
from
master
the
when
"
up
and
down
and
there
vessel like
72
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
the
own,
our
"
expect, should
Here
them.
"
crowds
whilst
life
gave
minutes
to
front
con-
the
on
his
stalking"in
and
animation
"
grey attire
the scene
to
the
on
few
"
"
of the
wisest
point from
the
power
millions
the
and
walked
of
statelyadjutantbirds
banks,
there
dare
ever
long-extended
lonely round," his
sentry
bayonet gleaming brightlyin the noontide
and
rays,
and
the
rampart,
musket
sufficiently
hardy
one
of purposes,
England
vigorous pulsationsbe
earth
our
of
"
; whilst
hearts
my
has
!
submitted
mighty
thus
of
to
heart
felt to the
infancy, their
leave
others
premature
the
Providence,
for
her
benignant
thy
long may
bounds
utmost
their
manhood,
of
stages
their
and
decrepitudeand
solution,
dis-
of evil deeds
behind
the memory
sink in gloriousmaturity, under
the
leaving the
embalmed
gratefulposterity. May
country !
countless
but
weight
spent
their
fall into
; some
and
them
governs
which
existence
decline
she
dependent Empire
Old
sway.
which
fruits of
for
such
be
ever
well-
in the
thy lot,O
74
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
skins
bullocks,bearing huge
alls,or
of the
same
pure
"
and
coolies
myselfbesiegedby
baboos,
I
Eamee
"
to
or
once
belonged
Sawmee
Dabash.
at
saw
obtained
were
the
to
same
distinct
as
genus
species,
friend
my
near
sunset),
marning, Sar," said one (itwas
ostentatiously
displayinghis first chop English,approaching
with an easy bend, and pressinghis rightpalm somewhat
his forehead :
is
to
Master, I perceive,
gracefully
arrive at Bengal pris'dency
?
recintly
Good
"
"
"
to
or
That's
the
Custom-house,
?
tavern
"Oh,
I
pretty clear,"said
can
and
I ;
"
but
can
after that to
direct
you
some
m.e
hotel
good
"
coolie."
"
"
Gentilman,"
said
"
ran
on,
murdering several
other
Englishnames
and
titles
in succession.
A
third,a wizened
old
perchedat
themselves
my commands
notice.
My
or
me,
the
new
as
pairof spectacles
his services somewhat
proffered
fellow,with
I had
first who
told
them
employe, who
not
to
trouble
honouring with
himself to my
presented
in the pleasant
rejoiced
determined
had
on
OF
MEMOIRS
of Chatterniohun
cognomen
75
GRIFFIN.
Ghose,
in his
again put
now
oar:
"
Master's
rascal had
think, will
name,
read it
my box,
Rottenleam-i-castle
?
on
Mr.
he
"
"
"
but how
the devil
to find
myself
"
acquaintedwith it ?
you
came
was
"
expect hy
Yes, it is indeed," said I, astonished
known
the
"
gentleman as
same
"
"
Gernon
replied, we
always ver well know
from
militarygentilmen are expectedat pris'dency
ship
beside
some
"
Oh," he
"
relation
whin
"
I not
know,
this
country
all
face
"
will have
I think, master
but
same
gentleman I
one
"
handsome."
leetle more
young
I interposed
of your blarney; but,
with "Stuff!
none
perhaps,you mean, my uncle, Colonel Gernon," rather
pleasedto
amongst
young
"
meet
so
soon
the natives
who
people hear
"c., at
"
What
"
that
must
know
gentilman,my
he
come
in his
way,
Connel
think,at Danapoor ?
Oh, no," I rejoined
;
been some
time dead, and I
even
relative
and
idea
sembled
well-dis-
Sahib
Connel
fathers,
grand-
was
with
and
"
time.
same
"
who
"
Gernon
Connel
hist of frind
Calcutta.
all
one
Chattermohun
exclaimed
that
of their uncles
much
so
thoroughDon Kaphael
"What
pleasure,
uncle ? I think
had
home,
landing with
probablyknown
after
master
very
good
always he
impeloy me when
Europan rig'ment,
command
"
"
"
you
think
mistake
was
never
my
in
uncle
a
has
European
regiment."
"
That
"
"
76
MEMOIKS
What
"
no,"
that time he
"
"
him
Mr.
well ; he
ver
in
the
"
cutta."
law, in Cal-
live."
was
he
civil sarvice ?
was
mean
Why,
GRIFFIN.
answered; "here
master
know
sar,
! what
Oh
"
Duggin, what
Mr.
"No,
OF
dead
well at
was
?" I
Bombay
exclaimed, in
ishment
aston-
we
had of him."
; I
mean
days, as
unwilling,
may
unless on
primd facie
something stronger than mere
evidence, to imagine deception; yet I began to suspect
that the rascal was
humbugging me for a purpose, and was
Though
to let him
about
when
know
much,
as
he
adroitly
changed the key.
Master will be in 'tillery,
I think ?
"No," said I impatiently;"infantry,
infantry;but
"
"
same," he
talk out
can
vant
"
supply
"
be off."
us
master
bist
will you
continued, determined
to
have
his
will
of
take
"
got."
he presentedto my
So saying,
notice a queer, raffishlookingfellow,with a bush of hair and a black beard,
and dressed in quitea different styleof costume
to that of
the others.
This worthy a Mussulman
khidmutgar or
"
footman
or
"
made
jahn Khan
(ang. Kumjohnny,) had served the writers
(captainthis and lieutenant that)with zeal and fidelity,
and to their perfectsatisfaction.
Of these
characters,"
row
by the way, all domestics have a stock,or, if not, theyborhire them (beingas accommodating one
to another
or
in that way, as was
the Irish priestwho, as related by
"
MEMOIRS
pleasantauthor
pinch,and to save
the
curate
OF
of
Wild
77
GEIFFIN.
the
West, on a
Prohis friend,the testant
Sports of
appearances,
gave
of Gonnemara, the loan of his
sufficient information
congregation),
"
"
"
78
MEMOIRS
and
about
to fit up
fashion,under
The
Fort,
the
barracks
south
is
GRIFFIN.
same
griffinish
of Ohattermohun
Ghose.
of several ranges
within the
and allotted principally
to the accommodation
of unmarried
Like
subs.
passage
several
Here
OF
down
BurlingtonArcade,
the centre,
into
which
; but
here
the
quarters open
the
it has
doors
resemblance
long
of the
ceases.
I had
the social
the
one
and
reverberating,
each
and
defective
passage
occupant of
of
sounding
was
a
state
quarter had
our
and
much
neighbour'sflute,fiddle,or French
i' the vein" for harmony or not ; shoe
horn, whether
brushings, occasional yellsof servants
j undergoing the
of fist or cane, jolly
ing
discipline
ensignsand cadets clatterand
down, crackinghorsewhips,whistlingthe
up
"Flaxen-headed
Care"
Cow-toy" or
Begone Dull
the arrival of files of coolies laden with purchases from
Tulloch's Auction
the China Bazaar
or
Boom, pleasantly
varied by interminable wranglingson the part of master's
sirdar or
bursar, touching payments and dustoorie, or
ment,
of abatecustom
urging pleas in deprecation
; payees
sirdar overrulingthe same
few of
constituted
a
life. The optical
the desagremens of a south-barrack
departmentwas not less varied and novel ; but it could be
shut out at pleasure,
an
advantagenot predicableof the
"
"
"
former.
The
who
strolled down
it,about
varied
the hour
with
of
the
dawn,
hour
or
; he
little
glimpses,through half-openeddoors,
of all stages of the toilet,
from soap-sudsand dressinging
lasia" or finishthe "ultima
term
gowns, to what painters
touches
at the
a peep
too, he might have
; possibly,
ensign'slady, "the soldier's bride," divested of all the
after,might catch
wont
up,
novelists are
and
song- composers
sleeves tucked
invest her ; hair en papillottes,
At
ten, the
washing Augustus or Tommy.
with
romance
to
and
which
MEMOIRS
scene
79
GRIFFIN.
was
might
OF
be
of breakfast ;
other wrecks
fish-bones,rice,muffin, and
caste
as
degradedmenials,"all same
and
master/' squatting near
waiting for the said
kulians in course
of preparation
remnants
or
; hookhas
for those who
indulgedin the luxury of smoking ; and
here and there,perhaps,a sergeant, havildar,or strapping
from within to
grenadiersepoy, waitingfor the summons
and evening,tiffin and
give his morning's report: noon
dinner, each brought its appropriateproceedings,and
sweepers
certain
"
"
"
varied
aspect of
the
long,with
will
which
passage,
remain
first impression,
strongly
the
the force of
common
on
my
memory.
engraven
of protecting
Of
late years, with the view
young
from
those impositions,
officers on their arrival,
scrapes,
and
embarrassments,
to
which, owing
to their
youth
and
ment
formerlyexposed, the Governthey were
inexperience,
created an
has considerately
appointment,called
well calculated
the
of cadets," a measure
superintendent
to mitigatethe evil.
The
system of sending youths to India at the early
"
"
ages
of
fifteen
sixteen, appears
or
evil,againstwhich
to
me
to
be
one
its
advantagesweigh
but
dust in the balance.
At that early age, the
as
and
character
are
generallyquite unformed,
principles
of
master
and, intoxicated on becoming uncontrolled
of home
or
himself, emancipated from the thraldom
in this
school, the cadet launches or did launch (unless,
ness,
go-a-head age, thingshave greatlyaltered)into idleand frivolity,
feelingthrough life (if
dissipation,
not cut off in his prime)the effects of habits and follies
which, under all circumstances, and knowing youth's
not
plastic
probablehe would avoid.
nature, it was
fraught with
"
"
Often
the finest
natures
are
to
the
"
absence
of
"
80
MEMOIES
use
to them.
of
such
GRIFFIN.
and
wildnesses
The
tended
have
boys
consequent escapades
lower
to
the
European
character
natives
OF
and
officers,
must,
the
native
convinced
am
of
rule
anomalous
our
in India, that
allowed to command
the
native
should
the
European ; but,
should at least avoid placing
wherever
we
possible,
hoary
in such a degradingjuxtaposition
age and madcap inexperience
such youths (truth obligesme
I have known
the number) order about, and
to include myself amongst
and
harsh
not
use
unbecoming language
unfrequently
in
no
case
be
to
venerable
native
services
rendered
and
sire was
stripling's
opinion the awe which our
have
inspired dies away,
the
superiorenergy
"
and
"
wane
it will be
"
to fall back
which
well
"
probably even
the empire of
to
to
an
our
have
even
anchoragein
power
over
it is
now
store
and
of
the
their
science
on
the
affection
hearts
on
of the
has
prejudices
its hold.
Chattermohun
Ghose, having,as
preliminaryproceeding,
"
to procure
with
about
the
a
same,
dozen
he very
and
a
soon
half
made
his
of coolies
appearance
or
porters,
a
bearing,amongst other articles,
camp-table,a canebottom
cotton
a setringie,
or
sleeping-cot,
carpet,about
one-third
the size of my
chinaware, and copper
room,
two
chairs,some
Chinese
and
a
cooking-utensils,
huge
basin, something of the shape of Mambrino's
helmet, on
iron tripodstand,which it puzzled me
an
sorelyto guess
the
"
it
use
of.
What
do you
call this,Chattermohun
what
or
chafing-dish,
"
"
said I;
"
is
82
MEMOIRS
thou
OF
"
closed the
GKIFFIN.
"
of
even
of old mother-earth
"
Cadet
them
"
Gernon
up about
written
once
in the
week
on
corners.
I used
as a
ship-board,
to reckon
miser
counts
ing
their contents, and buildon
speculating
chateaux
en
Espagne touching the pleasantresults
which would, I imagined,doubtless follow their delivery.
This, thought I, constructingmy airy fabric after the
of Alnaschar, and
manner
gazing complacentlyon my
cheval
de bataille, my
great gun," furnished by a
certain member
of the peerage, this will inevitably
bring
ment-house.
to invite me
to the Governan
aide-de-camp,
post-haste,
the
T shall be placed on
a
staff,wear
cocked hat and aiguilettes,
and turkeys,
the hams
carve
laugh at the Govenor-general's
jokes,carry the Governorgeneral'slady'sprayer-book live in clover,loved and
the pet and confidential friend of the family:
respected,
a capital
appointmentwill follow in due course
; wealth,
honour, will pour upon
me
; and, to crown
my felicity,
Mrs.
some
high-born,damsel will eventuallybecome
Gernon
did I
Ye gods ! what a career
!
of prosperity
I contemplatedthat massive
letter with its
as
picture,
all proper.
coronetted seal and crest (an ominous
griffin)
Heigho ! Four dinners, three breakfasts,and a tiffin,
all I gained by the whole
batch of introductions ;
were
and as for the Governor-general,
I grieve to say, that I
found
him
lamentablydeficient in that penetrationand
of just appreciation
I had
of character for which
power
given him' credit.
I was
in my barrack-rooms
next
sitting
morning after
his treasures
"
"
MEMOIRS
OP
83
GKIFFIX.
and
of the
crusts
below,
bevy of adjutant-birds
their huge
or
openingtheir jaws expectingly,
clattering
of
beaks whilst contendingfor a bone, with the sound
and cleavers,
when the door opened,and,
marrow-bones
in walked
to my
agreeablesurprise,
Captain Marpeet,
his face radiant with smiles.
followed
A cordial greeting
and illiteratefor a man
in his station,
for,though coarse
Marpeet was a warm-hearted, blunt, and generous fellow,
and I had
old
sincere regard for him.
a
Being an
towards
the Mentor
hand," he assumed
Grundy and
it was
often offensively
not
ded,
obtruoffice,
as
me, to which
I quietly
submitted, with proper griffinish
humility.
Well !
said he, looking up and down
and
round
here you are, all snug
and tight,
about,
so
regularly
boxed up in this noisyhole ?
Any thing by way of exchange,"I replied, after
the truth,it
five months
on
; but to tell you
ship-board
other grounds.
has its merits,and I rather like it on
out
to
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
see, I
Here, you
am,
with
all my
comforts
about
me,"
to my
two
chairs,cot, and
pointingrather ostentatiously
and to my
brazen
chillumchee, in radiant
camp-table,
and from
these,my
brightness
standingin the corner,
head- quarters,I mean
and
to
to sally
out
ever
anon,
mingle a little in the gay world of Calcutta,before I
start for the Upper Provinces."
"Well,0 said Marpeet,laughing; "I see, 'for a griff,'
that you have a pretty good notion
of thingsin general,
and I don't care if I joinyou in a spree or two
before I
leave. You griffs
old hand' to look after you,
requirean
soft thingor another.
or
you will be alwaysdoing some
But have you
been playinga knife and fork anywhere
yet ? been to any grand feed since you arrived ?
eh ?
Dinners
and parties,
No, not as yet ; but
there is abundance
of time for that,for it was
onlyyesterday
that I fired off a grand salvo of letters,
which
will doubtless,in due
thick
as
time, bring invitations
"
'
'
"
"
'
as
leaves
on
Vallombrosa."
G
84
MEMOIKS
"Leaves
?
on!
OF
pshaw!
GBIFFIN.
can't you
say 'black-berries'
at
not
so
wish, Gernon, you were
confoundedly
poetical
; give
; I hate poetry mortally; it is griffinish
I
of
understand.
matters
fact,something can
me
Dundas,
once
of the
number
"
"
"
"
apart,don't be
too
sure
of the
invitations,
or
I'm
your host.
boast),and have seen
everlasting
reckon without
'old hand'
an
may
(Marpeet's
little of Calcutta
the folks
you
in
they
and
are
now
infernally
becoming most
pucka (stingy),
will soon, I verilybelieve, be as bad
as
they are in
teen
England, where a leg o'mutton goes through the ninemy
before it is
manoeuvres
he
confers
dismissed, and
if
everlasting
obligation
an
once
were,
thinks
man
asks
he
to
you
dinner."
ha, ha!
"Ha,
"you
old
you
too
are
spleneticQui Hye" I
hard on
us
Englishers;
the difierence of
don't consider
claimed,
ex-
'
'
circumstances, and
you
that,
and
mouths
are
many
"
"
"
."Forwhat
"
What
world,
"
as
"
I asked.
why
so
you
that you
to know
!" exclaimed I ;
not
Promoted
are
be in luck if I got my
captainput a Gazette
should
The
up
ignorant,so out
are
promoted ?
why Grinnerson
of
the
"
"
commission
into
my
in five
said I
years."
hand, doubled
it
a
portion
particular
compact form, and, striking
spiritowith his forefinger,Bead that,"said he.
in
"
con
I took
own
it in
name.
Yes
sort
"
"
cadet
on
this
Court
tors
of Direc-
establishment,
having reportedhis
MEMOIRS
arrival at Fort
OF
85
GRIFFIN.
William, is admitted
to the
ingly,
service accord-
and
"
"
"
Promoted
me.
In
the
already!
midst
entered, and
of
our
Yoics
uproar
along,"said I,
and
with
rejoice
! Tally-ho!
and
saraband, Grundy
"
What's
"Why,
said
strengthof
gazed
the
matter
I'm
I,
it.
with
"
said he.
promoted,
"
that's all ;
my
we
honest
ploughshare,"
footinga jig on the
were
young
name
there
too."
"
"
"
"
'
'
"
'
86
MEMOIRS
attend
days), to
there
and
"
OF
dance
GKIFFIN.
they
to-morrow;
have
ball
That's
new
feature
of schools
in
England, if
remember
"
you
"
all
"
in
time to-morrow."
proper
Thank
you," said I ; " never
anxiety to
order, whom
Stultz,here
and
"
to
am
see
these
young
for I'm
fear for me,
ladies of the equestrian
you so pleasantlydescribe.
in the corner, has just finished
all
anxiety to sport
it for the
Besides,
old
"
I'm
off
cheap
"
"
MEMOIRS
OF
CHAPTER
CAPTAIN
MARPEET
made
87
GRIFFIN.
IX.
his appearance
at
hour
the
"
"
"
"
"
Crannies
of subordinate
"
Government
in
and
offices,
fillers
88
"
MEMOIRS
will have
your
for
As
OF
and
way,
myself,in
GRIFFIN.
humour
must
we
you
times."
some-
scarlet
raggie,brimstone
facings,"black waist-belt,and regulationsword, in my
own
opinion I looked quite the god of war, and was
fullyarmed for execution.
soldier is his first ance
appear"
in regimentals, his blushing honours
thick about
What
him
"
an
how
field and
in the life of
my
era
he then
the clash of
arms
At
if
fortyor fifty,
possibly,
black
or
blue
one.
"
"
delightshim
which
'
'
lurk
no
under
for he
more,
its
'
the
sees
excitingpomp
evils
wide-spread
and
meretricious
towards
and his heart and mind
those
glitter,
yearn
tend to
which
more
ennoblingpursuitsand occupations,
moral
elevate his species,
to giveto the intellectual and
their due ascendency,and which
speak of "peace and
good-willto man.''
The dancers beingin motion, we did not advance, but
with occupying a positionby the
contented ourselves
At one
end of
door, and leisurely
surveyingthe scene.
the apartment, on chairs and benches, sat certain elderly
the superiors
of the establishment,
were
matrons, amongst whom
the young
at
folks,and
looking complacently
of execution
the amount
in all probability
calculating
likelyto result from the evening'samusements.
The
ladies,however, whose
sylph-likeforms
young
of the dance, were
the
were
glidingthrough the mazes
orient pearlsat random
strung," which
principally
"
attracted
noon
attention.
my
fades by insensible
night,so did
graduatefrom
As
the
flush
of
summer's
90
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
and the
which
"
of the
convent.
"
tf
I thank
No,
am
years
little too
the
lady,
joints,and
my
dancing
all over."
days are
The
you,
said
softer
with
sex
but
he
had
stillmuch
aversion
all situations
"
"
"
"
"
to introduce
of
our
young
"
ledgments,
Marpeet'sscruples,
expressed
my acknowled full clank
acceptedher offer,and was
the ball-room,and presentedin due form to Miss
across
Rosa
Mussaleh, as an aspirantfor her fair hand in the
fine bouncing
Miss Kosa Mussaleh
was
a
ensuing dance.
stillin high blow from the effects of
girlof eighteen,
her
exertions.
Form
recent
plexion
com:
unexceptionable
rather tendingto a delicate saffron,be-speaking
her Asiatic maternity.
plainly
If not engaged,Miss Rosa," said the school-mistress,
I had
"
none
of
MEMOIRS
presentingme,
"
OF
Gernon"
Ensign
communicated
and
my name
dangerof mistakingme
much
be
happy to
91
GRIFFIX.
(I
had
previously
not
was
"will
major-general)
with
dance
you."
ver
happie; I am not engaged,"said Miss
Rosa, in a singularvarietyof the Anglo-Saxon tongue
called
Cheechee
the
language (Hindustanee idiom
constitutes
Englished),then new to me
a dialect which
mark
of those horn and bred in India,
a
distinguishing
and the leading
consists in layinga
of which
peculiarity
false emphasis,particularly
small words
such
as
to,
on
The
and, "c.
having
lady of the establishment
me,
performed her devoir, as mistress of the ceremonies,
made
courteous
a
inclination,and withdrew, leavingus
"
I shall he
"
ourselves.
to
As
of the
rather
I had
precocious
juvenile,
fair and
well-born
Bath, Clifton,and
be
daunted
so,
sans
:"
You
with
damsels
have
at
therefore,not
to
own
of Miss
charms
mahogany
ctremonie, I dashed
was,
some
land
of my
elsewhere, and
the
danced with
R. M.
into conversation.
ladies
charming young
great many
here,"
said I.
"
Oh, yes/'said
not
are
all
here;
my
the
partner,
little
young
"
great manie
girlsare
ladie ?
gone
to
but
bed.
they
Do
"
without
pointedquestion; but I replied
to be
hesitation,"Oh, excessively;there appear
some
lovelycreatures amongst them, and (givinga flourish)
with charms
the soul of an anchorite/'
enough to move
Oh," said Miss Rosa, with a smile and downward
look, wishing to be complimentary, I think dey are
fond of the military."
more
I was
the point of emittingthat expressivenote
of
on
astonishment
whew
! but checked
myself.
I think/5said I, "you rather mistook
me,
though I
can
of so
hardlyregret that which has been the cause
an
flattering
admission,but I alluded to an ascetic."
Asiatic !
said the young
lady,with some
hauteur,
"
"
"
"
"
"
92
MEMOIRS
and
toss of the
OF
head,
"
GRIFFIN.
native
no
to
come
these ball,I
you."
assure
I could
"
"
emphatic humph !
fiddles now
The
"beganagain ; I presentedmy arm,
divested myself, though with reluctance, of my
trusty
mendous
Solingenblade, and took my place in the set. A trelong set it was, and after slavingfor half an
hour, I found myself at the head of it. Grundy, with a
face like that of the Marquess of Granby on a sign-post,
standingnext to me, and streaminglike the apotheosisof
a river god.
Well, how do you get on, Grundy ? said I.
Oh, it'scruel hot work," said he, with a sigh,which
was
perfectly
heart-rending.
Hot, indeed," I rejoined,
givingsigh for sigh;
they
don't catch me
dancing again in a red coat"
If working up the dance was
the going down
fatiguing,
it was
still more
so.
My partner, a practisedhand,
skipped about without the smallest signs of fatigue,
whilst I, reeking from
dragged up and
every pore, was
not
an
suppress
"
"
"
ts
"
down
and
and
I
sunk
whirled
thought I
from
sheer
contrive
to
round
should
out
and-twenty couples
bow, I tendered
"
Are
you
my
fond of
at
about
have
exhaustion
hold
head
till my
verilygone into a
and
the
on
floor.
finished the
till we
with
least, when,
spun,
fit,or
ever,
did,how-
dance,
five-
staggering
arm
and
"
assurance.
"
the set
A
not
too
long, and
"
sigh,
the weather
not
bronzed, now
came
up,
the next
chatted
for
dance,
and
some
in
hot."
too
of
acquaintance,
gave a "bye-bye" sort
passed on.
?
Do you know
Captain Trinkum
what
does he belong to ?
No," said I ;
To the Rustomiee
Bomanjee" said she.
"
"
air
a
"
"
stout
partner for
engaged my
old
"
practice,
be-broached,
gentleman,chained, ringed,and
and
when
"
of
nod,
an
and
MEMOIRS
93
A. GRIFFIN.
OF
"
;
Eustomjee Bomanjee," I rejoined
pray what
irregular
regimentis that ? some
corps, I suppose."
"The
of
laughter,
the
of mine
remark
This
cause.
which
set
off in
her
(ratherconfused) I begged
It's
to
fit of
know
"
violent
"
"
not
see
regiment."
you
are
griffin."
she balanced
Thus
the tables.
the anchorite
I can't say I
totnjee Bomanjee
was
account,
sorry when
smirking up,
came
and
turned
he of the
and
Bus-
relieved
me
of Miss
Kosa, who, though herself
raillery
arrant
an
guiltyof corruptingthe king'sEnglish,was
blunders.
quiz,and not disposedto spare my griffinish
ing
Marpeet now joinedme, and after a littlebanter touchhad trotted me
Kosa
the stylein which Miss
about,
To
proposed an adjournmentto the refreshment-room.
this I joyfully
be a
acceded, suggestingthat it would
charityto take poor Grundy with us, if his dissolution
had not alreadytaken place.
Come, Grundy," said Marpeet ;
come
alongwith
victual and refit,and would
us
mend
recom; we're going to
from
the
"
"
the
Grundy
we
entered
Here
was
for you
to you,
same
assented
with
seem
in need
and, linked
pleasure,
of it."
arm-in-arm
the refreshment-room.
a
scene
of
considerable
bustle ; some
were
ballfor the ladies in the room;
preparingacidulous compounds
others
As
we
doing the like for themselves.
entered,a staid and exemplaryyoung man, with his cargo
of negus and cake, balancingthe same
with the nicetyof
a juggler,
was
making his way out, when in banged a sixfoot ensign to do the bidding of his fair inamorata, and
charged with her fan and gloves,and going full butt
againstthe exemplary beau, upset both negus and cake.
The
a
ensign,a flightyfellow in every respect, made
hasty apology, and off, leaving the beau to wipe his
waistcoat
and
repair the damages as best he might.
Knots of young fellows were
there,laughing,
eatingsand-
94
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
lounging,and clankingtheir
Native servants
swords.
belongingto the visitors or the
establishment
were
bustlingabout, and making themselves
useful ; whilst here and there, in a corner,
and
availing
herself of the solitude of a crowd, a young
lady might
the
be seen, her back
wall, listlessly
against
sippingher
and listening,
a jelly-glass,
negus, or balancinga spoon over
wiches
brewing
or
downward
with
to
look
handsome
some
negus,
her attentive
Recruited
in
militaire,whilst
the
ear
and
"
mute
he
entrancement,
pouring into
was
leprousdistilment"
of honied
words.
and
and
terminated
so
my
The
I conclude
which
that
other
some
now
; from
more
no
matrimonial
plan has
in
ladies,more
disposingof the young
with the refined delicacyof the age, which,
consonance
to
though recognizingthe necessityof matrimony, seems
which
smacks
of the slavediscountenance
any expedient
devised
been
for
market.
the
followingevening,CaptainMarpeet, according
engagement, called in a hired buggy, to take me a drive
On
to
Course.
the
on
grand
like
resort
Course,
The
beau
of the
colony of
owls
or
as
is well
of
monde
bats from
known, is the
Calcutta, which,
ruin,emerge
at
down
sun-
from
be seen,
Seated
in all his
and
gig,Marpeet drew up
glory,handling the ribbons
in his
finished
grace
Great, indeed,were
confident
he
four-in-hand
Newton.
would
of
man
his
who
had
in
pretensions
rather
club, than
have
have
before
with
made
that
the barrack
peculiar
his study.
the
it
way,
and
am
been
the
leader
written
the
Principia of
of
the
OF
MEMOIRS
In I jumped;
his ticca*
tit
"
an
cracked
Marpeet
animal
95
GRIFFIN.
his
deficient
in
whip
to
flesh
mettle
and
up
blood,
hut exhibiting
an
amazing deal of hone.
certainly,
Away
The
went.
we
eveninggun had justboomed ; the myriad
of the Fort cawed querulously
crows
responsivefrom the
beat ; the guards
trees ; the bugles sounded
; the drums
turned out; capat the gates,European and native,were
tains
and
sauntered
their arms,
here and there twinkled
under
nap, swords
The firefly
along to jointhem.
in the
trees, and
yellof the jackallproclaimedthe approach of
the
far-off
night,when
ing
thunderthrough covered ways and over
and
drawbridges,
past scarp, counter-scarp,and glacis,
found
ourselves amidst
the throng of
in a few minutes
the Course, the mass
of the
on
carriagesand equestrians
and
lionGovernment-house, with its capaciousdome
crowned
gates,risingin front,and the vast semicircle of
tures,
strucChowringhee, with its aggregationof snow-white
stretching
away far to the right.
here presenteditself to my adWhat
miring
scene
a singular
of nations, and their
sight! What an admixture
of English turn outs and
several modes
and peculiarities
with strange equipages,comIndian piebaldimitations
bining
!
riages
CarEuropean finish with the native original
and
or
walking, trotting,
equestrians,
galloping,
!
and
passing
repassing
This is the Hyde Park of the East, where, though less
of splendour than in its great prototype, there was
far
There came
the Governormore
variety to be seen.
General, the viceroyof British India, open barouche and
four (all dignity and gracious bows) ; cocked
hats
and
feathers flying
and behind, in
; black body-guard before
a
long trot ; sabres flashing,and scabbards
rattling.
of
be
antithesis,
Near, byway
seen
a palankeen carriage
might
drawn by two enormous
bullocks,
creepy crawley,"
with monstrous
fat old Portuguese
dewlaps,bearingsome
lady,black as Erebus or Nox, to take the air,driver working
away
we
whirled
"
"
"
Ticca,i.e.hired.
96
MEMOIRS
hard
or
to
them
rouse
to
pridein
"
in
near,
OF
GRIFFIN.
transient
hobble.
sundry dashing
four
playing
officers,dis-
young
their uniforms
and
There,
to
"
their
"
some
open
! And
bosom
is he beside
who
her
the handsome
"
young
With
he leans gracefully
?
towards
aide-de-camp
easy bend
the carriage,
and
checks
his fieryArab.
Mark
and
how he rattles,
says his agreeablethings,with all
the airs of a conscious
whilst the gratified
eligible,"
sparklesin her eyes and glows in
vanityof the woman
"
her
animated
bound
for
Here
countenance.
an
intruder,
jingle,
jingle,jingle! What
! a native ruth or
a contrast
bylie,bullocks in a long
trot, a pretty black damsel,
a
distant bazaar
comes
"
With
ringson
And
bells
her
her
on,
fingers,
toes
"
she of childhood's
hind
besong to a nicety peeping from
l"
the blinds.
Ah ! turn
those sweet
not
away
Egad, she's off driver twistingthe tails and
eyes !
goading the quarters of his cattle to
keep up the
"
"
"
"
steam."
There
thing secundum
crowd.
artem,
How
and
knowingly,
low !
known
"
his
person
With
what
fellows,who
high-spirited
never
determined
care,
and
ft
in the
to
brace
doing the
the
astonish
obliquedquarter
don
abangentlemanly
vehicle !
drink
their
These
claret,and
every
thing
are
have
that
is
MEMOIRS
Come,
is
He
attache
an
tell
can
"
of the
it,and turn
he help it ?
We
not
little
Course
sketch
drove
down
and
"
Calcutta
give
may
there meet
up
specialattorney
of
objectswhich
few of
Court.
Supreme
little melodramatic
GRIFFIN.
y"
"
OF
now
on
such
of the
recognized
our
colonel,in
came
and
idea
some
the eye.
several times,and
barouche
with
evidentlyentertainingwith
was
apace.
The
some
ladies,whom
he
"yarn.'' Darkness
mussalchees, or link-boys,
a
"with their
of
at turns
mussauls, met their masters
flaring
the roads, to lightthem to their several homes, and
we
thoughtit time to depart. Marpeetdrove to his quarters,
where
he invited me
to
pass the evening, to which I
assented.
Sittingover our wine, Marpeet discussed the
few bits of scandal, touching
a
Course, and gave me
sundryladies and gentlemenwe had seen, over which I
abominated
called
what
are
yawned, for I have ever
privatehistories.
Well," said Marpeet, I think I shall start for the
than I thought.
Upper Provinces, and leave you sooner
"
The
me
"
from
Tippleton
"
an
old
are
to have
very anxious
letter to-day
I have
a
of mine, who
is a real
about him (I hope to bring
friend
"
think
is,and you
you
it somewhere
I have
about
me.
He
read it,if you like.
will perceive,
of the Hindoostanee
may
it
fond,
zuban, and
so
off your
MEMOIRS
OF
99
GRIFFIN.
and
Italian
in India
; so
with Hindoostanee
words
are
interlard their
small wits,who
generally
of men,
there
class
sation
conver-
and
England, where of
of place. Ye
out
the
well of English undefiled,"whilst you
watch
over
admit what will purifyand sweeten, prevent itsunhallowed
into it by every idle and
from garbage thrown
pollution
for Captain Tippleton's
thoughtlesshand ! And now
letter,which though rather more
fullycharged with
often sport in
and
"
Hindoostanee
than
terms
yet presents
some
any
the
writer
met
ever
with,
speciesof Indian
and
slang-wanging
slip-slop
likeness of
epistolary
style(of
:
order)
the
a
certain
"
Grillumabad,Aug.
MY
Just
DEAR
now
(News), I
griffsand
arrived by
dear
cut
Tazu
'
"
MARPEET,
takinga
saw
18
your
dekh
name
wulaits
the Eotte?ileam
(look)at
Khu
the Calcutta
amongst
those of
I ber
batch
of
(fresh Europeans),having
Castle.
back,
Welcome
ray
100
MEMOIRS
fond
of
salaam
OF
GRIFFIN.
the
to
"
times, when we
day, however, old Dickdar,
(fun),as
in the old
bhote
bhote
no
tumasha
first here.
were
The
a
brigadier,
gave
burra
khanna
was
(dinner); his loll (claret)
bang-up
be sure
and
did not spare the simpkin
we
may
you
(champagne); burra beebee (greatlady) very gracious,
and a great show-off
of the bal butchos (children). We
had the old bajja (band),your creation and hobby, in
attendance, and got up a nautch.
Smirks, our adjutant,
(great man) since he mounted the
quitea burra admee
Jcantas (spurs),
bucking up to and devilish sweet on the
spinster;but it won't hoga (do); nothing under the
revenue
or
judicialdepartment will go down there
me.
Tip us a chit,
Samjah Sahib ? You understand
of dawk, and believe me,
my dear fellow,by return
My dear Marpeet,ever yours very truly,
other
our
"
"
JONAS
"
Well," said I,
"
far
as
as
can
TIPPLETON.
understand, it
seems
be better
sort of a letter ; but I should
friendly
judge if you would give me the English of it."
Marpeet laughed,called me a critical dog, and put the
letter in his pocket.
very
able to
"
"
language, is quite
tells
he
me
was
for
Chattermohun
its way.
time a writer in an adjutant's
bijou in
some
smacking not
those
schools.
"
"
'
sudden
'
MOST
little of the
Here
it is
non-appearance
language
of both
"
RESPECTFUL
Greatly labouring
technical
AND
for
HONOURED
fearful
should
SlR,
apprehension that
dictate
condemnation
MEMOIBS
the
from
sensible
OF
101
OBZBV"*
benignityof
reverence,
excellency's
your
that explanationwas
feelingin concatenation
and
'
"
'
Your
"
"
'
To
"
obedient
most
'
his Exc.
humble
CHATTERMOHUN
Ensign Gernon,
"
South
that beats
Calcutta
at
of
the
time
know
auction-rooms, and
from
*
shot.
of
to
the
the
X.
which
am
men
do
China
still
At
bazaar.
kind
an
existed in
writing (upwards
now
contrary, Tulloh's
6 bottles real
"
cock-fighting."
anything I
almost
Bks.'
of attraction to young
great sources
Sircar.
GHOSE,
CHAPTEK
Two
servant,
exist,for
and
the
of
other
former
property
elephant;
in
bag of
MEMOIRS
OF
GEIFFIN.
the
be
of
an
can
Ameri-
to
were
seen
"
"
"
"
ornavit"
There
power,
was
and
technical
Calcutta,seasoned
accordingto
of this
lack
no
shining talent,oratorical
tact, amongst
with
the
auctioneers
humour, pathos,or
the occasion.
How
often
have
of
persuasion,
I heard
the
; his infirmities
proclaimed
defects (with a delicate regard to his presence)
and
like the
so
lightlytouched upon, or at most
disposed,
in a picture,as to heighten and
shades
improve the
have I been pleasantly
generaleffect ! How frequently
nil nisi
reminded
de mortuis
of the good old maxim
of a batch
to the commendations
bonum," when listening
of dead and ullaged
how often tempted to
beer ! And
make
investment
in a cheap
an
tacles,"
specgross of green
the like,from
a lot of damaged huckaback," or
fostered by the auctioneer's persuaa strong impression,
sive
into
day come
eloquence, that they might some
insisted upon !
use,"a contingent
largely
probability
merits
of
venerable
steed
"
"
"
"
MEMOIBS
OF
103
GRIFFIN.
task it is to
conjuremoney out of
tact is requisite
to
some
pockets! Consummate
people's
world
of machinery must
effect this end.
What
he
a
What
Herculean
put in motion
hefore
way
the
into
movable
!
pecuniaryreceptacle
that
business-like
the
airs of
merchant
Charles
Martel
knock
down
too
weapon,
effect as the soldier does his ?
same
much
dead,
the
over
beautiful
and
"
his
"
orations
shown,
Does
as
not
Does
he
has
been
moralityin
the
not
nounce
pro-
already
covering,as
displaya
with the mantle of charity,
of defects ?
Is
a multitude
his
not
going, going,gone," too, a brief and pithy
remind
to
of our
us
touchingly calculated
sermon,
?
common
mortality
And
in all these,are
the functions
of a higher
not
exercised ?
Ought he not to be a poet,
pulpitstrikingly
of taste and
painter,critic in short, a man
general
"
"
information,or how
merits
of his multifarious
that
phrenologist,
several
descant
is he to
wares
he
may
of
his
developments
with
effect
Should
suit his
he
the
be
not
arguments
bidders;
on
to
the
physiognomist,
that he may
judge of the effect by the unerring index
of the countenance,
whether
rallying,
bantering,
bullying,
or
may
wheedling,is
should
and, finally,
human
nature
assailable
in
points?
the
to
he
cue
; and
the various
not
have
general,and
"
casuist,that he
deep insightinto
know
well
its various
rupees
for you,
104
MEMOIRS
that
sir, for
mounted,
Arab
OF
assure
GRIFFIN.
animal
no
look
can
better, well
; he
you
of
gentleman very much
sir, and who
lately,to borrow the
your
appearance,
language of our immortal bard, was wont on our course
here
to witch the world with noble horsemanship,'
upon
a
'
that
Arab.
very
Sir
complaisant nod
sir
you,
!
gone
morning, Grundy
room,
which
was
within
of the aforementioned
one
business
rupees
"
take
A
your bid ?
"
done.
Thank
is
Arab
for
the
and
I breakfasted
going, going,
"
"
One
my
the
"
1,000
"
shall
"
togetherin
when
few doors of his own,
found its way into
catalogues
a
possession.
Grundy/' said I, whilst I despatchthis fish and
rice,as you appear to have done, do just read what there
is for sale to-dayat the auction.
I have a feelingthat I
want
something,though,hang me if I can exactlytell
our
"
"
what
it is."
"
"
Deuce
take the
Three
calves
follows:
as
cows," said I
"
"Lot
"
1st.
push on."
ditto."
belongingto
Fire
away."
Three
Cape sheep,of
"
"
Doombah
have
must
"
breed
well ;
what comes
sheep
"
egad, I
next
think
?
Scotch
the Founderwell."
have
some
settled
Grundy
dead
of
point
the way
"
French
justimportedby
"
breed."
the Doombah
! that sounds
noble
haired
on
read
"
the
for
"
I'll
up."
ran
down
stock ; and
I found
I could
there
not
several
columns
more
of live and
things,without which
comfortablyexist for twenty-four
were
many
106
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
future
said,
"
"
"
What
A
A
the deuce
have
"
dog,"said
I ;
terrier ! eh ?
you
terrier I
"
latelybought."
Let's have
look
at
him."
Halloo," said
"where
"
to serenade
wont
are
Marpeet,
chaste
our
on
with
look
said
terrier l)unnow"
mistress,the
I,
"
what's
moon."
of
surprise,
Why, he's a
that ?
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
at all events."
"
Ha
ha !
bad; but
he's
kick him
"No,''
*
"
said
a
to the d
brute, upon
"
"
Marpeet ;
that's
come,
life
my
"
not
useless
so
brute,
1."
rejoined,a
little nettled
Village-curs,appertainingto
A "made-up"
"j-
no
one
terrier.
to
hear
my
in particular.
dog
MEMOIRS
OF
107
GRIFFIN.
should
and
be
likelyto
Here
be sorry
were
would
he
where
him
again."
of downright
symptoms
annoy
you
The
captainstared
long and elaborate
"
send
to
at me
"
astonishment, and
in
whew
insubordination.
emitted
"
to your
honour, regulardisrespect
superior
have a glassof brandyWell, after that,I must
Ton
my
officer.
pawny."
"
So
you
were
really
"
love my dog.'
To return, however, from
and I, in pursuance
of our
me,
our
the
this little
episode. Grundy
determination
palankeens,and
soon
to
visit the
found
selves
our-
of Tank
motion
dust, noise, and
the auction, or outcry (as it is more
which
Square,near
A long covered place,
usuallytermed in India) is held.
filled with palankeens,carriages,
something like a repository,
horses, "c., for sale, had to be passed through
before we reached the auction-room, where
goods of all
kinds were
with
disposedof. This we found crammed
natives,low Europeans, black Portuguese,and others of
the motley populationof Calcutta, mingled with a few
of redcoats
and a
civilians,
sprinkling
pretty considerable
less infrom Barrackporeor the fort,all more
tent
or
upon the bidding.
The auctioneer,a good-lookingman
and
remarkably
his rostrum, and holding forth
fluent,was mounted
on
native assistant,
a
upon the merits of certain goods, which
little lower than
the pulpit,was
on
a platform a
handing round for inspection.Grundy and I forced our
way in, watching anxiouslyto see if any thing "in our
way" was exhibiting.At last,the auctioneer took up a
These
dozen blades, "c.
goodly-sizedknife,with some
he opened daintilyand
and then, holding
deliberately,
up the knife and turningit about, he said,
"
"
108
MEMOIRS
"
Now
"
this
here's
pretty thing
"
in parvo.
perfectmultum
at once,
gentlemen,if you
blade, you
mend
to
OF
see, to cut
bread
pens, a
pale ale when
your
and
GRIFFIN.
article
highly-finished
Don't
all of you
please. Here's
cheese
corkscrew
bid for
large
with,a small
to
open
one
bottle
of
out
Hodgson's
shooting,tweezers
you are
to pullthe thorns out of
file,gimlet
your toes, pincers,
all complete. A
useful
article that, and
most
(with
marked
emphasis,and an eye towards Grundy and me,
which made
of purchase),
us
exchange looks significant
"
which
one
That
after
an
I found
was
no
sportsman should
young
sufficient; I
bid
eager
or
was
two, it
afterwards,however,
dismay,I
be without."
determined
was
knocked
to my
extreme
to
have
down
it,and
to
me.
and
surprise
littlemore
had
than
month's
pay.
mastiff
and
the terrier,which
bought the French
went
high,and I was obligedto content myself with one
old fellow,with one
of the bull-dogs,
a sinister-looking
cheap, and would have been cheaperstill,
eye, who went
I requestedto secure
had not Grundy,whom
it, bidden
silently
againstme in the crowd several times before I had
discovered my
providentially
opponent. Poor beast ! he
died three months
after,on my way up, of nostalgia, I
rather think, and I gave him decent sepulture
on
a
spit
of sand in the Ganges.
From
the auction we proceededto the China bazaar.
Grundy," said I, as we went along, rather nonchalamment, "you need not say anythingto Captain Marpeet, about my buying those knives."
Why not ? he asked.
"
"
"
OF
MEMOIRS
"
I have
for
reasons
my
be
The
What
hazaar
109
GRIFFIN.
it,"said I,
Grundy promised to
China
"
that's
enough."
mum.
in
Bengalee, militaryman
that attractive resort
What
of
host
"
that
pleasant
to revive !
Square,
placeis situated at the hack of Tank
and is enclosed by walls,and entered by gates,at several
points. The shops are in long flat-roofed ranges, generally
other
of (I believe)two
each
at
stories,
intersecting
rightangles; a margin of terrace, a foot or two from the
ground, runs
along the front of the several shops or
thatched
Sheltered here and there by an
stores.
or
eave
and in other unseated in chairs,crosslegged,
projection,
English attitudes,quiteat their ease, and smoking their
pipes,the baboos, or shopkeepers,may be seen, each
rous
oppositehis emporium, into which they invite the numevisitors to the bazaar to enter, assuring them
they
will find everythingthey may
want
"chip," and of the
first quality.
As Grundy and
of the streets,
I sauntered
down
one
struck by the appearance
of one
of the native
we
were
who, with an air of courtier-like urbanity,
shopkeepers,
This
invited
six
feet
chudder
his
to enter
us
three
or
or
toga
store.
four, stout
was
thrown
In
in
over
stature, he
was
proportion;a
his
about
muslin
shoulders, and
round
his waist,but slightly
piece more
concealinghis
the
finest-looking
brawny form ; altogetherhe was
beheld ; indeed, I thought it a pity
Bengalee I ever
such
war,
thews
should
bazaar.
and
be lost in the
for
inaction
inglorious
the
tug
of
of the China
learnt was
that
worthy I afterwards
celebrated character "Jawing Jack,"well known
amongst
cadets
and
for his copia verborum
dignifiedaddress.
Nature
and destiny
had evidently
been
at cross-purposes
in the management
of Jack ; the former
had
clearly
intended him morallyfor what he was
a great
physically,
but his stars had thwarted the design.
man,
This
110
MEMOIRS
Jack
from
rose
OF
his chair
as
GRIFFIN.
we
drew
ing
overshadow-
near,
"
"
"
"
conveys
boasted
tacit
well
censure
calculated
to
shame
our
"
civilization.
"
"
"
honour
him
with
our
future custom.
deal of versatility
Bengalese have a wonderful
and
acuteness, certainlynot
naturallythe mental
and energy
of the European; but as they live
power
and do not clog the intellectual wheels with
temperately,
beef and malt liquor,
the mental
machinery is generally
in capital
working order.
On
returningto my quarters,I found a chupprassy,
with
from
General
or
note
a
Capsicum,
messenger,
the
had
him
sent
acknowledging
receiptof a letter I
from
his friend Sir Toby Tickle, and requestingmy
The
Liverpool,
long considered
the natives,and
as
forming no
distinct
part of
empire from
Europe.
Great
Britain
by
MEMOIRS
OF
Ill
GRIFFIN.
the
on
his
following
day,at
keen,
appointedhour, I ordered a palanand proceeded to the general's
residence,situated
cutta.
in a pleasantdomain, some
three miles from Caltwo
or
On
I was
shown
up-stairsinto the
arriving,
view of the
a pleasant
drawing-room,which commanded
of boats and shipping,
Hoogly, with its moving scene
little before
and
distant peep
the
William.
of Fort
boats
standing gazing on
under sail glidingfrom
were
the
the
over
bank
when
alreadymade mention,
rough old general,
my Hibernian
"How
her hand
do
do, Mr.
you
of
green
and
gown
of
a
from
my state
of whom
I
me
widow
young
the softened image
"
have
bright
aroused
the
was
the
rustle
the
shoulder
It
abstraction.
amidst
from
startingout
surrounding groves,
slighttouch on the
of
the
was
"
of the
host.
said
Gernon?"
she, extending
"
"
hearted
openness
comfortable
!)
Mrs.
"
which
Have
you
I answered
"Oh,
in the
then," she
when
he
thinketh
seen
her
was
my
no
evil
father
"
it is
"
yet ?
"
so
asked
name.
negative.
continued, "he
knows
will be
here
mediatel
im-
of
arrival,for he is
your
in the
you ; he is somewhere
with his violin.
But pray, Mr.
tell
a
me
how
little more
of it."
"
I like it
much/'
"
replied,and
never
was
happier
112
MEMOIKS
life.
in my
I have
OF
got
GRIFFIN.
commission, and
my
as
Upper Provinces by
I have
idea of applying for a particular
water.
some
not
yet decided on that point: they say
corps, but have
should
interfere with
not
the operationsof the
you
Fates, but leave yourself to their direction.
What,
postedto
regiment,am
continued
madam,"
off
soon
as
I,
"
to
would
the
you
advise
to
me
do ?
''
Oh
"
result to
the
Providence.
"
somewhat
seriously,
is
There
It is
think
how
them
will.'
we
our
ends,
"
"
devils
the
in
Pandemonium.
to hold
However,
'
by is,that
conduct
rather
was
which
one
that time
couleur
and
Well, Mr.
best wishes
is
philosophical
opinion for a griffin,
have always held, though young
blood
since has often capsized the philosopher.
a
Gernon,"
for your
with
de rose
continued
happinessand
she,
success
"
you
have
"
of life are
my
in life; all is
continue !
so
it ever
; may
you now
Already,"said she, and the tear glistened, the
As
"
This
"
and
predestinarian,
bewildered
at
she,
said I,
and
that is
one
puzzlingsubject,"
that even
beyond me ; one if I remember
rightly,
rather
but
decided
providencethat shapes
Rough-hew
fate/
however," said
am,
that
believe
"
me."
pass over
she said this,she crossed her fair white
clouds
beginning to
hands
on
her
We
both
continued
rnute
for
114
MEMOIRS
OF
GBIFFIN.
lence
all my father's viohis redeeming qualities.
vulgarityadds
Capsicum,to much
with none
and irritability,
of
You
submissive, and
be
must
or
'good listener,'
will have
you
prove
little chance
yourselfa
of standing
asperityof manner,
plainlyindicatingthat the step-motherwas not more
generallyare.
popularthan step-mothers
"As
for the others you will see
here, you may safely
cretion
be left to the guidance of your own
judgment and disThis
said
was
with
little
some
towards them."
in your conduct
I thanked
Mrs. Delaval for her information,which, I
saw,
emanated
and
profit
by
from
the purest
promised to be on my
ness,
feelingof womanly kindguard,and endeavour to
it.
XI.
CHAPTEE
of my
the thread
narrative,in
interrupt
host
and
order to give a few particulars
respecting
my
his family,which
serve
as
samples of the olden
may
here
MUST
of India.
time
The
Gerald
ancient
1750, with
little
than
more
his
sons
"
rare
about
of Sir
ould
anno
the
familylove
there
he
were
few
e'en put
up
of
white
with
dames
a
in the
black
pne
"
attached
others
himself to
MEMOIKS
115
GRIFFIN.
OP
than
tradition
wont,
now
rather
of
of
than
pleasing nature.
With
these trifling
breaks, the union long harmoniously
dissolved till the angel of
not
subsisted,and was
finally
the Begum to the seventh
death, one fine day,summoned
were
striking
heaven.
By
the
Begum,
officer in the
an
his
the
highnessRam
a
rumnugger,
territories it
Row
Mahratta
Bhow
potentate of small
of
Ghur-
note, whose
or
tradition than
the manufacture
a
deal of
good
of
a
that she
Chutnee
and
certain terra
and
off rather
was
rather celebrated
Dopiajah curry,
incognita called
"
for
talked
home,"
went
affirm,
suddenly, as some
ultimately
from
of having a point of prechagrin in consequence
cedence
decided againsther, arising
with
out of a dispute
Lady Jiggs at a presidencyparty as to who de jure
should
first
come
in
or
"
go out.
The
for precedency,
stickling
by the way, is a disorder
and like gravitation,
very prevalentin colonial dependencies;
which increases with the -squares of the distance,
its intensity
to be governed by a somewhat
similar
seems
law, and
for it.
to exist in
an
cause
116
MEMOIRS
generalhad
after the
Long
married
of
mother
the
OF
the
GRIFFIN.
passed his
amiable
fiftieth year, he
widow
(a nonpareil
charming person,
old Capsicum to
a
graftedon a crab),by all accounts
who, yieldingto importunity,took
of worldly parents, in
whose
gratifythe ambition
opinionwealth and rank are all that are essential to
connubial
happiness.
thing! she gave
Poor
The
another's.
worm-i'-the-bud
business.
the
powerfulfor
hand,
her
an
the
and
the
(though
she
love cannot
deserted
"
from
winds
to
of
by
death
the
own
obvious
more
she
"
eloped
flourish in
who, like
sex,
cause), peck
died in
jungles pipe
did
intenselygregarious.
are
her
was
too
was
"
fellows
the
soon
"
man
wounded
heart
Shunned
birds
her
there, and
was
with
but
lone
outpost,
her
over
their
solitary
grave.
"
A
Et
qui
donne
fille un
sa
Est responsable au
Admirable
truth.
The
short
Ciel pour
le
certain
modelle,
qu'ellehait.
mal qu'elle
fait."
Moliere
! you never
Parents, ponder it well.
general,after
characteristic valour
a
homme
time
before
the
lapse of
of the
I knew
penned a
some
striking
more
years, with
the
Capsicums,boldlyventured,
him,
on
second
marriage;
but here he
"
"
"
"
MEMOIRS
of the
cement
OF
117
GRIFFIX.
marriage-union there
-was
"
on
none,
her
side at least.
But
to return
The
widow
to
and
(which,
rather
my narrative.
I had not been
I
as
when
interesting),
versation
long engagedin conhinted, was
"becoming
hefore
we
the scrape of
heard
in the passage.
Oh, here is my father,"said Mrs.
violin
outside
"
his
from
I
Now
room.
about
was
reply,but
to
much
as
expressively,
remember
as
my
Delaval,
say,
coming
caution."
to
"
fingeron
"Another
her
lip
time; he's
here."
old
"
"
any
all
of
the way in
of disrespect
which
feeling
at
to
out
himself,rather neutralized
his
figurewas
culated
at firstcal-
excite.
On
118
MEMOIKS
lightedon
quicklythrew the
Ms
OF
letter
eye
GRIFFIN.
the
lying on
irritable old
fellow
table,which
his
off
balance,
and
in
that startled
voice
"
me
thundered
all that's
by
without
angel to
out
good, that
the
letter.
dale with
fellows."
these
Delaval,
Mrs.
from
servant
affair
seat, and
her
the head
to
the
to cut
short, rose
ately
immedi-
of the
the omission.
"
Thank
ye,
returned;
she
as
Cordalia,mee
taking her
hand
"
thank
love/'
ye,
the
said the
mee
old
general
darling;" and
wards
drawing
gracefulcreature tohim, he imprinteda kiss on her cheek.
There's
I certainly
envied
no
use
mincing matters
him the privilege.
This little interruption
to a speech
over, I returned
and
in
fashioned
which, having previouslyworded
I thought it a pity should be
rather a superiorstyle,
and
"
lost.
I
said, after
hem
or
"
"
with
no
over
me;
Gernon
"
fear that
he
"did
you
dard's
in many
about
then
know
to
come
my
Chattermohun
uncle, Colonel
"
him
Know
warmth
was
"
"
said
energy and
in Godwere
general,with
rightwell too ; we
march
together and the Rohilla campaign, and
places besides. Yes," he continued, warming
"
did, and
the
MEMOIES
he
went
under
the
as
and I have
Pat Gernon
poor
tint and fought under the same
same
by G
yes,"added
as
and
the
brache
same
if he
think
the
hear
now
banner,
burstingthrough
was
broiled
together;
lookingas
assault,
an
mounted
"
of
119
GEIFFIN.
"
on,
ay,
fierce
OF
carnage
of the
shouts
his sword
Ah," he
in the other.
moistened,
it is
"
and
Ay
(though he
had
I felt
blood
and
I,
of
sensation
over
drame.
or
me
Know
your
better
"
times
some-
who
choking, whilst
mantled
animated
veteran's
the
were
man
not?)
of life."
of the Gernons
the
touched
on,
them
comes
soldier
braver
faults,and
his
the bread
broke
never
to
did
"
long,long back
now
uncle !
went
all the
ancient
in my cheeks, as I listened
laudation
deceased
of my
relative.
"
the
and
enthusiasm
if
as
played the
general,suddenlychanging
little ashamed
he had
into which
how
think
the
old
best hand
at
"
betrayed, and
Toby ? Is he as
been
friend, Sir
his rubber
weakness
of the
he
as
used
to be ?
whist of any
man
ever
knew."
"I
believe,sir,"said I,
in those
much
of him
that Sir
Toby'shabits
respects; though I
from
letter of introduction
to
deliver
you
unable
am
which
through
the
I have
had
kindness
changed
un-
speak
obtained
the
of
are
to
personalknowledge,having
the
to
"
honour
mutual
friend."
"
it.
Well,
I
never
mind
how
that ye did
ye got it, so
that it has been the manes
extramelyhappy
introducingto my acquaintancethe nephew
companion in arms, to whom, by the way,
now/' he continued,
: so
strong resemblance
am
"
get
of
old
of my
you bear a
talk
to
my
120
MEMOIRS
daughter,or
GRIFFIN.
yourselfin
amuse
I'll do
and
OF
the
does as
every man
?
is your mother
same
fin,
any way ye plasetill tifthis is libertyhall, where
plases. Cordalia, my
he
love,where
"
"
I have
since
not
Mrs.
seen
Mrs.
breakfast,"replied
Delaval
"
visits."
gone out to pay some
Has
she ?
said the general dryly;
but
believe
she has
"
"
thought
noticed
remarkable
"
well,now,
stillness
I
the
over
house."
This
of what
and
loud
next
with
moment,
that
Hecate,
those
celebrated
ancients
were
manner,
a
smacked
thought,which
bitter mirth.
scarcelyterminated, when we
angry voice on the stairs or landing;
in sailed Mrs.
Capsicum Secunda,
made
fine study
would
have
a
Gorgon, a Fury, or any other of
and
face
for
be termed
may
had
conversation
This
heard
said in
was
characters,in whose
wont
depictall
to
the
countenances
play of the
pale, the old general
part,gropedfor my hat,
the wildest
which
caused
thought I,
him
"
look
to
throw
ludicrous
Now,
somerset.
for
squalls."
General Capsicum knew, probably from
experience,
that his spouse
would
last word,
have
the
generally
but
the
on
deemed
"
it
Mrs.
tone,
friend
out
with
present occasion
he
was
the first.
to have
politic)
dear," said he,
Capsicum, mee
"
don't
you
Mr. Gernon"
appear
to
determined
in
persave
(or
ing
deprecatour
young
throw
to
(wishingclearly
tub to the whale). The
a
lady measured
the stiffest
momentary glance,and made
here,
as
out
me
me
con-
122
MEMOIKS
fortable
that
assurance
tyranny, thou
Oh,
like Othello's
like
OF
to
he
GEIFFIN.
should
be
floggedand
propensityof
souls !
ungenerous
with indulgence; till,
every
that laysthee low !
Well, the
generalhobbled
glad for a season
val and
the
to
on
the
spirit
having fairlysubsided,
retreat
to
carried
last
at
storm
missed.
dis-
conversation
himself.
in
the
paper, as if
Mrs. Dela-
an
under-tone,
her choler.
Capsicum in silence digested
of
silence was
interruptedby the entrance
whilst Mrs.
The
native
servant,
said somethingin
profoundlyrespectful,
to the beebee
"
an
manner
under-tone
sahib.
drew,
Capsicum,"said Mrs. C., as the servant withhere is your son
Augustus arrived."
Is he ?
said the old general,
ing
jumping up and throwdown
the paper ;
faith,then, I'm glad of it,and ye
haven't told me
a pleasanter
thing for a long time, my
Ginrel
"
"
"
"
deer."
blackwhen
a dark
uttered,
scarcely
whiskered
of a frank and ingenuous countenance,
man,
with a hunting-cap
his head, and a whip in his hand,
on
and
entered the room,
and running up to the old general
ner
seizinghis extended hand in both his own, in a manwhich
and affection,exclaimed
bespoke genuine warmth
These
words
were
:
"
How
you,
last attack ?
your
"
sir ?
are
quiterecovered,I hope,
from
"
"
my
with
sparkling
"
did you
come
"
"
"
MEMOIES
ghaut in
the
to
the
I rode
in
him
work
it was,
shine
out
"
here
there
at
though ;
found
and
the
confounded
"
but
the
be
now
sated.
Mr. Gernon,
Mr.
Augustus Capsicum."
with English formality,
but
I bowed
of blue
taken
"
That's
son,
hot
of the Arab."
buggy down
in waiting;
Golaub
rattlingpace
123
GKIFFIN.
that I drove
from
pirmace;
Thannab, and
OF
did
came
the
heartyman
of thing,
sort
that
appear to understand
and shook me
by the hand ; asked
not
up
if I
me
This
arrived,and said he was glad to see me.
lately
a pleasing
trait,and showed me the frankness of his
was
disposition.
After some
little conversation with his mother-in-law,
it was
with whom
no
particular
easy to perceivehe was
chat with his lovelyand generousfavourite,and a lively
minded
who it was
sister,
equallyobvious loved her dark
brother, in spiteof the bend sinister in his escutcheon,*
General
Capsicum again addressed his son :
Well, Augustus," said he, what are the prospects
of indigothis year ? how does the blue look ?
was
"
"
"
"
Oh
not
fall too
plant, and
this wind
The
this year.
the best, and I
looks
long
beautiful
to
the
on
the
colour
up, Ks.
shall make
well
we
out
do
shall
continues, we
price is
think
wash
300
Chuckergolly churs
very
maund
The
600.
"
of
at
the
well
for
plant
least it
did tillthe
the
"
see
*
and buffaloes
Bobbery gunge Talookdar's cows
on
got into it. However, after all,I think we shall,
season."
whole, have a capital
That's well,"said the general. "Egad, I think we'll
with your plum, Augustus,yet."
you go home
In this country of
that the
same
with
procreati
those
unhappily,humanity
should
be, of
morality, it
high-pressure
reluctance
course.
less
and
under
may
roof the
be
right to explain
one
mingle
legitime
legallybegotten does not exist in India,where
of what
it
laxityflourish together,the reverse
to
children
124
MEMOIRS
"
sir !
Home,
"
said
Here
but
India.
will
die,however
OF
GRIFFIN.
"
Augustus ;
I know
born, and
was
of
home
no
here, pleaseGod, I
determination."
singularthe
renders
was
the
now
of
supererogatory one
with
in
dinner,particularly
its hecatombs
of viands,
generalsuperfluity
of
smoking
often
very
and
meat
much
the
reverse.
tiffin
The
Delaval
Mrs.
the
on
whole
described
and heard
and much
she had
there.
seen
presidency,
of
sort
a
Augustus told us of a recent battle-royal,
Bengalee Chevy Chase, which had been fought between
his followers and
those of a neighbouring Zumeendar,
the rightto some
disputedbeegahs of
by way of settling
ing
cracked,and astonishwere
indigo; in which many crowns
feats of chivalrydisplayedon both sides.
But the parts of his conversation which most delighted
the accounts
of sundrywild hog and
he gave
were
me,
buffalo hunts, which
after deductingabout
50
per cent,
for sportsmen, like/poets,
of embellishments
account
on
"
be allowed
must
dying to
and
exciting. In
reallyvery
were
"
have
I
that
touch
hoped
the
at
it would
maiden
my
This
latitude
considerable
some
spear on a few
looked rather like
fact,I told
hogs
not
be
and
in
that
him
buffaloes
long before
way
was
myself,
I fleshed
of the former.
a
fish for
an
invitation to the
that I was
wholly
JunglesoorFactory, and I won't swear
without designon the worthy indigoplanter's
hospitality
in making the remark
he viewed it in this light,
; whether
or
not, I cannot
say, but he promptly said he should be
happy to gratify
longing in that line,if I would go
my
and spend a fortnight
with him at his factory.
I replied, I should be delighted
to
him,
accompany
"
if I could
"
Oh
obtain
"
said
leave."
he,
"
that
can
difficulty
be
easily
over-
MEMOIES
come
said the
lade the
"
Oh
"
into
by
! no," said
we'll take
scrapes
of them
some
last
and
buffalo, or
care
all
of
chapterleft us
to
cure
pro-
don't let
ate
of
brutes
Augustus, laughing
and
us
up by a
horses of
winking
at
that,sir."
XII.
CHAPTEK
MY
note
of
no
being gored by
killed
tiger,or
yours."
pleasurein so doing,"
I entrate
Augustus, now,
you,
but
man
young
of his
hear
"
general;
give you
office,who'll
adjutantgeneral's
"
125
GRIFFIN.
say, will
father, I dare
; my
me
OF
seated
around
at
Delaval
of her
be
on
my
occurred
littleincident
Tiffin.
that her
father,showed
guard
with
the
atrabilious
caution
old
to me,
hero, was
to
not
The
general'stemper truly
like a pistol
with a hair-trigger
(as I had afterwards
was
further occasion
to observe),going off at the slightest
infinite caution in the handling.
touch, and requiring
old Indians
of that day,and I may
Like many
add,
old gentlemen, the generalpiqued himself on the
most
for every batch ;
He had a history
qualityof his wines.
anecdotes
ramifying into almost interminable
generally
bestowed
of
without
Dicks
the
reason.
and
"What
asked
lonum
Now
the
old
magnum
I must
you
defunct
Bobs,
of half
think
confess
"
claret,Mr.
had
I'llengage
that,up
vivans
century had
of that
general,after
of it.
bon
to
of
other
partaken
Gernon?"
duly ingulphed a
you find that good."
that period(sundry
126
OF
MEMOIBS
GEIFFIN.
the aggregate
glassesof gingerand gooseberryinclusive),
ing
by me, and constitutquantityof vinous fluid consumed
could not
have exceeded
the basis of my experience,
But
I was
flattered by
three dozen at the most.
two
or
the general's
appeal,and, as a militaryman, I felt that I
such
on
ought not to appear ignorant and inexperienced
a
matter.
Many
known
at
"
should
vivre"
savoir
whom
had
"
"
"
why
Cantabs,
home, little my
of
in my
presence
consumed
by the
and
and
Oxonians
young
of their
men
respective
colleges;
not
I, methought, assume
and
appear at home
the
in these
air of the
things,who
to
events,
sport
one
or
of them
two
the
on
present
occasion.
In
I filled a glass,and
replyto the general's
question,
after taking an
observation of the sun
through it (just
then darting
his eveningrays through the Venetians)with
of the
my righteye, accompanied by a scientific screw
facial muscles, pronounced it,with a smack, to be a fine
full-bodied wine, adding,
that
I should
have
unhappily,
almost taken it for port."
The
Port !
his knife and fork.
generallaid down
drank
a
Why, sir, sure ye never
drop of good claret
"
"
into
"
'scrape), but
it resembles
is
(I saw
perhaps be
I may
port. I meant
.to say
"
was
wrong
to
getting
in
imply
"
saying
that
that it is very
"
"Pooh,
whom
my
strong claret."
nonsense," said the general pettishly,on
explanation was
desired effect.
"Ye
can
know
far
from
producing the
nothing about claret"
MEMOIRS
OF
very wide
like port, indeed ! !
(he
not
was
127
GRIFFIN.
there). "Strong!
of the mark
"
father/' said
Delaval
Mrs.
(the women
our
ever
are
good geniuseson these occasions), who
marked, I have no doubt, the clouds gathering on my
You
does
it
mind ; what
never
hrow,
signify?
the general's
know," said she, laying her hand
on
ing
shoulder, and lookingat him with a sweet and beseechexpression, you know, Mr. Gernon is quite young,
in wines."
and cannot
have had much
experience
let him take my advice,Cordalia,and not talk
Then
about what
he does not understand.
Strong ! ha ! ha !
dear
"My
"
"
"
"
Port, indeed !
I was
thunderstruck, and thought verilyI should have
launched the bottle at the head of the testy old veteran,
I could hardly
my pridereceived.
that one
of evidently
fine a ter
characbelieve it possible
so
so
in the
on
The
and
had
wound
deep a
a matter.
trifling
fact is,the generalhad
to such
unbecoming
duct
con-
so
often
such
shatter
the
had
his
and
crosses
though
temper irretrievably,
and
heart
trials,
remain
sound
much
principlesmay
charityand discrimination are requisiteto enable us to
form a justjudgment of others, to decide on the predominant
hue of that mingled skein which
constitutes individual
the
"
character.
tact
on
of the
kindness
such
which
women
occasions,endeavoured
indignity
;
even
Mrs.
know
best
to
how
soften
my
his wine.
would
recent,
do
moody
and
whether
there
the
affront
was
glum, pondering
too
within
generalsof eighty.
sense
and
But
I
all
was
myself as to
precedentson
any well-established
out
record, of ensigns of seventeen
calling
were
hibit
ex-
gels
Capsicum took up the cudthe generalroundly that he
to
and
ing
shoot-
128
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
General
and
honorable
moreover
was
anxious
at last he reached
to
make
the
amende
filled himself
"
"
and
I
muttered
once
At
as
is
on
our
conversation,indicative,
fresh explosion.
thought,of some
length,on the approach of evening,the servants,
usual in India,unbolted
the long
and threw
open
or
Venetian
on
some
commentary
twice
tered
saundoors, to admit the cool air,and out we
number
the lawn, to jointhe ladies (to whose
addition had
and
been
made),
and
who
had
preceded
the river.
on
admiring the moving scene
seemed to be
The sun had justgone down, and all nature
with one
accord puttingforth a rejoicing
shout, an excess
of that luminaryproducing all the torpideffects which
The
kite
arise from a deficiency
of his beams elsewhere.
and
whistled querulously
from the house-top,the maynas
chattered joyfully
cooed,
in the trees,ring-doves
squirrels
and the bright yellow mango
birds and the dark coel
(lovedof Indian maids) shot throughthe cool groves and
and bananas
uttering
(plantains),
glades of cocoa-nut
their clear and shrilly
notes.
us,
were
130
I think
behold
now
GRIFFIN.
the
group
ladies,making them
of the
dresses
OF
MEMOIRS
formed, the
we
like
look
to
white
spirits
in
"
life to be
The
remembered.
ever
Gigs, carriages,and
khana
began to arrive.
palankeens,flambeaux, dancing
now
domain,
scene
We
before
few moments
of life and
returned
buried
or
bearers,
the
ral's
genein repose, a
animation.
the
mansion.
The
receptionroom
fast filling.Generals, colonels,judges,barristers
was
of the Supreme Court, merchants, agents, writers,with
their ladies, the elite of Calcutta
fashionable
society,
was,
White
now,
to
and
jackets,
stillwhiter
to my
faces,were
the
observation.
predominating
features of the group
(except where relieved by
whose
ners
manEnglish blood and up-country brick-dust),
frank
and
the whole struck me
as
on
being more
than
those of people in England, although that
open
freedom
bordered, I thought in many, on a
occasionally
which
then,
rough, familiar,horse-playsort of manner,
the causes
at least,was
in India, where
too
common
which predispose
of courtesy are
nately
unfortuto a disregard
too
rife.
*
Broad -brimmed
hat of
pith,or
solah.
MEMOIRS
of the
Some
latest
up
appointments,and
four
or
five
131
GRIFFIN.
the
horse-racing,
party discussed politics,
from
news
OF
so
the
abreast, stumped up
and
down
the broad
their
;
talking and laughing energetically
in
evidentlyenlivened by the rapid locomotion
spirits
which they were
indulging.
General Capsicum was
with the hurra
very pleasant
old dame, with a turban of bird of
leebee,a fine stately
paradiseplumes,and with whom, I afterwards learned
in the year of grace
walked
minuet
he had actually
a
Mrs. Capsicum, surrounded
tary
1770.
by a group of miliand young
writers,was endeavouringto reduce
men
dimensions
her largemouth
to the smallest possible
talkingconversation
mincing the king'sEnglish,and
ances
mighty illigant to the whole ring,in whose countencertain mock
a
gravityindicated pretty evidently
what they thought of her.
At last,the khansaman-jee, or chief butler, a very
importantand respectable
personage, with an aldermanic
expansion of the abdominal
region,a huge black beard,
and a napkin hanging from his kummerbund,
or
girdle,
with hands respectfully
closed,head on one
side,and an
announced
air most
to the general
profoundlydeferential,
Tiar hyn ?
served
that the dinner was
Dinner
who
ready,did ye say ? said the general,
was
a little deaf,and
turningup his best ear to catch the
reply.
"Han
khodalund"
("yes, slave of the Lord),"
the khansaman-jee.
repeated
leedies
those who
have
Come, gintlemen; come,
verandah,
"
"
"
"
*'
"
"
"
"
"
"
any mind
Thus
to
ate
may
follow me."
small."
K
132
MEMOIRS
coup-d'"ilof
The
OF
grand
GRIFFIN.
dinner
party in Calcutta,
is a very
high official,
or
given by a rich merchant
and perhapseclipses
anythingto
splendidaffair,
mansions
in the
of persons
of
the
rank
same
be
in
seen
land.
Eng-
feature,however, of the
stronglyits
most
in attendance
servants
with
various
turban
so
good
of
character,was
which
marked
the multitude
great people,and
deal of that
often observable
home
that
domestics
a
on
and
chair,
footmen,
"
the
exhibited
adapted
them
in
of
each
stood
two
khidmut-gars, or
average,
black
beards
and mustachios, and attired in
an
on
eastern
scene,
were
to
the
the
the
their looks
vulgarreflection
on
withdrawn,
and the
guests.
gentlemen
closed up, and the conversation
became
more
general.
Calcutta dinner
The
partiesare not usuallyscenes
sary
of uproariousconviviality
this was
the anniver; yet, as
of some
great event in the historyof the general,
he
its being celebrated
seemed
determined
with
on
"Fill your
something approachingto a "jollification."
glasses,
gintlemen,"said he, as we closed up after the
Dinner
over
the
the
OF
MEMOIRS
usual
I
loyaltoasts,
remember
There
was
"
and
I'll
favourite
133
GRIFFIN.
give ye
of my
silence
sentiment
that
father's."
little veteran
the
profound
arose, and valorouslygraspinghis glass,and stretching
his arm,
with a rich brogue
delivered the following,
out
and a most
determined
emphasis:
that honour
can't, and
"May hemp bind the man
the devil ride rough-shod over
the rascally
part of the
community."
drunk
with much
The
sentiment
was
glee,and many
followed by songs and speeches.
a hearty response,
It was
late when,
taking leave of the general's
in the barracks.
family,I returned to my room
was
"
"
CHAPTEE
XIII.
tained
by General Capsicum's promised interest,obleave of absence, I took an affectionate
a fortnight's
leave of Grundy and Marpeet, and sent on
my two
three servants
to Mr.
or
Augustus's boat, accompanied
by Teazer and the one-eyedbull- dog. The next
day, in
the early grey of morning, I proceeded with him
to
Calcutta, communicating
Tolly'sNullah, a creek near
with the Balliaghat
Passage,where the boat was
lying.
It was
a cool and
morning, the air delightfully
pleasant
fresh.
several ladies and
On our way, we
met
men
gentle-
HAVING,
of Calcutta
In
on
horseback.
bute
earlyrisingprincipallycontrithe amount
of health generallyenjoyed
to create
than
there,which would be far greater and less precarious
it is,were
it not
for an
immoderate
indulgence in the
pleasuresof the table,which inflames the blood, disorders
the liver,and renders
the whole
susceptible
system peculiarly
of disease ; then steps in mercury
the remedy
"
"
which
the end
is
proves
worse
than
constitution,and in
the disease.
134
MEMOIBS
OF
GRIFFIN.
if
earnestlyadvise all my brother-griffins,
to live moderatelyand simply
they value their happiness,
though generously,and to guard againstthe insidious
climate
habit of drinkingbrandy pawney,
to which
a hot
offers strong and peculiar
temptations. These precautions
observed, and the mid-day sun avoided,a fair average
of health may
be enjoyedfor years.
amount
of
My friend's boat rowed ten or twelve oars, and was
in Calcutta.
The
front part
a kind
a good deal in
use
was
decked, and behind it had a cabin, with Venetian
windows, occupying about half the length,and rising
several feet above the gunwale ; inside there was
small
a
would
table,and
to
It
the back
of these
differed from
againwere
the
gave
the whole
long-boatbuild.
shot along the
we
us
peeps
part of
creek
going
far
for
and
of the rich
Bengal.
cots
some
up-country
served
side lockers,which
each
on
for
seats
dormitories.
or
craft in
being
of the
more
pean
Euro-
luxuriant
scenery
turn
of this
and
plantain, mango,
with
banks, intermixed
clumps of
Gardens
of
themselves
Sometimes
canoes,
hilsa ;f
we
with
or
came
on
looked
on
Boosa, chopped
t Hilsa,
fish
wall
fishermen,
out-spreadnets
we
*
the ruined
on
in
catching
the dark
or
prostratetree.
their
the
dingies,or
much-prized
straw.
slightlyresemblingthe
salmon.
MEMOIRS
rice-fields,
engaged
rural
OF
beneath
fervid
135
GRIFFIN.
in their various
sun
occupations.
we
Occasionally
suddenly upon
came
market, with
its
in front, armed
portly,bearded
kulian
with
spears
thannahdar,
en
or
the
gradual termination
of the
of the half-reclaimed
commencement
lands
on
the
the borders,
themselves.
It
broad, and
and
in
curve
was
remote
from
the
green
of
sward
men.
The
approached the
Soondur
Bun
i.
e.
bank
the
the
on
huge
side, whilst
one
trees
of the sombre
Stygian
stream
"
here
136
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
and
there,with
ourselves
at
to be
taken
to
our
ease,
bearer
roof
the
of the
between
with
us,
boat, and
we
seated
large chattah, or
with
the
monotonous
bubble
of Mr.
Augustus'shooka,
effect upon
and soporific
me.
produceda tranquil
I have mentioned,
In the littlepatch of grass meadow
which
lay nearlyoppositeto us, two or three miserable
ably
considerstunted white cattle were
feeding,one of them
the margin than the others.
Whilst looking
nearer
towards
them, I thought I discerned something dark
ing
slowlyemerging from the water where the muddy shelvshore dipped into it. I kept my
fixed
eye steadily
moved
and presentedto
which evidently
upon the object,
of two
large foot-balls,at the
my view the resemblance
end of a rough log of wood.
I directed my companion's
attention to it, at the same
time asking him what it was.
"There, yonder," said I, "just beyond the tuft of
reeds.
"
See !
see
! it moves."
"
it's a
huge
alligator,
making a point at that poor beast of a cow ;
but I'll spoilhis sport. Bearah
Bundook
laou juldee!
bring up the rifle quickly."
Ere gun, however, could be brought,the monster, as
if anticipating
our
intentions,suddenly rushed from his
concealment, with a rapid and wrigglingmotion, and in
instant had the unsuspecting
an
cow
by the nose.
The
her tail crooked with agony,
poor brute struggled,
her two fore-feet stuck out, and bellowing most
lustily,
whilst the alligator
backed
rapidlytowards the water,
draggingthe cow along with him.
138
MEMOIRS
of small barbed
number
cords
GRIFFIN.
the shafts
(whence
of which
stout
OF
made
are
to the
to detach
are
heads
easily)
body;
his
cord
to
round
After
the
those
the
of creeks
forest,with
had
crew
plunginginto
formidable
instrument
refreshed,we
of destruction."
pursued our
voyage,
intersected by
drearysolitude,
and
rivers
each
on
side
arose
rinth
laby-
wall
of
thick
luxuriant
undergrowth of the most
the fat alluvial soil.
from
vegetation,springing
The
silence of death was
around, broken
only at
intervals by the distant crow
of the jungle-fowl,
the cry
and
of the deer, or the blowing of a porpoise,
the measured
dash
of our
as
we
oars,
swept along,sometimes
the surface of a broad
on
river,with brightgreen trees
each
on
monkeys chattering in
side,and black-faced
the
the
branches;
boughs
There
almost
others, in
brushed
lateral
some
creek, where
deck.
our
is
which
scene,
at
of
the power
Such
and greatness of the Creator.
a
scene
in the howling wilderness carries the imagination back
to that
when
primevalperiodwhen
shiplessseas broke on
not
was
on
this
earth,
voiceless
roamed
mammoth
man
lonelyretreats.
Occasionallya Mugh or Arracanese
construction, with
oars,
laden
with
its broad-faced
bees'
crew
and
banks
of
wax,
raft,heavilyladen with
Calcutta
boat, of peculiar
market, swept
past
us,
momentary
relief to
loneliness
of the
MEMOIRS
for
the
lading; or
OF
hut
of
one
GRIFFIN.
139
those
devotees
religious
fakeers,whose
At
a
in
of
one
these
fakeer
stations,we
made
wretched
for a man
to take
locality
imagination can scarcelypicture. A
more
half
about
quarter
of
an
acre,
was
halt,and
up his abode
small spot of
cleared
from
the
hut of thatch
forest,and in the centre of it was a fragile
and bamboo, which
a
puff of wind might have blown
bamboo, with a small red pennon, rose
away ; a tapering
above it,and a little clay durgah for prayer adjoined,
to
callingof
the
lonelyoccupant.
down
to the boat,
brought to, the fakeer came
and was
He was
received by the crew.
most
respectfully
an
aged man, withered up like a potsherd,and smeared
with dust and ashes ; his long,grizzled,
beard
and matted
thrown
his
over
swept his breast,and a tigerskin was
shoulders ; he held a long stick in one
hand, on which
he supportedhis bent, decrepidform, whilst in the other
he carried a dried gourd-shell,or calibash,to receive the
we
of the boatmen.
contributions
Here
Trappistof
from
privation
was
danger and
those
"
we
which
motives
may
actuate
which
deem
we
the
motives
the ascetic
cannot
order
similar
but respect,however
to
over
mistaken
them.
140
MEMOIRS
In
few miles
the
pleasure
upon
cluster
the
once
eyes
the
more
dense, and
cleared
and
rested
with
green
of
less
again into
us
Our
cultivated country.
GRIFFIN.
forest became
brought
more
OF
and
coco-nuts,
the
busy
haunts
of
men.
"
Well, Mr.
the end
"
I suppose
you
nearly
your voyage.
ested
No," I replied
;
though I have been greatlyinterby the wild scene
through which we passed. But
?
how far are we now
from the Junglesoorfactory
"Not
we'll sup
far," said my friend; "please God
said he ;
house
do
at my
to-night. There, look !
and the thick cluster of
you see yonder white building,
trees; overhangingit. at the turn of the river ?
not
are
to
sorry
be
at
"
of
"
"
"
"
"
"I
do."
that's
"Well,
ordered
or
of
some
my
out-factories;there I've
be in waiting with horses,
my
peopleto
take
elephant,to
an
of
one
us
to my
on
shop, which
is about
elephant!
"
as I mentallyrubbed
ejaculated,
my
hands.
The
boatman
their cheerful
of heart
pliedtheir
songs
which
an
and
bespeakingthat
shouts
approach
redoubled
with
oars
to
"
home
"
ever
vigour,
buoyancy
inspires
building,which proved to
of
be a small temple,crowning a little ghaut or flight
thing
steps,running down to the water's edge,backed by somelike an
overshaded by
old ruined fort or factory,
of the banyan and peepul trees, growof foliage
masses
ing
out
now
neared
the
white
soned
ghaut stood an elephantcapariwith his bright red jhoul and howdah*
fanning
himself with the branch
of a tree ; hard by him
were
a
couple of horses, saddled, and held by their syces or
and
each of whom
bore a hog-spear ; whilst near
grooms,
On
the
of the
crest
seat.
MEMOIRS
OF
141
GRIFFIN.
villagers,
factoryservants, and followers
and
of Mr. Augustus, in various
picturesquecostumes
others
attitudes,some
standing,
squattingin masses, some
abutments
of the ghaut, were
the steps or
on
reclining
all impatiently
awaitingthe arrival of the boat.
backed
These
by the ruined walls,the massive
groups,
low,
banyan with its twiningroots, and a little sort of bungasummer-house, on the projecting
bastion, which
or
stood out in strong relief against the evening sky, all
constituted,when viewed in the mellow
sunlightof the
rich Claude-like repose of the hour, a scene
well worthy
of the pencilof a Daniell.
The boat moored, a lively
meeting and embracing took
tory,
placebetween those on board and their friends at the facfor the Indians, I have observed, though in some
remarkably affectionate to their
thing apathetic,are
of
around, groups
relatives.
Augustus
of
amidst
monarch
the
bows
Great
of life,which
himself
were
now
from
the
in the group.
The syces
horses ; two
statelygreyhounds
recumbent
posture, whilst
142
MEMOIRS
settled,which
are
OF
you
GRIFFIN.
for,
gallop,or
ride
the
on
elephant?
"
Oh
ridden
never
one,
like
looks
fellow, who
"
on
"
hy all means.
and
long to be on
a moving mountain."
I,
that
"
kind-hearted
Then," said my
I have
host, let us
the howdah, and
noble
mount.
we
they have put the guns in
may
have a shot at something as we go along. I must
giveyou
a lesson in
shooting off an elephant,which is no easy
hand.
to a young
matter
Here, hauthee laou ('bring the
elephant')."
Another
athan
blast, and the levidig and another startling
was
alongsideof us.
see
"
Buth
! luth
docile beast
The
side
receive
to
one
boxed
fairly
a
to spurn
fine
the
of my
up
knelt
the
appliedthe ladder,to
followed
his
Here,
day-dreams realized,and I
I
elephantand
be mounted
on
him.
castle."
a
gallantcharger,
every inch"
ship over the blue
as
the
on
thing to
"
free
Oriental
c(
down
us.
coolie,or attendant,now
Augustus ascended, and
then, was
'Tis
the winds
hero ;
billows
that
or
to
with
propelyou
dash
a
away
in
brave
spanking breeze,
; but
doubt
if
as
even
MEMOIRS
cows
herdsmen
black
their shoulders.
over
had
not
proceededfar
appearedin
gallop.
"Halloo
and
of the
slouching
were
mingled with small white Bengalee
feeding,
and tended by
and bullocks, their bells tinkling,
envelopedin blanket sort of hoods, with long
buffaloes
We
143
GRIFFIN.
herds
which
rough pastures, on
sticks
OF
brother
good
"
the
said
the
plain,when
Augustus,
"
De
here
la
comes
Chasse,
breathed.
my
as
man
horse-
distance,approachingus
Mons.
planter,
fellow
on
at
hand
neighbour
funny, but
as
ever
"
"
"
world
"
"
one
out
for
boar
"
Jhobs
"
we
to
Oh
ha ! ha !
"
carry
you
"
"
on
but
see
you
De
amongst
"
that wid
friend of my
young
down
here.
the war
Gernon, Mons.
Appi
who
la
you,
father's come
Let
me
Capsicome?
to
see
introduce
"
how
him
Chasse, "c."
us, Sare.
"
By
de vay,
I not
144
MEMOIRS
GRIFFIN.
'noder kick
had
"
I shall him
plant.
beegah my
OF
have
ope
de
to
jodge, by
pression,
(castingabout for a suitable exand setting
his teeth)a frightful
shackass."
This
moved
risibles,in spite of a gentlepoke
my
from Augustus'selbow, and a reprovinglook compounded
of gravityand laughter. Fortunately,at this juncture,
dismal yellbroke on our
a
perceivedahead
ears, and we
animals
the plain,two
somewhat
of us, slinkingacross
largerthan foxes.
What
are
they ? I asked.
Oh ! a
couple of jackals,"said my companion.
Jhobs
"
he is
a"
"
"
"
"
"
Would
I
"
like
you
to
see
eagerlyexpressedmy
De
la
run
jackals;
"
assent.
after those
Augustus,
friend here
our
"
to
wants
take
see
gallop
hunt."
Oh
"
da khoota
choorda
"
"
"
"
"
followed
hounds,
in full cry,
not
be
to
and
my
outdone,
master
of the
justly anxious
for the
matur,
and
or
dog
charges,drew the cords of the bulland Teazer, lustily
cheeringthem on.
which was
After killingthe jackals,
effected,
soon
we
regained the road, and in half an hour reached the
ing
builda
Junglesoorfactory. The residence was
square
of one
story, surrounded
by a terrace and covered
side was
verandah
one
a
large garden, filled with
; on
reputationof
orange
and
his
other
bamboo, mango,
stables,"o.
trees.
Further
back
"c., intermingledwith
were
groves
of
buildings,
vats,
146
MEMOIRS
OF
for the
GRIFFIN.
tober)
(the beginningof Octo
was
breezy 'and cool, and all things seemed
wear
a
propitiousaspect, and to promise a delightful
companied
day'ssport. In a short time, De la Chasse arrived, aclittle man,
named
by a square, tight-built
Tupper, who had recently(asis not unfrequentin India)
changed his berth of mate of a country ship for that of
assistant.
an
Indigo planter's
abundant
there was
breakfast duly despatched,
An
a
an
buckling of spurs, a slinging of brandy-bottles,
of hog-spears,
and other preliminary
examination
ments
movefor the foray. Outside,too, was
of
a great muster
Augustus's retainers,coolies or factorymen, real "blue
demons," in almost Paradisaic costume, with long sticks,
their
latees,over
or
season
shoulders, wherewith
to
beat
the
jungles.
Augustus now vaulted on his Arab, a beautiful creature,
I was
with a high reputation,
as
told,as a hog-hunter
their
as
(horses in India enjoy the sport as much
masters),and with his spear in hand gave the signalfor
departure.Out marched the whole cavalcade,I mounted
on
a
sturdy little hill pony, called a tangan, as hardand headstrong a little devil,as I afterwards
mouthed
tumbled
discovered tp my cost, as ever
a griffin.
Each
of
hunters
us
was
armed
with
spear,
whilst
heart,
or
rather
as
leaf-shape,
keen
effect,the butt-end
as
razor,
is loaded
and
to
with
half-poundof lead.
for the
wound
course
now
along,bending our
of a river,where wild hogs and other game
were
abound.
to
Having crossed the plain,we found
We
banks
said
about
ourselves
amongst
with
became, by
from
my
some
groves
mango
scattered huts and
and
small
accident, separateda
companions.
woodland,
tersperse
in-
and I
villages,
good distance
MEMOIRS
OF
147
GRIFFIN.
In
grove, an
passing the edge of a tope, or mango
adventure happened,
which, though somewhat
derogatory
historian
a
as
to my
dignityin its results,my integrity
in the narrative may,
A
to relate.
obligesme
pause
the requisite
in order to give me
however, be expedient,
degreeof composure.
CHAPTER
IN
the
XIV.
and
not
far from
some
miserable
last
by
chapter,
with
bushes,
I
and reining up my tangan and listening,
rustling,
the deep bass of a grunter,with the
could
distinguish
a-pat
running treble of sundry littlepigs. My heart went pitdiscovery! I shall
; here, thought I, is a glorious
from his lair,
the grizzly
monster
be the first to rouse
a
and
sure,
"
I
spear at him.
listened again 'twas a
launch
and
Yoicks
"
"
!
tally-ho
shouted
wished, however,
to
palpablegrunt.
I, waving my hat, as
be
148
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
raised ;
arm
was
; my
myselfalongside
javelinpoisedwith as direful a presage as
glittering
of Homer's
heroes ; alreadyin imagination
that of one
point had searched out the seat of life,
my burnished
from
tide distilling
the crimson
the wound
and I saw
; I
the
deal the mighty stroke, when
to
rose
snap went
the
flew my spear, and I, and
not
stirrup-leather,
away
I came,
bit the dust.
a
Yes, down
hog, incontinently
thunderingthump.
felt
of feeling"I never
Painful
the revulsion
was
foolish in my life. Away went
more
pig and tangan
whilst I, like a
and so they might, for aught I cared
layprone on the earth,applyingvigorous
dying gladiator,
my
the
beast,I found
"
"
friction to
my
rode
which
laughter,
"
You're
not
shoulder.
up,
to
In
my
few
seconds, my
panions
com-
convulsed
with
confusion,
they vainlystrove to
hurt, I hope, Gernon
repress.
said
?
"
host,
my
look of
into
his features
a
endeavouring to compose
commiseration
(a dead failure,by-the-bye).
No, not much," said I, writhingwith pain ; nothing
It was
that confounded
to speak of.
rotten
stirrup;but
I should not have cared, had I spearedthe hog."
another volcano of laughter. I
Upon this,there was
felt annoyed, and begged to know, fiercely,
what
they
found so amusing in a friend's nearlybreakinghis neck.
Oh, my good ami," exclaimed the Frenchman,
you
ha!
the
but
ha!
ha!
hunt
most
ave
pardonnez
you
villagepig,ha! ha! ha! and not the viJd hogue. Oh,
oh ! oh !
mon
Dieu, je vais mourir
Yes," added
Augustus, oh ! oh ! oh ! you really
must
excuse
Gernon, he ! he ! he ! for laughing a
us,
little at your grifimish
mistake ; indeed, you
have been
the first that has
not
are
chasing a villager
; but
you
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
made
such
your
real
steed
blunder.
; mount
sport.
see
once
you
Come,"
more,
are
he
and
game
continued,
we'll show
to
the
hog-hunter."
at
blunder, but
my
"
you
here's
some
backbone, and
this
pieceof
MEMOIES
149
GEIFFIN.
OF
wounded
acted as
a cataplasm to my
spirit
; so
flattery
I thought it best to join in the laugh againstmyself,
the stirrup,
and remounting my tangan, and re-adjusting
once
we
continued
more
After
banks
bare
crossinga
route.
our
river,covered
of the
found
plain,we
for miles
and
The
beaters
long reeds.
dismal
yelling and shouting
minutes
from
the
many
in a
and
and
cover,
cry of
moment
bore
rightaway
In
waved
boar
and
few
arose
rustled,
from
burst
the hard
across
("hog, hog!")
tremendous
now
ahead
the
on
belt of grass
put in, and
commenced.
I
reeds
; the
voices
with
were
sewer
sewer,
ourselves
the
towards
plain,
the cultivation.
with a yellor
Away went Augustus in gallantstyle,
war-whoop that made the welkin ring. The second
mate
joinedchase rightbefore the wind; my littlehardmouthed
Punch
stuck
down
his
ears,
hard
his
keenly alive
the
next,
matter
to
him
manage
tightin
"Ha!
and
the
more
spear
and
hand.
ha !" said
de death
see
to
he,
as
he
of de veritable
passed me,
vild hogue."
"now
you
vill
Augustus gained
formidable
most
aspect, and
evidentlyan ugly
planterpushed him closely,and, in
The
customer.
the
on
was
that it stuck
passing,delivered his spear with such effect,
bolt upright in the back
of the boar, who
nevertheless
if spitted
"continued his onward
for the feast.
as
course,
It
now
was
the
turn
of De
la Chasse
*'
was
ha
! ha !
a
"
and
the
magnificentboar, with
as
one
sees
such
Madame
with
neck
Diana
came,
and
like
brawn
and
de theatre
his horse
over
hock
of
up he
"coup
round
rolled
monster
with
He
over.
a
bullock's,
! e'en
such
flyingafter,bare-
150
legged,in
a
OF
MEMOIRS
score
'twas
were
and
"
of
an
old
dogs
all up
GRIFFIN.
tapestry,or playingpitchand
in
with
of
one
him
with
Snyder'snoble pictures.But
his
now;
little blood-shot
eyes
all his sinews
toss
ing
hogue,"Jsaid the Frenchman, lookfor some
minutes
in
up, after contemplating him
his gory spear, buried two
and pulling}
mute
out
delight,
feet deep in the shoulder ; "hut I give him dat last poke
ver
well,eh ! hy Jhobs ?
in very sportsmanfinished him
Yes, you certainly
like
I
thought he
style,Monsieur," repliedAugustus ;
would have charged me
I delivered my spear, and am
as
glad he did not, for with those tusks of his, gentlemen,
he would
have been an
ugly customer, and have left his
and me.
mark
But
on
we
gallantKustum
come,
my
will try up the river again."
The legsof the boar were
now
tied,a pole was thrust
hoisted on
the
through them, the huge animal was
shoulders of four of the coolies,and borne alongwith us.
Tis
fine
ver
"
"
"
The
beaters
the shouts
were
now
cry of some
of a slate colour
more
once
across
an
and
awkward
the
up
and
down
sort
from
of
the
ment,
move-
plain.
"
MEMOIRS
and
one
the
The
151
GRIFFIN.
The
time,
same
OF
was
game
feast our
laid out
before
that, at the
might
eyes on
time that we gratified
our
palates.
lunch
discussed, I was
surprisedto see a
fairly
we
servant
small
hookha,
or
of comfort.
Mr.
to have a good notion
gentlemen seem
and
Augustus wiped the- mouth-piece with his thumb
finger,put it between his lips,and emittingan elaborate
whiff of a yard and a half long, slowlyleaned his back
againstthe trunk of the tree, half-closed his eyes, and
exhibited
the
of unalloyed
most
perfect appearance
After half an hour's
sublunarybliss I have ever beheld.
rest, and partakingof the kulian, which was
generously
passed round by our friend,we arose, and preparedfor a
renewal
of the campaign.
In this
of the
of
we
were
day.
successful
as
Three
small
more
as
in the commencement
hogs
imminent
risks
unshipment, I
by such uncommon
of
"
Our
sport
bent
now
and
over,
our
course
man
and
towards
the
; on
one
steeds
of
various
statures, led
two
maiden
my
skill and unique
leadingsubject
exhausted,
fairly
home, wending our way
four
the morning. We
beast
over
or
one
fleshed
a feat marked
spear
adroitness on my part, that I made
it the
of conversation
afterwards.
for a month
we
killed
were
the
way
on
then
our
came
distant
cavalcade,the game,
the wild
track
of
reeds, the
and
topped with the coco-nut
in the
betel-palm,all seen
streaming light of the
sun
haze, would
setting
strugglingthrough the evening's
have
made
fine subjectfor that prince of animal
a
Landseer.
painters,
masses
of wood
152
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
pleasantmeal at my friend's
I
first day'shog-huntingin India.
A
and
stood
closed this my
become
a mighty
house
had
inches
higherwhenever the
crossed my mind ; the feeling
feats I had witnessed
of
exultation would have been unalloyedindeed, but for the
adventure
of that cursed village-pig.
The
was
and, ye powers that preside
capital,
supper
hunter
at once,
gastronomy, how
over
two
we
did
eat !
It is
fortunate
at least before
supper
was
ended.
discussed,was that
subjectsincidentally
of several dacoities,or gang-robberies,
latelycommitted
in the neighbourhood,attended with great atrocities.
This part of Bengal had long been
famous, or rather
infamous, for these plunderers,
who, led on by their
Amonst
other
chiefs,the
Hoods
to the
terror
India, were
a
tributions
about, at times levyingconcountry. The bands move
ently
from the inhabitants,in numbers
often sufficiwhich is,
great to enable them to defy the police,
or
very inefficient
was,
"
Robin
"
of
their leaders
does.
great despera-
are
"
has been
he will pay
and swears
neighbourhood,
of these days; but let him
and we'll
me
a visit one
come,
endeavour
to givehim
a warn
reception."
like noand Tupper said they should
De la Chasse
thing
plunderingin
better
begged
them
that
if the
this
than
skirmish
Augustus
aforesaid
the
would
Ramsunker
with
send
banditti,and
the
off
should
express
make
ever
an
for
his
JunglesoorFactory.
Augustus promised to do so, saying that he should
be equallyready to attend their summons
if they were
first selected for plunder; in short, a treaty of alliance,
offensive and defensive,
then and there struck ; after
was
appearance
at
MEMOIRS
OF
153
GRIFFIN.
which
to rest.
Besides
that
which
to
one
the
permanent
residence
tories,
attached,Mr. Augustus had several out-layingfacwhich he visited from time to time, to superintend
was
the
manufacture
of his
indigo ;
at
these he had
all of
little
in the littleturret, or
summer-house, when
bub
great hub-
ears.
what
Augustus
despatchinga
He
his cloth
or
Excited
where
oft' from
snapped him
the
out
ran
the
to
the
of
that
time
same
cause
see
roar.
uphad
youth
the ghaut by an
alligator,
whilst in the act of washing
returned, and
carried
had
to ascertain
servant
soon
just been
which
the matter,
was
and
hastily,
followinghim, at
rose
our
up
stated
dhotee.
by
this
clamorous
account,
crowd
was
we
to the
posted off
ghaut,
of them
collected,many
of the river.
looking and pointing towards the centre
On
learnt that the alligator
there, playwe
was
ing
inquiry,
with his victim ; and, castingour
eyes to the middle
of the
of the stream, there,sure
enough, in the centre
sionally
rapid current, his longjagged tail risingabove and occalashingthe surface,was the monster, tossingand
shaking the lifeless body of the poor black boy, and
before she
amusing himself as a cat does with a mouse
makes
meal
of it.
.
Mr.
his
Augustus
which
rifle,
of the kind
and
sent
immediatelyto
the
made
its appearance
called commonly in India a
soon
:
"
bungalow for
it was
a piece
bone-breaker,"
the
at
pound.
the
alli-
154
MEMOIRS
I waited
the
went
in breathless
and
rifle,
foot of the
creature's
"
him
result
the
for
suspense
the ball dashed
"
bang
a
up the spray within
then went
ricochetting
head, and,
of water.
the expanse
A close shave," said
over
GRIFFIN.
OF
Augustus ;
"but
we'll
come,
try
again."
Once
more
occasion
that
the
with
ball
success,
had
taken
loaded
and
fired,but
on
this
but
down
alligator;
sunk the head of the monster, his long serrated tail waving
in air as he descended
to the depths of the river,
like a sinkingwarrior flourishing
brand.
his broken
This
fellow,it appeared,had long been
carryingon
his depredations
in this part of the river,and
men
the boat-
balls
ordinarily,
many
and fishermen
capture him
to
to
kill
determined
this
they next
an
at
last
day
to
make
an
effected in
attempt
the
usual
way
side.
As
they came
between
them,
near,
well
we
perceivedthat
the
was
alligator
above
the
water
and
his long
in front between
the prows, and
projecting
tail lavingin the wake behind ; in his huge jaws was
a
and below ;
cord above
stout stick,well belayedwith a
in short,bridled and bitted for any gentleman who, like
the adventurous
Mr. Waterton, might have felt disposed
and
to take a ride
upon him, which, not being particular,
felt no inclination
preferringa horse myself,I certainly
to
do.
On
the boats
touchingthe shore,we
steppedon board,
MEMOIRS
and
of
of
of
OF
155
GRIFFIN.
attached
in
the
chapter.
By dint
had
soon
him
proceededvery
have
mentioned
in
former
poles,the natives,who
wonderfullyadroit at the business,
the shelvingbank, when
on
my host
to put ball after ball through
deliberately
of ropes
themselves
showed
manner
and
bamboo
his
of four or five.
head, to the number
have
of landsman, would
This, for any description
than
been more
enough; but, as I before observed, an
is an inordinate
gluttonin the way of punishment,
alligator
ever,
and requires
much
to givehim his quietus. Howdoubt
ciently
suffihe was
considerablydamaged, no
admit
his
of his being easilythrown
to
on
so
chief,
back, care
being still taken to prevent his doing misby the pressure of long bamboo
poles on his
body and tail.
One of the muchwas
with a sharp axe, or some
now,
such instrument,proceeded to cut him open, and having
done
the intestines as completelyas the
so, he removed
cook
does those of a fish preparatory to consigningit
to the frying-pan.
Mr. Augustus now
the
the order
to
remove
gave
"pressurefrom without," which was
accordinglydone,
when, strange to relate,but nevertheless perfectly
true,
the unkillahle
monster
bodilyup, recovered his
sprang
tail right
natural position,
and lashinghis tremendous
and left,made
both the dust and the crowd
to fly,the
latter skipping off nimbly, and givinghim what sailors
"
term
and
move
unable
wide
berth.
Thus
his liberated
to
stir from
the
he
jaws
continued
for
some
to
time
after,though
spot.
to all
tenacityof life is common
extraordinary
in all
and cold-blooded creatures, though not
reptiles
to an
in the turtle
equal degree; it is very remarkable
This
156
MEMOIRS
rivers,which
of the Indian
the
to
water
OF
the
as
enragedjriscator,
hooks
As
out
GRIFFIN.
I have
their
minus
known
heads, when
shortest
way
to
scuttle off
off
by the
getting the
cut
of
of their mouths.
I watched
the
dying
throes
of the
after
alligator,
so
long resistingall attempts to extinguish his vital
of advantageto his assailants,
spark,under every circumstance
I could not help feelingin all its length and
breadth
the utter state of impotency to which
the lord
would
be reduced, however
of the creation
well
man
offensive and defensive, when
supplied with weapons,
once
fairlygrappledby him in his native element.
Humiliatingthought !
A post mortem
examination
showed
of the alligator
Mr. Augustus'sball firmlywedged into the thick part
us
of the tail ; and
of the
an
analysis of the contents
stomach
brought to light two legs,half an arm, and
sundry ringsand silver bangles,which had once adorned
the slender limbs of some
haplessvillagemaiden.
and performedour
our
Having now
gratified
curiosity,
duty to the public,the inquest broke up" verdict, of
returned
justifiablealligatricide" and we
course,
"
"
"
"
home.
One
few
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
MEMOIKS
words
The
a
in almost
wild with
frantic tones,
"
alarm,
others, exclaiming,
two
! sahib ! dacha!
Sahib
"
dacha
157
GRIFFIN.
uttered,when,
scarcely
in, followed by one
or
were
rushed
servant
OF
turned
My
"
that's
"
robbers
not
are
moment
The
began
in, with
Kamsunker
Not
his
in
bolted
wasted
was
and
hand, bent
they
had
on
already
doors
the
banged to
and some
heavy
across,
and hogGuns, pistols,
were
burkundauzes
loaded
blew their
immediatelyascended
defend
there is
neighbouringhamlets.
trice,bars laid
spears
their matchlocks
us
that
intelligence
at
that
piledup againstthem.
were
; the
put in requisition
boxes
all; the
burkundauzes
three
close
were
gang
three
instant
an
lives
our
of the
threats,and
recent
or
thicken
to
confirmation
and
their
fulfilling
plunderedtwo
defend
must
; we
"
be lost."
to
plot now
rushed
and
us
upon
matter
at
to
of
to
the fortress.
the
Having gained this position,
the force of the
reconnoitre
and
enemy,
point was
next
the
to
posture of
affairs outside.
low
of
as
sheltering
much
our
eyes
other
the
three feet
mansion
planter's
of
our
in the direction
foliage,
amongst
persons
of the
which
the
high,encompassed
;
as
mass
and
over
this
possible,we
last,
cast
of bamboo
and
and
other
indigo vats
situated.
principally
was
ominously still,
except that, every now
factorycoolie, like a startled hare, would
were
out-buildings
All there
and
then,
flyacross
the
his
oppositerice-fields.
of terror,
158
MEMOIES
OF
The
GKIFFIN.
now,
it
clear,been
was
doned
aban-
in possesfollowers,and were
planter's
sion
of the dacoits, who
were
probably riflingthem.
Of this we had speedy confirmation, by perceiving
three
almost naked, and armed
or four dark, undersized
figures,
and
with swords
and
out
cast
spears, creep cautiously
towards the house.
furtive glances
those are some
of
There they are," said Augustus :
assault upon
the rascals preparing,
no
an
doubt, to make
Well, we must
us.
givethem a warm
reception. I wish
by
all the
"
"
with
all my
heart
surrounded
"he
cannot
from
some
as
De
and
we
are, I know
la Chasse
the
with
distant
; but how
us
police station,
However/'
not.
added,
he
handing me
do your
now
had
with him
communicate
to
we
fail
sooner
or
"
double
here
gun,
best,like a valiant
is
something for
knight, and win
you
your
spurs."
Here, thought I, is
pretty adventure
shall
evitably
in-
"
another.
On
wall
hearingthe
whine
bobbed
head
my
of this
a
shade
ragged missile. I
than
lower
this littleinvoluntary
working of the
tively
instinc-
the
parapet
conservative
succeeded by an energetic
however, was speedily
principle,
of its opposite,
active rebound up I started,
as by an
display
quick
one, two
presentedmy gun, and dropped shots
as
thought,into the spot from which the cloud of smoke
"
"
160
MEMOIRS
that
GRIFFIN.
selves,or
trice,and
'
OF
tale
I'm
for
fightingas long
if there's none,
as
figuringin a massacre,
hut
'
by
we
is your
idea of
"
?
"
all in
us
I've
there's
as
wish
no
I vote
to
with you
honourable
an
us
capitulation."
thus
were
we
he wanted.
The
from
message
sunker,
He
the
herald
forthwith
He
was
had
he
Kam-
with
confidence,that
he would
deliver his
to
be done
that
was,
the sahib.
told to advance
be admitted
me,
his
to deliver to
was
would
explained to
reply,as
to
harm
and
that no
message,
On the promise of safe-conduct,
him.
distrustful,and
forward, nowise
came
was
admitted.
middle-sized
but
wiry
and
athletic
fellow,
hair, small,
matted
untanned
belt
leathern
his shoulder.
over
asked
complied with
Es.
300, upon
to
death, unless
these
which
were
he
his
the
would
terms
were
immediate
at
further molestation
once
payment
draw
once
to
at
any
of
off his
one.
of
honour
amongst
fulfilling
every
were
rogues,
engagement, whether
men
to
of their
rob
and
word,
murder,
MEMOIRS
OF
161
GRIFFIN.
determined
abstain,with scrupulousfidelity,
or
their terms
to
"who
; this he
made
thereat
intimated
the
to
acceding
on
little plenipo,
to
report
to
superiorthe
his
success
of his mission.
To
and
be brief,there
an
the chief,as
presently
forward
beheld, came
ever
open
of
was
ten
Mr.
for
or
he
him
gave
made
about, he
shouts, moved
"
bag containingthe
Es. 300,
an
plunder,and
further annoyance.
Well," said Mr. Augustus, shaking
"how
body
which
us
of his followers.
twelve
Augustus
the
of
space
some
middle
the
about
to
without
ing
offer-
the
hand,
any
by
me
and
yourself,after being stormed
besieged?" a pretty piece of business this, eh ? You
little thought of witnessingsuch
an
adventure, I'll be
down
when
to sport at the Junglesoor
sworn,
you came
Factory. This was not the shootingyou expected."
do
find
you
"
"
however, I think
bodies
we
certainly
are
intact,albeit you
have
"
"
opima,
will
and
try it,if De
make
their appearance
of us."
This
before
said
scarcely
was
in
haste,came
former
threw
himself
had
by
us
My
you
all
thank
dacoit ;
God
so
when
la Chasse
De
the
got
heard
we
spurringup
from
and
to
the
a
police
long start
the
sound
and
Tupper,
the house.
saddle, and
in
of
The
moment
the hands.
goot
"
they have
moment
in breathless
"
la Chasse
Capsicome !
live?
!
all well?
hear
Tupper
and
you
me,
dear
my
Dat's
vas
ve
young
goot;
friend !
thank
beseiged by
mount
our
God
are
"
dis raskal
'orse,ride off
162
MEMOIRS
tarmah
OF
to the
for de
GRIFFIN.
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
sunker
and
of his
300
attacked
men
stood
we
us;
one
of the
scrape."
Black
male
! vat
you
pay
I suppose,
you
suppose
devil's black
Us.
300
male
you
males
black
de
to
mean,
"
I not
"
females."
de black
to
pay
de
"Veil, veil,you
himself
dis
of
more
"
no
grand Napoleon
"
too
as
best; de
your
us
Just
vat
"
what
came
you
time
was
up
be
to
"
say you
proposingto our
undoubtedly,let
lost, if
would
we
friend
young
try ; but
us
wish
here,
there's
succeed, for
to
of
to
saddled
be
each
of
us
armed
some
fellow
burly a
rat
ordered
were
the
pony,
way
as
fat knight,mounted
Shakspeare's
made
body, some
numerous
or
his
80
appearance
or
the
at
100, of the
head
on
of
neighbouring
several stations.
drawn
from
police,
his determination
Mr. Augustus intimated to the thannahdar
his followers
the dacoits,
to pursue
so
soon
as
tance
had slightly
refreshed themselves, of which, after the disstood in need.
This
they had come, they evidently
the
thannahdar
began
to
their hams
smoke
;
intimated
in
to
his
little knots
others drank
men
some
of
whom
groups, squattingon
water, which they drew in their
or
OF
MEMOIRS
163
GRIFFIN.
brazen
is the
of valour.
seat
All
the
above
touching the
of abuse
on
mingledwith
was
incessant
gabble
outpouring
plentiful
an
event, with a
the female relations of the aforesaid dacoits.
recent
started
littlearmy in pursuit
of the enemy, who we calculated could not be many
cluded
be inmiles off,the four Europeans (ifAugustus may
refreshed,off
police
The
under
that
denomination)
our
and
the
thannahdar
"
"
"
hand.
in
The
"
remainder
of the
I shall
adventure
sum
up
few words.
The
dacoits
and
came,
saw
that,the
were
would
"
overtaken
soon
I could
like
add, we
Csesar, we
conquered!
with
parallel
but
the
point,the
despatchunhappilyfails.
great Roman's
On approachingthe dingy array of the dacoits,they
halted and showed
bold front.
a
Augustus and De la
in
Chasse
essential
most
marshalled
intended
Tupper
for
and
their men,
I took
the
forward
in vain
cut
down
word, and
away
were
to
them.
and
three
or
flew
our
can
queer.
doggedlyto
screamed
we
what
We
in"
addressed
exhortations
spirit-stirring
some
and
meet
us
exhorted
four;
men
sauce
over
and
"
our
the
spear in hand,
line wavered
"
dacoits
dashed
the
qui pent was
the plain. After a
M
164
OF
MEMOIRS
GRIFFIN.
little irregular
cuttingand
saved
difficulty
with
will leave
the vehement
Augustus,
and
the
we
followed, and
slashing,
ourselves by the speed of our
cattle.
reader to imagine the rage of Mr.
pestes and
of the
sacres
Gaul,
of the stiff
abuse
downright straightforward
little mate, elicited by this shameful
misbehaviour
of our
of it ; and
out
troops ; the censures, reports,"c., arising
the uneasiness
felt,after we had got back to the factory,
of another visit from the exasperatedRamsunker.
tunately,
Forfrom
and
not ; and
however, he came
fugitives
others we learn that,satisfied with puttingus to the rout,
made
off with his gang
he had
and booty to a distant
the
this, of
and
De
commentary
la Chasse
had
and
afford
days to
formed
course,
their
us
friend
time of it
very merry
the day, and a rubber of whist
"
CHAPTER
I
HAD
been
now
hospitablefriend, the
reader
think
has
of
to
friend
and
schoolfellow,Tom
I had
senior,and whom
It
five years.
MY
DEAR
was
by
ran
The
"
attack
thus
not
:
period,as
I began
when
a
which
to
I received
from
was
my
the
old
an
or
heard
of
for four
or
"
FRANK,
the
merest
Marpeet,who
*
events
visitor with
indigo planter
letter or two
and
a
returning,
hasten
departure. One
my
served
It
days
"
fertile in
seen,
the
at
XV.
twelve
about
us
remainingfor
countenance
four
cussion
dis-
factory,
a coupleof
and protection. We
shooting and boating iii
at night.*
or
a song
amongst
his
for animated
matter
has
chance
been
that I heard
stayinghere,in
described
in all the
spot, and
had
the
essential
from
his way
and
has
scene.
took
been
tain
Capup, of
place as
on
the
MEMOIRS
OF
165
GRIFFIN.
I missed
How
"
papers
or
"
seeingyour
General
Orders
well-
really
cannot
says,
you
form.
I
How
long, my
dear
fellow,to have
good
dish of
with
you
about
"
"
"
I like my
but understand
the
fortable
bungalow near the river,and am comcome
enough, all thingsconsidered,so you must
with me
and spend a month
at least.
Why not get to do
aged.
duty with our regiment at once ? it can be easilymanTrue Blues
I hope you enjoy life amongst the
had
I have
in the Mofussil.
some
experienceof them
and more
set of
myself,and a kinder-hearted
hospitable
fellows,takingthem in a body, does not exist.
lines to say on what day I may
Give me
a few
expect
and
I
will
ride
and
out
meet
you here,
you (ifyou dawk
I have
small
"
"
166
MEMOIRS
it)and
"
have
OF
breakfast
GRIFFIN.
So
ready.
for the
present adieu
revoir.
au
friend and
Your
schoolT.
P.S.
fellow,
BATTLETON.
"
This
letter
read
it, seemed
intense
take
also
longing to
fell into
see
my
Mr.
Capsicum,to
deal amused.
good
friend Tom
whom
I felt
again,and
an
in fact
an
seemed
and
delightedme,
to
all of
me
sudden
have
to
altogether.Rattleton and
and Pollux
brothers"
backers and
of the school,sworn
abettors of each other in all fights,
ties,
scrapes, and difficulof which we generally
had quantum
suff.on hand.
School was
trulya black passage in my life,in which
the happiness
the misery in about the proportion
to
was
locomotion
of honest
Jack
FalstafFs
bread
his quantum
to
of Sherris
sack.
"Ah, chien
ne
me
"
"
on
Hermandad,
for
never
to this
of the honest
day do
enter
usher
a
of St.
room,
school-
other
or
dictionary,
eye lighton a grammar,
buff-coloured associate of the long-past days of my
tions
pupilage,but a host of painfuland degrading recollecor
rush
my
on
my
mind,
of the hundred
thwackings,con-
168
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
it
decided
was
the
rackporeon
this
conversation
friend
Tom,
to
last
day
that
can't
one
them."
in
the
proceed to
the
day on
second
night after
took place; so I wrote
at once
tell him that he might expect
la Chasse
of my stay,De
with us, and we
servatio
ob-
Bar-
to
was
be
which
to
me
my
immediatel
and
hisjidtts
Achates
all appeared depressed
dined
for our
short acquaintance
at the prospect of separation,
had alreadyripenedinto a friendly
feeling.
Like towns
in an
ill-governed
country, where, owing
The
the
to
absence
of sound
laws
and
is afraid of
honest
administrators
his
neighbour, hearts,
in
in artificial England, are too often petty fortresses,
which
on
pride,caution, and suspicionare incessantly
and to break down
the watch
to guard against surprise,
these
barriers and effect a lodgment is frequently
the
work
but in India, amongst
of years;
Anglo-Indians,
them,
of
the
and
every
one
thrown
wide
is reversed ; the gates are
intimacies and cordial (though,perhaps, not
case
are
lasting)
generallythe
feelings
acquaintance.
Both
extremes
are
bad,
as
all
result
of
extremes
live amongst
and kindness
confidence
to
indubitablyfar pleasanter
whose
to
rather than
guarded ;
rigorously
belief,shuts out more
good than
too
my
evil.
"
Sahib,
apartment
am
ka
some
daktiar
time
liyr" said
after dark, on
the
always
few day's
are
open,
but
it is
those, the
are
supinely,
system,
one
the other
proaches
ap-
admits
'tis
of
enteringthe
day of which I
servant
the
speaking.
"Gernon,"
friends
must
observed
part
your
waits
orders."
only
your
I arose, walked to the terrace, and
there
was
my
equip-
MEMOIRS
The
age.
OF
sentimental
St.
169
GRIFFIN.
Frenchman,
valuable
"
describes
accuracy
equipage of his
to blunderingas
doctor,who, if as subject
truth-seeking
that
himself, might have been a long time in discovering
of
thus
the
treasure.
of Calcutta furnished
Company'ssuperintendent
the doctor with everything
for Ms journey to
necessary
of
of a palankeen,the curtains
Juggernauth,consisting
which
of crimson
were
silk, wrought with gold ; two
relays,of four each, of stout coolies or bearers ; two
for
common
porters; a water-bearer; a juglet-bearer,
his refreshment; a pipe-bearer;
umbrella-bearer, to
an
shade him from the sun ; a nuslogee(!) or torch-bearer,
for the night; a wood-cutter
cooks ; two camels and
; two
their leaders,to carry his provisionsand luggage ; two
his approach; four sepoys, mounted
to announce
pioneers,
The
Persian
upon
horses,
escort
to
him
and
standard-
of England !"
bearer,bearingthe arms
less importand bound
I, being no philosopher,
on
a
ant
of this splendour;
mission, could pretend to none
consisted
turn-out
my
bearers
or
(for in
;
upon coolies)
immediate
my
bamboo;
carried
iron
an
and
eightor
palankeen,
time, whatever
my
doctor's,it
in the
case
of
was
not
may
usual
banghy, or
to
two
have
ten
cahars
been
the
keens
carry the palaning
baskets, contain-
elastic
an
necessaries, slung on
mussaulchee, or link-bearer; the torch
rolled about
a
bandaged
stump.
I
thought there
and
last
forgetthat
"
would
have
been
no
end
shaking
to the hand-
not
to
"
bearers, with
groan,
lifted their
burthen
on
their
170
MEMOIKS
the whole
OF
GRIFFIN.
congregated
group
waved
I
the terrace, with a wild and spectral
on
glare.
half-closed
the
doors
of
threw
my palankeen,
my hand,
the curtain
had
the
act
dropped on
myself back:
and I was
second of my griffinage,
on
soon
my journey
to Barrackpore.
pelled
On we went, through the murky gloom of night,disfor fifty
yardsaround by the glareof the mussaul ;
sometimes
beaten track,at others,splashing
a fair and
on
with infinite caution
or
through wet rice-fields,
traversing
the bridge
some
or
as
embankment, as perilous
causeway
out
scene,
"
of Al
Sirat.
The
sent
soon
me
Urree-hy-he-haw
monotonous
off into
which
doze, from
was
only
aroused
by blunderingattempts to put me
occasionally
and my palankeenon board a boat, in crossingsome
lazy
the red glare
river,on which occasions, the torch-light,
the water, and the dark figureson board, would bring
on
old Charon
and his Stygianferryto my imagination; or
the disturbance
when
arose
they set me down, not over
gently,on the skirts of some
villageor thannah, preparatory
bearers.
to a change of
At the end of the first stage, one
of my active bipeds
opened the doors of my palankeen,
popped in his greasy
and, with
reeking with oil and perspiration,
frontispiece,
said something I did not understand,but in which
a grin,
the word buckshish
was
(presents)
remarkablydistinct.
Go to the d
1,"exclaimed I ; boxes,no sumjha*
"
"
boxes."
"
i. e., understand.
f Jow-jehanum;
it is not
usual
peremptory
to mention
to
"
ears
injunctionto proceed to
polite."
placewhich
OF
MEMOIRS
171
GRIFFIN.
Capt. Marpeet,
natives, made
frequent
it)from
of
The
nocturnal
journey,and
flat,and luxuriant
the
ryot
I looked
country
moving
was
aroused
morn
out
to
all
his
We
out.
in
were
seemed
nature
second
after my
me
work, and
rich,
smiling;
ruddy
streaks
of coco-nut
appearedthrough the tall,tufted stems
taree-palms,
blushing Aurora
trulylooking out of
barred
I calculated
the
the East.
of
casements
and
that I
must
be
now
end
the
nearlyat
of
stanee.
I looked
hard
well-known
The
features of my
recognitionwas
I
out
"
is
courage,
would
that
"
have been
swelled
dear Tom
How
glad I
which
tumbled
he
in
effect;
his
from
close
embrace
; true
high treason
our
to
the
which
feelings
bosoms.
am
to
"
you !
! but I should
see
have
known
you
should
"Well"
Thus
off
electrical the
!"
How
So
Rattleton.
"
grown
you are
old
fellow."
anywhere,
"
and
locked
soon
close embrace
dear Frank
My
"My
recognizedthe
affection,like true
shaking
handand a mere
grapplingaffair,
desperate
a
moment
"
"
were
instant
an
schoolfellow, Tom
mutual,
chapeau ;
rolled,sans
we
tattoo, and
aye, I say in
at
him, and in
at
we
escaped by
suddenlyinverted.
fitful
There
jerks, like
was
no
water
interjections
from
acting here,
bottles
but
172
MEMOIRS
heartyburst of honest
we
were
breathing.
OF
nature
"
GRIFFIN.
fresh
as
the
morning
air
sumed
greetinga little subsided, I reand on
positionin the palankeen,
my recumbent
the bearers,jolting
went
along at a rattling
pace, having
apparentlycaught all our animation, with revived hopes
of
trotted alongside,talking
buckshish''
Eattleton
and in a short time the military
cantonment
incessantly,
of Barrackpore
broke in view.
tion
We
life and animacrossed the parade,
where all was
soldiers drilling,
recruits on
one
leg doing,the
;
shouting,and
beating,drill-sergeants
goose-step,drums
buglessounding.
We
passedthrough the lines,throngedwith sepoys in
friend's
their graceful undress, and were
at my
soon
bungalow, in "which, after dismissing my bearers, I
The
of
warmth
our
"
entered
to
another
shake, as
and
take
me
quarters. Eattleton
gave
my
handle
if he had been working a pump
up
cordially
bidding me
certain
describes
laid the
writer,who
India, when
not
our
quite
hero, I
welcome.
so
have
well
been
of
scene
known
told, as
as
romance
at
in
present,
sailingin a
of the Ganges,
houses
"
"
MEMOIRS
should
OF
173
GRIFFIN.
being,in nineteen
of twenty,
out
cases
ponderous thatch,
requiringfrequentrenewal, the operationsof the white
and periodical
rains soon
ants
convertingit into a cake
of mud, through which
pactoleanrills frequentlyfind
their way to the interior,
meandering down the walls.
The
structed
bungalow is invariablyof one
story, and conthe principleof a single or
on
double-poled
tent, or routie,accordingto the size ; the resemblance
to tents occupied by officers is indeed
striking,
though
which
and which the copy I cannot
is the original
say.
in
It has usuallydouble
that
walls,though
some
cases
perhaps rather
which
the
to
answers
is little more
outer
than
of
range
pillars.
between, called the verandah, is occupied
by
palankeen,camp equipage,"c. ; there,too,
the bearers,or cahars, lie and
snore
during the sultry
hours, tillroused from their slumbers
by a kick from
The
space
master's
master's
foot
hard
cross-legged,
at
work
on
the
beebee
and
the
next
one
Quadrumana,
to
to
ball-
sahib's
he holds
it with
on
all the
the astonishment
of
beholder.
griffinish
Talk of our
lightfantastic toes," indeed ; what are
they to a black fellow's,adorned, too, with a fine silver
Mais
The
to boot !
revenons.
great-toe-ring
ceilings,
instead of lath and plaster,
cotton
are
composed of coarse
the
"
"
stringsto
cornice
the
framework
between
airy hall
hold
of the
to
straw
close
rats
their soirees
and
the
the
and
dansantes
running
view
by
rafters
the
is
round
the
projecting
dark
bandicoots, who
and
or
conversazione
void,
times
some-
in
it,careeringover
ings. Purdahs,
of
this and
from
tags
numerous
of bamboo
concealed
and
apartment,
tied with
the
cloth with
174
MEMOIRS
except
common,
OF
at very
GRIFFIN.
uncivilized
and
out-of-the-way
stations.
and is expensive to carry
reptiles
but slenderly
about; officers 'bungalowsare, consequently,
A couch, one
two
or
tables,
suppliedwith moveables.
half-a-dozen
book-shelf, a settrinjie (or
chairs, a
and which also
cotton
carpet,with blue and white stripes,
for the tent when
serves
marching),and a few wall-shades
Indian
of an
"c., generallyconstitute the adornments
Furniture
harbours
officer's residence.
In
the
abodes
of
whose
civilians,
lots
are
cast
in
allowances.
friend's
christ's
Grammar
Williamson's
Vade
Mecum,
and
Glass's
Mother
Taplin'sFarriery; the Tota Ktihanee*
Cookery, and a ponderous tome, which I at first took
for a Family Bible with explanatorynotes, but which
*
Tales
of
Parrot.
176
MEMOIRS
legson
quiteat
table,bade
the
OF
me
GRIFFIN.
do the same,
and
The
home.
make
myself
the
hookha, and
pipeman brought
the bearer pulledthe punka, and we proceededto discuss
a plan of proceedingfor the morning.
In the first place,we
call on
the colonel this
must
morning," said Rattleton ; he is a very good sort of
takes matters
and patronizesme
easily,
man,
especially,
but is rather tenacious of having proper
respect paid to
him ; then, after that,I'll introduce
to the general,
you
"
"
and
some
station,
corps and
in the park,where
in the
"
"
you
"
don't
Why,
"
there's a
exactlyknow," said Tom ;
little girlhere, who has made a sad hole in my
very sweet
oh ! Frank
heart ; such a pairof eyes as she has
but
made
I have
resolutions
a hundred
you'llsee.
against
but one
orbs
glanceof those death-dealing
being spliced,
"
"
sends
all
them
about
fiitting
at
Frank,
minute.
see
are
you
that
not
very
bad
a
"
to
create
moth
plainly.Perhaps,though,
looking fellow, you may
like
am
chief
candle, and shall go plump into the mis-
last,I
as
shivers in
to
"
diversion
besides,who
knows,
in these
if
cases,
that
"
terrible
it is not
and
not
so
over
fire
may
be
be
gt(iH!e"!t*g^
MEMOIRS
OF
177
GRIFFIN.
"
"
effect."
Whilst
drawn
was
translated
subadar
"
mean
room
and Loll
and
"the
blind of the
Sing (which
red lion"),the
corporalof my friend's
their morning'sreport.
or
in to make
native of
mind
fat lord"
the
lance-naick
and
marched
A
chatting,the
thus
were
we
the
pany,
com-
regularlyand
surelyas a pig
subadar
The
stall-fed ox.
was
or
a
consequentlya
punchy, adiposelittle fellow,something of the cut and
a
at ease,
Mon
"
build of
Gil
oncle
Perez"
tall and
spare, and
of his inches.
contrary, was
man
On
as
as
entering (stiff
showed
The
and
very proper
ramrod),
naick,
the
little
the
on
some
hand-
subadar,
who
"
in the company
of the
of the poor,"for so
This
items
to be
a
;
"
appearedthere
these proved,I
two
going
he
designatedmy
little
was
tor
protec-
friend Tom.
correspondencein
afterwards
"red
to
lion"
knock
Tom
now
understood
to
the
from
Tom,
three deserted,
hospital,
stepped brisklyforward, as
down
made
me
crack, which
chair, and proceededat once
"
or
men
Purwar"
musket
The
Gurreeb
the statement
was
it
"
"
recovered
almost
to
his
jump
''
unfold
with
arms
of
out
a
tale
N
if
"
my
of
178
MEMOIRS
considerable
"
and
length,to
which
GRIFFIN.
friend
my
khoob,"-\-though it
Bhote
perplexedlook
his
OF
understand
and
statement
In
which
evidentlyone
was
was
embarrassed
of it.
one-third
"UcJia"*
replied,
involved
some
than
comment
Bhote
"
dismissed
My friend,however,
khoob"
him
"
with
Peechee
call againtomorrow
deferred," a sort of
phrase,much used in India,when time is sought
salute from the subadar, another
be gained. Another
"
hookum"
"
orders
'
to
formidable
crack
wheeled
their
on
fusee from
of the
heels, and
Loll
Sing, and
Buggy
both
"
exeunt.
"
lou
do"
Kat-
tleton.
A
of
sort
whiskey, which
my
the
friend
found
the
his
sportedon
door.
He
at
soon
was
ensign'spay, was
duly
and drove
off to the
equipped,and in we both stepped,
of my
bungalow of Colonel Lollsaug,the commandant
friend's regiment,which
I shall call the 95th
N.I., or
"
Bullumteers"
Zubberdust
were
ushered
hookha,
with
We
his
of
sort
India.
Tom,
who
rose
as
was
thereabouts, with
he
was
in
as
his friend
gaunt
sallow
colonel
tea
almost
not
near
universal
hands
in
with
six
cheeks,
the
him,
recentlyarrived.
figureof
sunken
smoking
before
we
whisker
grizzled
dressed
of cold
the breakfast
me
presented
colonel
tufts of
sneaker
of
prolongation
He
The
in, and
corner
feet two, or
and two
little
of
his mouth
morning dishabille,
uncommon
horns, adorned
*
"Well."
his
feet;
an
embroidered
"Very well."
velvet
MEMOIRS
OF
179
GRIFFIN.
head
the
and
epicene
had
yet
as
seen.
colonel asked
The
it
like nature,
questionsof a
replies.
I had
the
stood where
Rattleton
told him
month, if it could
undertook
be
to
to
so
all of which
old
were
we
strong desire
recentlyarrived ? how
folks were
doing at home ? if
used to do ? and sundry other
if I had
me
I gave
able
suit-
and that
schoolfellows,
do
duty with
arranged. The
me
to
manage
and manual
drill,
and
men
colonel
The
the
grand
went
off?
Tom
generalwas
"
she
two
of
young
if he had
been
at
before, and
how
it
ing,
evenvery pleasant
good
dancing,and some
a
little"fou."
"
Who,
"
Come,
"
Ton
too
"
come,
asked
my friend,very
that won't do, Mr.
I know
was
"
sir ?
"
colonel
are
or
other
some
friend
lots
supper,
that there were
and
my
evening
an
said he
songs,
asked
now
ball
second
platoon,with
regiment.
all about
innocently.
said
Slyboots,"
it ; ha ! ha ! ha !
the
"
my
enigmaticalfor
me."
"
ha ! ha ! ha !
"
"
upon
saw,
symptomatic of
an
in
buggy
approachingmatrimonial
; in
India,looked
crisis.
N
180
MEMOIRS
ignorance of
GRIFFIN.
evidentlyflattered hy
being made the subjectof such an agreeableon dit.
Whilst this was
going on, I was startled and surprised
by seeing the head of a very pretty Indian lady,with
jet black locks, large gazelleeyes, and a huge gold ring
in her nose,
pop from behind the purdah, or curtain,and
the
the
OF
matter, he
exclaimed,
of which
owner
was
the top of
at
very shrill
Dhyya Paundaunneelou."*
The colonel said something rather sharply.
To vau," pettishly
exclaimed
and the
the apparition,
head
and
a
withdrawn, and
pretty he-ringedhand were
immediately from an opposite door an
elderlyblack
duenna, with a pair of wrinkled trousers, or pajammas,
and half-concealed
by a cowl-like sort of muslin robe,
in a stately
marched
sans
certmonie, her anklet
manner,
bells jingling,
the apartment, with a huge
right across
voice,
"
Urree
"
metal
a
under
box
betel-box, and
colonel's sultana
Egad,
East
thinks
rather
After
in need
little
conversation
things in
I
space to which
Memoirs
will not admit
the
in the West.
took
we
received an invitation
having previously
evening with the quaintcommandant.
CHAPTER
the
of.
to
more
was
was
learnt
I afterwards
to
our
leave,
dine the
next
XVI.
have
THE
limited
minute
myself in
account
of all I
these
saw,
sojourn at
touch lightly
illustrative
prominentcharacters and occurrences
of Indian
life,during this periodof my griffinage.
Tom," said I, as we left the colonel's bungalow, do
tell me
who
that fine dark damsel was, with the ring in her
had a glimpsefrom behind the curtain."
we
nose, of whom
a
on
few
"
"
Oh
! nurse,
bring the
Paun
box.
182
MEMOIES
would
is, if you
and
drew
and
bevy
of
of the
due
presentedin
Tom
some
account
home
to
the
to
me
on
pound,
com-
to
whom
and
adjutant's,
he promised
the
to
then
occasion, and
future
was
of
rest
give me
we
went
tiffin.
vernorride in the Godelightful
wheeled
as
we
along through
all the beau monde
of Barrackpore,
the
rounds,
its mazy
pretty extensive
generalcommanding,
evening we had
General's park, and
In
judices,
pre-
form.
took
next
into
of whom
brother-officers,
his
as
drove
be
up before a largepuckha-house,with
and orderlies in the verandah
; this was
servants
the residence
it must
effectually,
peculiarfeelingsand
bull by the horns."
by takingthe
not
he said this,we
As
GRIFFIN.
men
govern
of their
medium
through the
OF
saw
friend's
also my
innamorata, with
very livelyconversation, as
in which, with
the barouche
whom
had
we
some
drove
slowlyalongside
takingthe
party, she was
we
a
air.
officers
six
present, and
unrestrained
of
war
former
or
and
order; and
war
gave
passing in the
enjoyed.
Being young,
me
was
to
fortunate
other
the
listen than
on
and
me
Indian
and
to
that I
the
was
old recollections
upon
better for
I thought it was
griffin,
it
be prominentlyloquacious
; and
adoptedthis conclusion,for,amongst
a
the extreme
topics,
youth of the present
with much
conversation, which
turned
agreeable,
stations
rather
the
"
forwardness
"
animation.
i.e. of
and
that
assurance
day
"
was
of
cussed
dis-
MEMOIRS
"
It's too
conduct
I
they don't
did in my juvenile
air of the
regretful
lads
young
said he, with the
and
man
young
out, we
thought it necessary and proper to
littledeference and respect to our
seniors in
came
exhibit
'"'
colonel
the
remember,"
temporis acti,
laudator
first
as
183
GRIFFIN.
themselves
days.
OF
some
some
"
"
inconsistent
however,
and
is hail-fellow-well-met
was
and diffidence in
reserve
not,
and
when
with
due
our
degree of
opinions,
firmness
but
forsooth, your beardless
self-respect;
now,
younker,fresh from school, claps you on the shoulder,
all
destitute
man
or
and
of
good
confidence
the
that
of
master-charm
takes
woman,
with
so
in
you
a
of
powerfula
instant,
an
of
hibiting
ex-
fifty quite
modesty, which, in
man
hold
"
the affections
on
will."
assented
to
by
by
of the
some
one
"
old
"
hands
ticularly
present,par-
caustic, and
ill-dressed,
slovenlyold
named
captain,
Langneb.
"You're
right,colonel, quite right,sir; they're all
major-generalsnow, sir,at starting;know everything
and
for nobody. There's
care
Snapper, who
young
joinedus the other day an idle,dissipated
scamp ;
young
and is spendkeeps four horses,gives champagne tiffins,
ing
three times
the amount
hailed me
of his pay
only
last night in the park by my surname,
sir
no
by
prefix,
George ! no handle, though I haven't spoken to him five
told me
times
I had got a pretty beast there (meaning
morrow
horse), and asked me for the loan of my buggy tomy
"
"
"
"
such
life ;
"I
allowance
his
What
afraid he
to
be made
for him.
"but
there's
some
184
MEMOIRS
the
things all
"
and
inordinate
an
send
Never
own
love
of
ad
money
"
hence
way:
children
your
GRIFFIN.
contradicted
never
his
OF
tum
libi-
pride,selfishness,
affection,which
owing to their unbounded
sure
passes through the parent as through a lens, they're
to spoilthem."
;
of whist
rubber
and
the
at
eveningvery pleasantly
told
on
me
with
me
take
The
many
he
had
Eattleton
day
next
to
that
of the
some
of whom
seemed
he
At
hoped
desired
the
parting,he
to
soon
see
the
adjutantto
littlepreliminary
tion.
instruc-
took
married
chess concluded
colonel's.
that
in
me
visits
great kindness
parade,and
of
game
another
me
round
of
of his
acquaintance,
agreeablepeople,but possessed
men
Rattleton's
for wherever
extensively,
we
heart
had
went
he
got wind
had
to
pretty
the
run
in one
sly innuendo
shape or
Like Mr. Dangle, however, with his
another.
teer
volunsolicited solicitations,"
he bore it all
fatigue and
very philosophically.
gauntletof
and
banter
"
"
Tom
that he
"
was
was
to
handsome
have
his
the Govern
or-
an
married
it
was
well known
regimentalstaff
first cousin
being
second
General's
military
secretary's
Under
"
as
aunt
first husband.
ranked
fellow,and
these
and
eligible,"
to
circumstances, my
the
old
ladies
pointmen
apof
wife's
friend
could
not
valid
altogetherfor passing over the more
claims of their daughtersand nieces; and the daughters
their
and
to conceal
nieces, though they endeavoured
forgivehim
MEMOIRS
chagrinunder
OF
the
guise of
ference, were
evidentlynot
Mr.
Kattleton's
presumed
185
GRIFFIN.
transparent indiffer-
very
whit
satisfied with
more
election
in favour
Miss
of
Julia Heartwell.
The
first widow
Mrs.
whom
to
Brownstout, the
fallen
victim
paid
we
relict of
respects
our
was
had
to
"
her shoulder
set
to
quickened by
perseverance
and
the
which
parentalaffection,
Indian
than
had
obtained
(armed
with
potent weapons,
his part
of an
the management
Of
on
three
still unmarried,
no
and
Board,
though
intention
to
bulk
and
it
die
decentlyavoided.
Mrs. Major Brownstout
where
by
the
siege to
exhibit,
two
sons
prayers
of
the
good-hearted
of
storm, after a feeble show
for a third she had
obtained
indigofactory.
daughters,one had married
had
laid
orphan)
for
so
those
the
duty
more
often
so
stout
she had
and
sex
able
admirof
livelysense
(and none
fought a
widow
the
all that
Lucinda
and
doctor
and
Maria
within
were
shrewdly suspectedthey
vestal virgins,if it could be
was
was
rather
beauty
are
would
186
have
it
OF
MEMOIRS
considered
been
she exceeded
was,
five
some
or
the
GRIFFIN.
as
remarkably fine woman
; but
English standard of beauty by
six stone.
and
Fatness
good-humour
is the
are
cause
almost
and
found
invariably
which
the
effect
"
whether
mixed
blood
"
in India.
and prejudice,
Societyfull oft,by its folly,
oppression,
begets the faults which it affects to hate and despise;
and the fact of any
classes being looked
down
upon,
which
is more
less
half-caste
the case
or
as
regards the
Eurasian
or
throughoutIndia (though less so in Bengal
than in the sister presidencies),
has a depressing
dency,
tenwhich naturally
tion
placesindividuals of that descripin a highlydisadvantageous
position,deadening the
energies,and preventingthat free and natural play and
and
expansion of the mind
feelingswhich are ever
the
results of knowing that we
the
stand well with
world.
In
the
brethren
and
in their conduct
which
to
their coloured
countrymen,
bear my
loudly condemn), I must
fellowhumble
testimony in favour of our Eurasian
who, far from combining the vices and defects
subjects,
of both races, as has
often been
cruellyand flippantly
declared,seem, on the contrary,as far as my experience
ness,
upwards,to unite with the gentlegoes, from griffinage
of the
and fidelity
of the native many
placability,
virtues of the European character, though certainly
sterling
lackingits strengthand energy.
we
so
MEMOIRS
iron nerves,
But
OF
187
GRIFFIN.
consists the
in which
superiority,
requireregulationas well
delicate organizations
of the East
more
tends to effeminacy,
the other, under
and
one
land
of freedom
!
"
where
mayn't shoot
man
Yankee
said Matthews'
better
and
lish
Eng-
the weak
as
if the
for
fancied
the
and
ferocity,
character
that
of
secret
"
Call
his
this
ger
nig-
own
could
volume
not
John
"
return.
This
from
Englishgreyhound,taken
The
in time
and
of his energy
most
to
valuable
and
qualities,
the
the
with
much
amongst
We
of the
constitution
with
cross
animal
of
the
in
one
of the other.
courage
illustration of my
position
of creation, but it perhaps
and
good.
found
Mrs.
mystery
some
speed
sorry to seek an
order
the lower
am
holds
Indianized
the
is united
which
loses
India, dies,or
in the
Brownstout
of
dress
to
of
act
explaining
a
dirgee (tailor),
slender
ungirdledshrimp, standing,scissors
amidst
accumulation
vast
One
ladies
of the young
paintingflowers.
was
of
muslin
in
and
little
hand,
ribbon.
penning a billet,the
other
"How
old
who
up
The
young
me
ladies,however,
arose,
and
Tom
duced
intro-
to them.
On
takingmy
such
questions,
they asked me
how long I had
seat
as
few
been
common-place
in India
? how
188
MEMOIRS
if I had
I liked it?
forth
so
; to
OF
GRIFFIN.
latelyarrived
all of which
I made
This
Barrackpore?
suitable replies.
the old lady and
at
and
her
piece of formalityover,
themselves,
evidently
impatientto unburthen
daughters,
opened upon Tom instanter.
Well, Rattleton,"said Mrs. B., drily, what have you
been
have
become
? you
a
doing with yourselflately
? what
perfectstranger. Have you broughtus any news
is doing in cantonments
is dead" and
is
? who
who
"
"
wed?"
"
I know
said Tom
;
nothing of buryingsor weddings,"
do
and
which
I
about
they're
melancholysubjects,
grave
not trouble myself."
I admire
Well, indeed ! retorted Mrs. Brownstout
;
that amazingly ; we
all consider
of the
one
you
greatest gossipsof the station."
Perhaps,mamma," said Miss Lucinda, archly, Mr.
Rattleton is too much
engaged with his own
ing
approachnuptialsto think much about those of other people."
Oh, that's true," said Mrs. B., with mock
gravity;
they say you are going to get married ; is it true,
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
Rattleton?"
**
who
"
Oh,
could
Oh,
Tom
nonsense
have
have
had
have
we
mere
and
Barrackporegup
scandal;
"
authority."
laughed.
"
"
touching up
imaginable.
her
"
the bridesmaids
that honour."
"
Oh,
yes, when
am
married, you
maid,
shall be the brides-
it,is
me
Many
rather
do with
true
remote.
a
wife,who
word
What
can
on
but
earth
hardlytake
event, I
should
sub
a
that
care
self?"
of him-
190
MEMOIRS
brass
spurs,
all
which
OF
thought
GRIFFIN.
he
clanked
rather
tatiously.
osten-
exquisiteand the
soldier are
not
incompatible),
Adjutant Wigwell was
evidentlya zealous officer,
proud of his regiment,and
devoted to drill and duty ; this I had learnt,indeed,from
With
recent
this, however
and
observation
(for
the
report.
common
found
him
amidst
"
"
"
in the verandah.
"
Sir," said
the
ping
slip-
in.
*'
"
man,
SergeantGiblett,"continued he, this young gentlehe will soon
Mr. Gernon, is doing duty with us;
have
attend
all drills and
to
parades; but, in the
meantime, you must
give him a little instruction in
marching,and the manual and platoon,with the other
officers recently
arrived to do duty."
young
OF
MEMOIRS
The
atended
"
191
GRIFFIN.
said it should
be
to.
"
was
; how
yesterday
Why, I believe
"
and
nervous,
it
fault,"said Tom
was
my
confounded
that
fired
men
badly
"
"
was
big
as
force
time."
next
"Do,
my
noticed
it,I
He's
love him
eyes
fellow,"said Tom,
friend
at
company
next
near
day
the
colonel
friendly
way
Mr.
Gernon
it may
he with
be
Tom
took
lines,used
to
me
of
complaint."
Wigwell. Kat-
cause
had
parade;
"
and I
warmth,
excoriated,and my
be," said
a
you, you know," added
the benefit of your experience."
The
with
cheeks
my
Well,
tleton, your
in
me
"the
hint."
rather have
I had
desired
"
your
noble
and
you,
assure
adjutant
;
"
low,
unoccupiedbunga-
an
for various
purposes, in order
in the manual
and
"
"
"
"
You've
never
had
no
instruction
"
in the
man'il
and
say so."
192
"
MEMOIRS
Well
OF
GRIFFIN.
it's the
please,as
first day,
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
of the ranks
"
followed.
Come, gin'lemen,
gin'lemen,"said the sergeant,half
"
this won't do
this won't never
do ; if I am
to
angry,
and plytoon,
teach you your man!
be steady
you must
life.
must
Come,
tendon," said he,
upon
my
you
"
"
if determined
as
up ! Order
Shoulder!
! up
secundum
artem.
and
brisklysquaringup,
"
half-smothered
"
I says
'Shoulder!'
"
will you
look
this way,
Mr.
Wild-
MEMOIRS
OF
if you
please?
each take a firm
goose,
must
the
"
'
'
then.
'Up ! you
Shoulder'!
That's
'Up!'
"
the head
That's
'
As
as
you
'
Grist
was;'
you
'
left-hand
the said
you
right.
not
'
piece (a
middle ; and when
I gives
chuck
her up sharp. Now,
her higher, Mr. Cobbold.
it,Cobbold, take
from
"Order!
it."
Cobbold's
exclaimed
on
must
'
Shoulder
says
'
when
"
193
GRIFFIN.
"
What
that is, as
are
doing, sir?
were,' I
afore
crack
ing.
shoulder-
you
you
was
you
getting a
awkward
'As
I says
on
man,
Cobbold's
were!
When
what
care
means
rewertingto
"
your
former
'
"
"
"
"
"
'
'
"
"
"
it."
In
this
stylethe good-humoured
little sergeant
was
wont
to
instruct
us
but
in
consequential
the
rudimental
gloriousart of war.
On breaking off and dismissingthe awkward
squad
the young
round
men
composing it assembled
Sergeant
Giblett,who appearedto be a prime favourite amongst
them, and he on his part was
evidentlyso much
pleased
with them, that it was
that his
obviouslywith difficulty
good-natureallowed him to maintain that dignitywhich
he evidently
felt,and which ought to be the inseparable
part
of
the
concomitant
of command.
194
MEMOIRS
"
Well, sergeant,
OF
how
GRIFFIN.
did I do
"
to-day ?
"
"
"
on?"
"
little more
I say,
'she?'"
"
all
right,if
sergeant, what
makes
you
you
sogers
alw's goes
by
calls it
"
Oh,
"
Take
"
pays
the
Brown
denomy-nation of
musket
call the
Why,
we
you
attention."
"
'Kopeyarn*
the Seapiesf)
Bess, and
so
she.'"
that's
it,is it,sergeant ?
glassof
Thankye, sir,I
a
grog,
don't
"
Giblett,after
care
"
?
fatigues
your
if I do."
"
he
you
the sergeant
brandy-and-water).
SergeantGiblett took the empty glass,extended
in
arm
one
head
his
some
direction to
in
have
another; bearer
turned
whilst he
filled,
it
applieshis
his
teeth
to
the
"
Liftteunaut-Gineral
near
the
Lord
Lake
stiffest business
we
had.
yes, that
There was
pretty
was
the
of the French
talions
bat-
Munseer
Donothing (Dugineral,
derneg): and very good troops they was, though not so
good as our Seapies. Hulloa ! he exclaimed, breaking
off in his story, and looking towards
the tumbler, which
the bearer was
busy in filling, what's this here man
about ?
he's a-givinme
all the bottle of brandy ; here
"
"
"
come,
you
*
*T
must
put
Europeans
"
some
thus
Seapie,sepoy.
of this back."
pronounced by English soldiers.
MEMOIRS
OF
195
GRIFFIN.
No,
no
nonsense,
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
XVII.
CHAPTER
UNDER
tuition
the battalion
next
was
of
for exercise.
out
after
taking place,
day previousto that event
a
tiffin,
sepoy orderlybrought in the regimental and
station orders ; and Tom, after reading them, directed
to a paragraph in the former,
my attention particularly
On
the
which
thus
ran
"
The
"
There
see
regiment
will
forgottenmy
recent
than
*
In
you
the
company
A
have.
native
gunpowder
"
siege
regiments
"
there
seen
a
are
far
"
"
have
;
why
do
you
active service
though
more
pursuit
two
Dacoits
the
you
for the
to
seem
you
bristle up,
I have
to-morrow
engagement with
to
sir,"said I, affecting
command
"
! my
sub," said Rattleton
little service,and smell
rout
"
and
grenadiercompanies, in
196
MEMOIRS
retreat,
OF
are
GRIFFIN.
it,for
ensign
an
of two
standing."
months'
"Ha!
"
my
with
to
do
"
"
"
with
reference
to
up,
! what
Eh
rubbing my
"
Come, my
the gun
Arise,
state, I suppose,
arise,"and by a rough shake of
what's
"
"
dormant
my
the
matter
"
said
I, starting
eyes, and
yawning.
sub, jump up, jump up
parade! parade!
has fired."
"
"
Tom
assured
me
it
was
the
proper
hour, and
that
it
Andrea
soon
be
Ferrara, brushed
up
my
hair,took
peep
in
the
198
Zubberdust
and
MEMOIRS
OF
Bullnmteers,
was
always gallopedthree
It
all
was
excitingand
as
fast
as
strange
to
me,
to
was
falchion
dreams
was
to
soldiers,which
of
game
about
now
myself
in real military
participate
of tin.
sary.
neces-
find
hitherto
or
officer,
smart
prodigiously
times
GRIFFIN.
la distance,
drum
realize
to
and
of my
one
of
boyhood.
misty veil has long rested on those days,but
stillI can
recal the stirring
interest I used
to experience
when
fair-day, marched
the recruiting-sergeant,
a
on
behold
him, with
throughour village. I think I now
his drawn
sword and flyingribbons, proud as a turkeyTime's
cock, with
What
a
"
and
actual soldier
real,downright,
fightthe
French
even
red
coat,
the fifer,
or
he strode valiantly
wear
longed to be
How
to
"
as
meteor,
"
Ah
!" I used
soldier when
real
a
of my
share
envy.
"
mentallyto exclaim,
am
man
!"
I'll
Here, then,
be
certainly
was
zation
the reali-
bond
in
in for
came
"
measure,
"The
downright
overcame
battalion
away
my
we
went,
sepoys,"
as
sword
"
march
solemn
as
drawn,
!" roared
mutes
stiff
at
as
was
an
the
most.
rightleg foreMayor's carriage,
and I in a nervous
moment,
agitating
in the Lord
It
tremour,
my uneasiness.
will pass in review
lest I should
commit
some
blunder.
We
turned
MEMOIRS
OF
199
GRIFFIN.
and we
the band
struck up,
angle of the square,
approachedthe salutingflag.
Rear rank, take open order !
The native officers made
the same,
a long leg; I did
and found
exposed to
myself in front of the company,
To use
but expressivephrase,
a
generalnotice.
coarse,
the
"
"
"
"
"
was
in
kept a
if I did
We
as
devil of
Ye
me.
stew."
close eye on
my
he did I could not
approached
upon
the
powers,
captain,however, thinking,
be wrong.
;
if such
he
colonel
saw
all others
the
had
his eye
over
preside
deep mysteries
of
"
"
Well,
we
close and
formed
open
what
on
not
squares to receive cavalry,and I know
and
earth besides : there was
a fearful drumming, firing,
and
How
our
descendants,
one
consolidated
they ponderover
extermination
mass
ingeniousmodes
Thus," they will
the
man
or
four
shall have
of intellect and
our
"
three
some
aberrations
and
as
morality,
wholesale
of effecting
exclam, perhaps,as
barous
follies of their bar-
"
'twas thus they shot, slashed, and
ancestors,
impaled one another ; in this way they attacked and
tion
defended ; and thus they invested the machinery of destruc-
with
and
the
of music, the
all the pomp
splendourof decoration."
of
glitter
ornament,
200
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
however
Some,
"
in short, there
destruction
it
must
considered
as
intellectual and
an
as
without
all is
at
viewed
man
action
mutual
be is both
ever
for
healthy
no
! that it exists
however,
hope
he
can
and
perfection
who
those
"
animal, and
mere
man
moral
being,those who
despairof it, Quaker
"
and
morbid
spat upon,
between, I say, all these
views and
conflicting
lightsand
practices"these cross
honest
thinkers
are
oppositeprinciples many
sorely
puzzled to make up their minds on the subject as to
"
"
whether
of
combativeness
nature, which
our
conflict
is, or is not,
must
as
occasionally,
the
break
necessarily
atmosphere brews
The
or
war
be
not
destined
element
inherent
into
out
the
pest:
tem-
whether
as
an
to
and
steam,
right mental culture
proper
social organizationand international
co-operation,
may
press
do wonders
the
"
continues
long, however, as war
ratio
regum" the arbiter,for want
to
so
"ultima
of
be
a
be shown
let all honour
to
better,of national differences,
those who, in wieldingits powers,
display,as British
soldiers do, some
of the noblest qualities
of our
nature,
and who, though yieldingto the necessityof shedding
blood, stilllove to temper courage with humanity, and to
advanced
waited
towards
the
commandant,
who,
as
is
tomary,
cus-
returned
their swords
to
their
MEMOIRS
scabbards, there
OF
was
201
GRIFFIN.
generalunbending,and
laugh
round.
went
joke and the news
does
the
Well, Rantipole,how
grey carry you ?
did you give for him ?
dibs" (i.e.,
hundred
and fifty
wouldn't
Two
rupees)
;
and
the
"
"
What
"
"
for him
this moment."
at
puffed in
CaptainSyphax, drily.
"
Isn't he
"No,
"
Who
"
?
fore-leg
"
"
"Hear
on
hear him
you five
old Toorkie
"
that my
the course,
round
once
"
Done
! but
it's a bet
chicks,* and
gold mohurs,"
beats your
"
said
one
of
purchase
new
p."
p.
don't
"
I'llbet
""Rantipole,
subs,
when
Tom,
way,
"
do I know
"
said
Roundabout's
Mrs.
at
was
off
of."
that I know
not
that
little
the
they say that old Crosslight,
attentive to the widow."
than ordinarily
Oh ! I didn't hear that
by the
the
the
don't
mind
if I
say five
make
it
ten."
"
thing to
bet fowls
your Indian
which is not
Tom
mnn,
"
to
on
apparent
and
never
griffyou
to
chicks
heard
Never," said I.
"
What's
race
isn't it rather
? this
the
suppose,
odd
an
is another
of
reasonableness
of
like
all present.
whisper,and pullingme
mad-
of
! chicks
;"
not
aside
sequins,or chequins
fowls,as you imagine: have
that before ?
"
"
glance."
laughed at my query,
at
the astonishment
you great
abbreviated
I, aside
horse
customs,
stamped
"
you
said
Chicks, Tom,"
are
"
the
Chick
or
sequin,four
rupees.
202
"
MEMOIRS
nothing,but
rather
"
little."
rather too hard upon
"
stories of
Tom
friend
my
Rattleton, I
him," said,
could
tell
few
I chose."
if
griffins
felt the
of
me
GRIFFIN.
griffinish
query
tickled
Gernon's, which
OF
him.
colonel
The
addressed
now
me,
and, in
and
very kind
I
in which
encouragingmanner,
eulogized the way
had acquitted
in public,
myself on my first appearance
adding, I hope we shall send you to your regiment up
reflect
and
calculated
the country quitea proficient,
to
"
credit
on
your
instructors in
the
Zubberdust
Bullum-
teers."
anxious that I should
was
worthy commandant
have
an
insightinto the various branches of military
attend regime
mental
duty,the adjutantwas desired to make
courts-martial,invalidingcommittees, guard
mountings, "c., that I might see how these duties were
As
our
carried
The
one
on.
first court-martial
black
attended
drummer
was
regimental
for theft.
took
me
to
the
204
MEMOIRS
Persaud,
OF
day, in
CaptainMarpeet, when
one
my
GRIFFIN.
asked
presence,
friend
your
our
"
That
"
It
shows
like
seems
said
poser,"
"
does," repliedTom
into what
errors
mere
plausible
; but
'tis
I.
unassisted
reason
it
just
lead
may
us."
"
But
said'
what
Marpeet
it ? he
to
is
right loyal
"
'
and
John.'
always sticks up for the Honourable
Why," said Tom,
Captain Marpeet,being a bit of a
that
to old Davy Persaud
logician,
proved syllogistically
man,
"
all
"
was
it should
as
he, 'and
be, thus
established
an
'
It
well
was
known,' said
pany
Com-
that
things
to
Marpeet brought his conclusions
demolished
David
Perbear in high style,
and regularly
saud's position;'ergo,this must
be all right,though
Your
the other way/
friend,however,
are
appearances
"ergo,'
and
confessed
to
have
been
he
afterwards,that when
me
glad
could
he have
sporteda
had
frozen
that each
native
attendant,generally
some
carryinghis chair,and
some
"
home
he should
bit of ribbon
of
them
at
show
of
the mountains
on
patriotically
blow for old England at Laswarrie
at
his button
that
there
not
little
amused,
to
accompanied by an
simple looking Coolie youth,
niture
odd three-cornered piecesof furofficer
was
were.
"
voce,
there
seems
to
be
no
MEMOIRS
of chairmen
want
is it usual
chairs in this
205
GRIFFIN.
tellme,
meeting; but, seriously,
at your
for the
OF
native
officers to
carry about
their
"
of way ?
answered
that
sort
it generally
and
that
My friend
was,
alterns'
not
only native,but European officers did the like,subwith
bungalows not being usuallyoverstocked
furniture.
"
possessionof
The
rightto
added
of his
and
the
European officer,"
"
or
prerogativeson which the subadur
jemadar sets a high value."
a little,
Tom," said I, and
Enlighten my griffinism
thereof."
expound the cause
Why, the reason," rejoinedmy friend, is,I believe,
he,
are
"
"
"
"
this.
No
inferior in India
ever
unless squatting on
superior,
sits in the
his
heels
on
presence of a
the ground
have perceivedthat
may be so considered ; and you must
offered to a sepoy or non-commissioned
chair is never
a
under
of long detention
native officer,
any circumstance
or
the
the
same
like,which
rank
it would
in those
cases;
perhaps be
in
to
Europeans
fact,if it were,
of
it would
think you
would
were
stoutlyrefused,and the man
he gets his
But when promoted, when
bantering him.
commission, he acquiresa status in society,is an
uppiof the sirdar
one
ser
(an officer),
logue, and in some
respects on a par with his European superior. He now
kanta
and
sets
or
;
sports a gold necklace
up a chair
and a tatoo
of his
concomitants
(pony),as indispensable
rank
newly-acquired
ridingon the one, and in all probability
the other, for the first time in his life.
on
sitting
I have been a good deal amused," continued
to
Tom,
them sometimes, when
seated opposite their houses,
see
rather huts, in the lines, enjoyingtheir otium
cum
or
chairs,illustrating
dignitate in these same
amusingly
legspartlydoubled
enough the invincible force of habit
under the arms
projecting
up under them, feet slantingly
thereof, instead of depending before,according to the
adopt
Blacky does not readily
usages of Christendom.
be
'
"
"
"
206
MEMOIRS
and
habits
new
he often
mars
OF
GRIFFIN.
European improvements ; or
their objectby engrafting
on
if he
them
does,
thing
some-
of his own."
"
I dare
"
introduce
time ago, wished
to
into his garden,with other
of the wheelbarrow
Tom,
some
the
use
English
"
"
meant
are
races,
some
to
of sound
the purpose
answer
sees
"
your
who
behind
You're
right,Frank"
remark.
cannot
the coaches
It
and
does
will
at
home,
y ou' re
seem
not
eh, Tom?"
"
right;
unmanly
retaliate.
see
to
the drift of
thrash
those
But
they'reconcrouching
your
fl
aside,"the native
tling
little fuss and ratsaluted,and after some
into a quiesof their huge sabres,had settled down
cent
in his own
state, each man
proper chair, and wear-
officers had
MEMOIRS
ing
his hat
OF
hravelyas
privilegioas
cum
207
GRIFFIN.
Lord
ray
Kin-
sale himself.
a smart
officer,
Light Boh,
superintending
young
cap,
in readiness with his recordingapparatus
his foolswas
and his pen and ink.
The
interpreter
opened his
to
hook, containingthe forms of oath to be administered
The
"
the
Christians,Mahomedans.
assembled
united
cordially
creed
The
and
colour
rightof
common
every
justice.
"
black-bearded
wrapped in many
pollutingtouch
the
administer
to
Hindoos, all
and
fold
or
Moolah
of
stood
by with
linen, to guard
Koran,
it from
the
look of the
the
marked
with bars
of ochre
and
also in attendance,
was
pigment,indicative of his sanctity,
holdingin his hands a brazen vessel,filledwith the Gurtja
a sprigof
jhull, or Ganges water, in which was immersed
On
these two
(as I was told)the sacred toohie.
bols,
symsulmans
foundations
of their respective
faiths, the Musor
and
Hindoos
are
sworn.
The
"
"
"
('(
'
The
first native
Mahomedan
After
sworn
was
Rustum
Khan,
an
old
subadar.
faith,he received
it from
of his
palms of
his hands, holdingit thus,with a look of profound veneration,
whilst the regimentalinterpreter
recited the form
of the oath, which he repeatedafter him.
The
Hindoos, received the vessel containingthe
in their hands,
and
to
were
sworn
Ganges water
in like manner.
judge impartially
The trial now
began.
The prisoner,
little black devil of a drummer,
a poor
the
Moolah
volume
on
the
208
MEMOIRS
asked
was
;
guilty
to
by
GRIFFIN.
interpreterif
the
which
OF
he
"
replied
Jo
he
guilty,or
was
ka
up
kooshee"
not
as
terprete
in-
or
the other."
Being, with
ignorant of
the
the examination.
that he
which
exception of
language,I could
the
reader
The
few
not,
may,
words, wholly
of course,
however,
lost any
not, in consequence,
it would
be of much
consequence
has
rest
follow
assured
information
for
him
to
obtain.
seemed
to
superintendingofficer and interpreter
have it all their own
way, rebuking crude judgments and
irrelevent questions,
"c. (justas a judge bothers a stupid
jury); layingdown the law to the subadars and jemadars,
nodded
like Chinese
who
mandarins, in deep
acquiescenceto their superior wisdom, saying "such
The
bhat
and
The
bhote
khoob."*
native officer,
before
coming
into
the
Court, has
of six) made
in five cases
out
generally(i.e.,
up his mind
after a long bhat cheet
(chat, or discussion,as to the
guiltor innocence of the party),touching both the act
and its criminality
sion,
; but is guided in his verdict or decinevertheless,pretty much
by what the European
officers may
him : his own
to
peculiarnotions of
say
justiceand good evidence are, perhaps,clear enough;
but, confused by European refinements, the sublimityof
self
which
his untutored
mind
cannot
reach, he yieldshimpassivelyto be guided by the dicta of the Sahib
Logue.
very
well.
MEMOIRS
witnessed
this mode
209
GRIFFIN.
OF
administering
justicein
of
sepoy
corps.
The
committee,
of
purpose
I need
is
veterans
admirable
one
strongly than
more
us
the firmest
foundations
at a
have
for further
occasion
to
it binds
listened
children,as
medals
pany
of
our
in
power
period of my
is
India.
has
his
workings.
native village,
recounted
scars,
after
two
or
rose-coloured
children's
deeds, showed
his
his
and
is
note
(though
had
from
house
was
to
me
gave
left for
been
always couleur
not
circulation
on
bearer
this,my
vast
being carried
The
XVIII.
billet,which
missives
there
career,
cerely
spoken with, I believe,sinof the "Kumof the generosity
gratefulfeelings
Angraiz Bahadour."
and
DAY
which
of
one
ently,
Frequ-
Indian
to
he
soldier
its admirable
observe
CHAPTER
A
the native
I have
with
service,
worn-out
advanced
more
I had
mities
infir-
or
age
active
describe.
not
an
validing
in-
an
for the
periodically
soldiers whose
unfit
them
was
The
to
attended
body assembled
examining those
rendered
which
the kind
thing of
next
in
India
house, and
in this way.
from Miss Lucinda
almost
"
little
of
me,
de
rose)
all
munications
com-
family to family,
it
was
written in
delicate
and
contained
soiree
music
"Here
"
from
is
your
an
in
invitation,
ale,on
her
mamma's
name,
to
the
followingevening.
an
(a provoke),Tom"
friend,the stout gentlewoman ;
said
invitation
shall
go?"
p
I,
we
210
MEMOIRS
"
Brownstout's
GEIFFIN.
the
Ob, certainly,"
was
Mrs.
at
OF
reply.
are
parties
"
I have
the
amongst
similar
one.
agreeable
most
Barrackpore;
well assorted
I like her
"
and
her
received
daughtersamazingly, having
the
unaffected
most
kindness
old
as
lady, indeed, looks upon me
if there were
not
insuperable obstacles
entendez-vous
?
I might become
Frank,
Perhaps, Tom," said I, "that's what
The
"
"
from
son,
and,
in
the
way,
so
"
No," repliedhe
she is
she
reality."
is
euvering
man-
proceeding;she
in
effect."
to
of such
both.
her
"
"
formly
uni-
schemer"
no
would
be
glad,no
her
marry
but would
to
"
"
You're
with you ?
offence to you, and
"
Say
more,
no
for
as
say
dear
my
cannot
If any
floor him."
I
touched
was
You're
by
word
my
hasty; but I
imputationon those I
againstyou, Frank, I'd
I
was
friend's
warmth.
generous
said I, squeezinghis
no
no
said
one
meant
"
were
jesting,and
you
of an
bear the shadow
regard.
fellow; I
"
"
mouth
"
warm,
"
hand
times
past.
stock
at
pretty often
battled
have
we
Do
pummelling we
"
Ha
! ha !
he had
us
caught
At
the
ourselves
out
brace
other's defence
in
"
; the fellow
cul-de
sac
thought
;
but
he
of Tartars."
appointed hour,
at
each
you
old Thwackum's
in
Mrs.
the
Brownstout's
evening,we
bungalow. From
next
found
the
212
MEMOIRS
there
Then
was
jokesin
the driest of
three
GRIFFIN.
jovialold
took
Tweed, who
the
OF
snuff
from
surgeon
of
out
the crahhedest
of tongues
and
two
or
visitants
to
the studied
in
Barrackpore,exhibiting,
well-tied
of
distinguG-looking civilians,temporary
attire and
the north
cravats,
of their
simplicity
to the
strikingcontrast
"
"
;
glitters
and
it
wanting
for
consideration
he
that
his
on
has
the
by
coat,
self
him-
comfortable
suff. of it in his
quantum
pocket.
Particularly
conspicuous amongst
at
Mrs.
soul
life and
the
Brownstout's,
was
the
sembled
ascompany
jocoseold collector,
of the
self
seemed
to feel himvery good-natured,
without danger of misconstruction, to be
privileged,
and
ill-favoured,
wondrously facetious
roundly declared were
rest
no
or
"There
peace
now
with
you
and
pettishly
away,
with
ladies, whom
young
all in love with him, and gave
me
deceased
years ; that he
the true friend
man
his
there it is
elbow, and
again;
you
see
that
pale ale,on
was,
of
he
had
whom
and
moreover,
been
he
had
old friend of
and
hunted
family,by
the
an
whom
godfather,and
he
sulted
con-
was
Though
weighty and important matters.
a
at bottom
systematicdrole or humourist, he was
of sound judgment and extensive knowledge,and the
on
"
tea;
major, with
touched
alone."*
I learnt afterwards
the
him
there
see,
Miss
as
company,
asked him to take some
let
he
attentions.
their incessant
the
she won't
the
most
all
benevolent
Shortly after
of human
we
had
kind.
entered,Mrs.
Brownstout
met
us
for
greetingwhich amply made up in cordiality
Maria
it might want
in refinement,and from
whatever
and Lucinda
received kind nods of recognition,
we
though
with
MEMOIRS
OF
There
busy to do more.
of
bravery,doing the honours
they
too
albums
the
the
and
make-
tea-table,exhibiting
good
kindness
obligingtact.
I've
"
the
and
Both
! Are
?
you
to
said
them
loves
my
Heartwell?"
at
directing,
lady,who
young
that
coloured
meet
moved
broad-shouldered
"
her
saying,and
Rattleton
So
it
small
turnouts
not
"
change the
to
that Miss
Julia
lovelyshe
how
looks
this
roses!"
is," he
replied
;
"
did
not
here."
after
across
young
pause
the
to muster
of Messrs.
he
Swiss
Gibson
sash,his
gracefully-tied
grenadierwings (of which he
and
Ensign
courage,
a
room;
fellow
raggie, or
tight,well-fitting
neatest
would
"
So
I declare
creatures;
both."
escapedour observation :
evening,with her tiara of white
to
all,with
to
estimate
of
your
littleblunt, a worthy
yours, is
the same
to
had
expect
the
in
is,though a
dear, sweet
marry
within
"
subjectfrom
Tom
"
I,
quitesure
you
attentive
sense,
But
towards
girlsare
mind
good
have
"
the mother
family;
woman,
most
right,Tom,"
"You're
this
the
endeavouring to
cheerful
happy"
at home
every one
limits of propriety
and
and
all their
in
were
caricatures,and
the
and
213
GRIFFIN.
was
fine,well-made,
too, and
in
his
white Cossack
trowsers,
especially
proud),
difficult to conceive a more
it would
have been
elegant
figure,or one in which youth, strength,and symmetry
were
more
happilyblended.
and
Tom
evidentlydid not wish to appear marked
excite more
than could be
observation
to
or
particular,
made
his approachesvery
well avoided ; he consequently
other
ladies of his
speakingto some
gradually,
young
acquaintancein the group before he addressed the oljet
and
I marked
of the
the
was
lip,and
seemed
ill to bear
aware
even
214
MEMOIRS
indifference.
this assumed
and, like
of
box
OF
GRIFFIN.
love
True
china,
be
must
is
brittle affair,
"
managed
flag,and
her crimson
tat-too
in other
words,
conscious
the
and
countenance,
full plainly
all that
lovelyJulia's
the
her bosom
told
little heart
beneath.
with
curious
a
"
tion."
cau-
unfurled
his
beat
rat-
blush
overspread
of
palpitations
passingin the
the
was
! his
consciousness
that
Poor
his
and
blushes
and
marred
by the
composure,
the object of observation
efforts at
he
her
was
"
tell-tale looks
all
admiration, were
too
of
mingled
palpableto
ness
tenderescape
notice.
"
It's all up
captainwhom
slighttouch
as
with
with
saw
alone, and
"
(children) and
as
in my
life
remain
he is.
as
ever
butchas
"
his elbow
dead
case
well, humph !
"
He'll think
bills
the
come
so
of
splice
better
too
when
let it
the
tumbling
in
togetherby-and-by."
Lucinda
gave
us
now,
at
the
charming
some
which
guitar,
desire
airs
to
of the company,
the accompaniment of the
of
some
she
touched
with
MEMOIRS
I have
which
with
dull
of
ear
since
heard
"
them
startle the
night."
good deal
often
215
GRIFFIN.
OF
of merriment
was
caused
by
the collector's
"
!
earnestness, and the young hands cried "encore
old colonel,present, exclaimed,
of his friends,an
animated
One
"
his
Why,
name)
you nautch
; I did not
Dilkhoob
(for that was
superbly,
at your time
expect such activity
of life."
"
Ah
! don't
"
five- and-
"
don't I ?
what
But
do you
only last
"
mean,
sir,by my
old
time
man.
gentleof life?
"
"
"
"
"
The
facetious collector
now
seated himself
near
very
the
"
"
her, sir."
"
"
216
MEMOIRS
"whitest,softest,and
the
that I think
hands
OF
GRIFFIN.
beautifullyturned
most
heheld
ever
doubt
if Sir
little
Koger
widow's
could have equalledthem.
Coverley's
these delicate fingers like a bevy of
Having run
the keys, as if to ascertain the
white mice
rapidlyover
force and tone of the instrument, she paused,looked up,
and, with a sort of girlish
waywardness,said,
Well, now, what am I to sing ?
Tom, with infinite obsequiousness,
pointed with his
fingerto an air he had selected it was Moore's exquisite
Those
Evening Bells," a song which will endure
song,
retains a rightperceptionof the touching
as
long as man
in the happiest
and the beautiful,and which
expresses,
have felt,when
that inexpliclanguage,what thousands
ably
of distant
sad and sadlypleasingmusic, the chime
bells floating
ing
softlyover hill and dale,falls on the listende
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
ear.
Sweet
bard
of
Erin
thoughts"translator
those paintedbubbles
of
old,
awakened
love and
rooted
of words
of
embodier
dumb
our
of
tenderest
our
emotions
"
fixer of
how
the touch
and
"
fallingon
finest chords
the
of the
heart,
in human
and
human
sympathies,and long
after thou hast joinedthe choir above, may thy melodious
strains float down
the stream
of time to delightthe latest
!
posterity
Julia sung this sweet
air, and several others, with a
she was
the
not
feelingand pathos which convinced me
soulless belle I had
she
at first imagined ; indeed, as
every noble
lovelyface.
sung,
No
wonder
hearts
and
poor Tom
though thingswith him
generous
far
was
had
emotion
gone
somewhat
beamed
la
from
her
Chatelar
happiertermi-
OF
MEMOIRS
nation
it was,
as
he
hung
217
GRIFFIN.
enamoured
her, delighted
over
followed,when
Several
other songs
silence was
at
The
Mr.
length broken
Dilkhoob, marching
a-kimbo,
her, arms
up
with
to
there
by
pause.
the old collector,
a
was
hostess,and
our
well-simulated
ing
address-
sternness
and
in the following
manner
:
severity,
I've a very
Mrs.
Major Brownstout," said he,
in
serious
of complaint against you,
madam,
cause
and
which
degreeimplicated,
your daughtersare in some
in which I will venture
to affirm I am
joined by all the
rest of the young
peoplein this party."
A
general smile and interchangeof looks between
dently
evithose present was
the result of this speech, deemed
the precursor of something merry.
Well, Mr. Dilkhoob," responded the old lady, who
seemed
what is my transto understand
gression
him,
perfectly
"
"
"
"
"
in
madam/'
"Why,
acted
"
most
said
in invitingso many
extraordinary
manner,
young
without
the
folks to your house, myself among
number,
their
here rubbed
givingthem a dance;" the young men
most
late to amend
too
but, madam, as it is never
that
I propose
faults,and correct our
backslidings,
tenant
do now
have a dance, and that my friend here, Lieu-
hands
our
we
"
and
AdjutantWigwell, be
part of his banditti
solicited
to
send
diately
imme-
'
capers.
"
"
218
MEMOIRS
!"
OF
GRIFFIN.
repeated
by many voices.
carried by acclamation, and
The
motion
was
and Adjt.Wigwellpostedoff an orderlyfor some
"Bravo
was
Lieut,
of the
musicians.
They
made
soon
of fellows
set
There
Tables
party
removed,
were
and
as
"
little
the
if
chairs thrust
gaged,
out, partners enportion of Mrs. Brownstout's
younger
suddenly bitten
and
by
tarantulas
mazes
of
for my
ing
whirl-
were
"
dance
the merry
partner,
as
well
;
as
neat
mode
of
one
in
the
eveningsI
pleasantest
had
yet spent
Bengal.
Miss
Julia went
her
home
in her
palkee;
Tom
and
corted
es-
making
littleby the
a
seven-leaguestrides,in order to converse
way ; I pelting
away after him as vigorouslyas the man
with the steam
leg,though not having an equal interest
in such
to
her
bungalow
on
foot
the
former
violent locomotion.
The
to bid
period was now
approachingwhen I was
adieu to Barrackporefor the Upper Provinces, and exchange
the life of mingled drill and gaiety,
of which the
idea,for
foregoinglittletableaux may serve to give some
of
and
one
constant
to
change from scene
scene,
in consonance
with a rovingdisposition.
more
I was
appointedto a regiment at Agra, but about to
move
to Delhi, the
capitalof India, and which is, or
was,
associated
in
our
minds
with
all, or
much,
that is
in Eastern
gloriousand striking
history.
A CaptainBelfield,of infantry,
of the
from Java, one
Indian army of occupationthere,going
up the country to
220
MEMOIRS
white
huwailie
kotee house
or
GRIFFIN.
OF
of
European residing
some
the banks.
on
We
and
the
from
his
makes
has
the
shore, we
in
had
view
that
which
the
to
progresses
wooded
beautifully
the
boats, and
other
among
dence,
resi-
country
Soonamooky,
or
and
extensive
which
adjoining,
ridingat anchor
distance
Governor-General's
passedthe
soon
park
river; also,
at
little
some
of the
pinnace,
high functionary
state
Provinces.
Upper
It
was
name.
On
we
rowed
along two
or
once
broke
rah
more
the
"
quarter
"
with the
three
bold
on
river, Calcutta
its forest of
"
"
"
and
of
scenes
titudinou
mul-
the
"
splendid
boats"
of
sweeps
coursing
after
scene
us
in
of commerce,
sion,
rapid succes-
diorama.
This
Upper Provinces,
rajahs,hill forts and Hindoo
temples,holy
amongst
shrines and sacred prayagas, groves resoundingwith the
Mahomedan
ruins of departed
cry of the peacock, and
grandeur,exploringthe haunts of the savage Bheel, and
of
pursuing the plundering
Pindarrythrough the scenes
and
his maraudings,familiarized with scenes,
manners,
and
customs
wearingthe impress of a hoary antiquity,
far removed
from
the go-a-headthings of European
as
civilization as
it is possibleto imagine,I once
more
found
myself off Calcutta.
With
of
"
my
mind
sleepyhollow
thus saturated
"
state
in
the
with
having come
new
over
ideas
me,
"
and
sort
the
MEMOIRS
recollections
of
OF
"father-land"
GRIFFIN.
221
fast
my
escaping from
first sight of the
still
tall
fondlytenacious grasp, the
of the shipping,as
masts
they hurst on my view, on
rounding a point,produced sensations of pleasureas
hard to describe,as difficult to be forgotten
were
; nor
these feelings
diminished, when, glidingpast the vessels
themselves,I read "London,"
Liverpool,"and so forth,
their sterns, and
beheld
the rough red-shirted
on
tars,
ruddy stalwart countrymen, as they gazed at us
my
the sides,or
over
lounged in groups on the forecastle,
and thought that in very truth but
brief period had
a
elapsedsince those fortunate fellows had been lying in
dear native land,
crowded
some
bustlingport of my own
"
"
with
faults,"still beloved
all her
and
dear
to
me.
visit
bosom.
I will
Indian
here
We
venture
brethren
of my
many
say there are
that which
who have experienced
feeblyattemptedto describe.
landed at Chundpaul ghaut,a spot
my
two
with
my
Anglo-
to
in
I have
memorable
in
Calcutta
some
incipient
acquaintance
grandiloquentfactotum
Chattermohun
Ghose.
From
the
the
ghaut we
fort,where
proceeded,in
Eattleton
and
I had
ticca
been
palankeens,to
invited
to
take
wonderful
will be
for
induced
hard
to
nut
it
crack, if
it be
attempt it,whether
the gallantFrenchman,
Brother
or
to
himself.
exceedinglywrong
to
be
proud
"
very
wrong
222
MEMOIRS
indeed
"
carried
know
at
GRIFFIN.
it ;
chin
my
OF
angle
an
always
forty-five
degreeswith
of
I
plane of the horizon, whenever
To
other
place d'armes.
bristling
the
and
discursive
than
mine, I
marched
into
that
must
grinmeets
you at every turn, as much
A-ha ! I've caught you, eh ! on
to say,
ne
as
pent
adjutants,
pas passer ici ;" in short, its guards,griffs,
and arsenals,crows,
scarps,
cookboys and countercauseways,
the broad
on
"
"
its mountains
all wonderful
and
of balls and
day
of
cannon,
hastened
after my
XIX.
arrival
Calcutta
at
Is
"
He
to
the
generalat
home
is, khodalund"
announce
Upon
me.
to
reaching the
of my palankeen.
my
pay
are
astonishing.
CHAPTER
THE
acres
"
bow,
"
Ha
! how
of
how
you
to
"
full
at
me
glad
to
lave my
"
sir ?
ye,
see
son
said
the
length,as
again.
you
But
I've
all your
prosadings."
Capsicum congratulatedme
healthy appearance,
with the
tipof her
"
I looked
there.
did
are
around
and
on
condescended
honourable
for the dear
my
to
continued
present
me
little finger."
with
or
was
not
ings;
painfulmisgivsome
other
mis-
OF
mind
MEMOIKS
fortune,flashed
on
my
223
GRIFFIN.
it is the
of
nature
some
"
"
drove
to
had
absent
up
been
entered
the
lightdim
house
the
whole
the
it
apartment;
and
it contained
day
Delaval, who
Mrs.
She
Calcutta.
in
late in the
was
uncertain,and I seated in
soon
evening,the
recess
the
near
window.
dear, have
"Well, Cordalia, my
friends and
Mrs.
you
commissions
executed
all your
kissed her
Delaval
affirmative,
adding,
in the
passage home
the civil service,is
and
to-morrow,
"
father, and
all
seen
your
"
answered
in the
to
Colonel
married
be
Oddfish
to
sends
Letitia
his
Flirtwell
bhote
bhote
salaam
to
and
you,
"
adventures
of
the
Junglesoor,and
night wore
away,
the battle of
the
As
general,who
mood
"
had
indeed,
we
been
for
had
sunk
to
and
long
time
some
into
that
after
in
recount
again
hogs.
ruminating
thoughtfulstate
a
which
"
down,
door,and, sitting
bade
me
me
to
shut
be seated likewise.
224
MEMOIRS
"My
"with
"
part,
GRIFFIN.
than
feeling
more
friend,"said
young
I wished
we
OF
to
words
few
say
probablyfor
most
alreadytold
uncle, as I have
to
you
I
ever.
takingmy hand
him display,
seen
in private
before
loved
and
you,
think
brave
your
I should
or
proper respect to his memory,
his nephew, did I not
offer ye
of counsel, the result of long experience.
showing a
duty towards
be
not
my
words
"
I'm
the
not
hypocriteto prache
to
you
doing
few
that I have
Life
is
and
game,
few
false
the outset, it
at
moves
be in your power
never
fullyto retrave ; it therefore
may
behoves
you to be cautious,and to weigh well every step
before you take it.
"
of your
regiment, beware
your
of these
the character
future
on
your
slow
will mainly depend. Be
in forming
When
join
you
associates, for
prospects
but
intimacies,
all.
to
glasswith
of gaming
"
Strive
laugh you
are
taste
same
time
and
courteous
to
to
out
not
and
live within
manes,
your
resolution to be
of your
;' for the time
'
let no
just before
man
you
will come,
take my word for
will rape the reward
of your self-denial.
of your profession,
and acquirea
yourselfmaster
for
rading
and
study;
mind
if
'
over
new
kind
generous
when
it,
you
Make
the
Observe, but do
love
not
at
adopt to
find
ye'll
"
in
or
the
MEMOIRS
strengthof
Hercules
OF
will
225
GRIFFIN.
enable
Europeans to brave
with impunity.
exposure to an Aistern sun
fixed principles
for yourself,
and let
Lay down
from them ; they are, if I
nothinginduce ye to swerve
moral
nature
; and
though
may so say, the helm of our
of
the
shoals of unthe gusts
avoidable
passion and caprice,or
not
"
course,
if
have
without
them,
we
drift away
all this.
to
tbese
but
drive
sometimes
difficulties,
may
of
our
shall
we
the sport of
destruction.
God knows
become
we
out
us
I've
to
rason
say
'
when
Acquire courage to say no
ye feel ye
ought, and thereby shun that rock of over-aisiness on
tunes.
which so many
a
youth has made shipwreckof his for'
for
"As
I lave
religion,
joke of
man's
good
no
desarves
any
man's
of
sort
professedobject,however
its
as
make
ye to judge for yourself;
whatever
has God's
glory and
respect
There's
good enough
stick
the
in
most
from
even
of
mistaken,
opponent.
an
them, if
would
we
but
practical
part ; perhaps,as my old moonshee,
Golaum
Hyder, used to say, it may be God's pleasureto
be approached in more
than one, so that we do it
ways
of heart.
with honestyof purpose and in singleness
"
to
Strive
that
make
to
friends,but
be
of
this
lastingthat is not
friendshipcan
at laist,
to
one
sterling
quality,
respect for some
no
waiknesses
many
when
all looks
overlook
in
which
we
all,more
or
think
may
this essential,but you will find
restingon
smilingyou
such
summer
assured,
rest
friends,you
based
redaim
on
the
less, inherit ;
otherwise, and
that
eventually
lean
on
broken
reed.
"
'
Till
prove
how
much
givedamages
it
off,and
done, fight
Q
226
MEMOIKS
sometimes
must
we
honourable
more
'
them, and
of
blood of
"
but
"
keep
to
tis
OF
avoid
he became
comrade
your
matter, I
on
'
quarrels
;
of them
out
dreadful
GKIFFIN.
than
back
to
out
hard
"
"
bless and
On
warm-hearted
evidentlyaffected,applieda key
was
to
ye !
saying this, the
prosper
This
silver snuff-box.
at it
and
wistfully,
trembled
upon
"
in his eye
tremblinghand
he rubbed
with
the
old-fashioned
an
his sleeve,looking
him.
There," said he
uncle
mark
with
he took
then
"
Irishman, who
which
little escritoire,
from
old
of his
"
that
belongedto
your
he gave it
forty-five
years ago
I
here present
now
regard;
it
poor
to
to
parted
de-
me
as
you
as
"
correctness.
Well, I bade
Capsicum
widow
softened
could
long
as
farewell
she bid
me
conceal
scarcely
to
the
general.
adieu, and
her emotion.
Mrs.
the charming
228
MEMOIRS
miles.
700
Es.
to pay
was
GRIFFIN.
made
"10,
100, or about
also ordered
Tom
agents, and
OF
his
for
journey of
visited his
jewellery,
sundry arrangements
connected
with
the
coming event.
of my
old shipacquaintances,
and
I sought out some
having transacted all necessary business, and ordered
Tom
and I returned in a hired
bolio to Barrackpore,
my
gig by land.
We
drove
through the native town, alive with its
heterogeneous population paroquets, fakeers, baboos,
of
avenue
palkees,"c., and through almost an unbroken
sixteen miles distant.
trees, to Barrackpore,
I
The next
day T called on Capt. Belfield,with whom
arrangedto departin two or three days. He proposed
"
that I should
far
as
to
be
of
expense
The
Miss
him
for
Belfield
time
some
"
was
to
me
briefly
expressedby
more
way up as
this,besides promising
my
respects, saved
me
the
cook-boat.
captainintroduced
with
other
agreeablein
on
his
had
sister,who
sided
re-
in Java.
lady
the
of
term
a
"
certain
old maid
age,"once
;"
out
she
old
old maid,
maid, nor a spiteful
a
intenselyblue old maid, nor
canting old maid ;
of
a
cheerful,bland, and intellectual woman
was
was
neither
nor
an
but
she
an
envious
with
mind
with religious
a
thirty-five,
deeply imbued
and not without a dash of sentiment.
feeling,
of
the milk
turns
Celibacy,which so often in women
kindness
human
in her, as sometimes
to
gall,seemed
happens,to have had the oppositeeffect,and to have
was
; in fact, all the world
given it additional sweetness
her lover, and
she had never
given her heart to one,
from
for mankind."
a feeling,
perhaps,that 'twas meant
Having lost her last survivingparent, a clergyman,
whose income, though large,
almost solelyfrom his
arose
she had been obliged to change the home
of
preferment,
her infancy for a
of gallinghalf-dependenceon
state
distant relatives,
who made
\iQifeeltheir kindness in the
"
MEMOIRS
least
by
manner.
pleasing
invitation
an
Capt.Belfield,to
in India
her
only
and
out
229
GRIFFIN.
this state
From
from
come
OF
and
she
bachelor
his
superintend
a happieror
and, certainly,
relieved
was
more
brother,
ment
establishamiable
never
seen
pairwere
together.
at what
Capt. JBelfield told me
ghaut his budgerow,
me
horse, and cook-boat were
lying,and recommended
his intention
bolio to the same
to send my
place,as it was
to quitBarrackporein a couple of days.
The next
two
days were
busily occupied in paying
farewell visits,packingup my valuables,as also in hiring
one
or
additional servants,
six.
which
two
to
I here recount
swelled my
occupations,and
the names,
ment
establish-
salaries of
the individuals.
First in the list was
de chambre,
and
old
an
Ramdial, sirdar-bearer,my
Hindoo,
with
wondrous
valet
frail porters
supfor Rs. 6
moustache
grizzled
; he served me
a trulyhonest
native,and would never
; was
per mensem
allow anybody to cheat me,
but himself.
Next came
Rumjan Khan, khitmutgar,or footman;
with
salary,Rs. 7 per mensem.
Rumjan served me
tillwe
miles above
Calcutta,when,
fidelity
got about fifty
not
findingthe air of the river to agree with him, he left
rather suddenly,
of my
with the contents
me
plate-chest,
a
"
"
to
The
third in
point of
and
rank
in
brace
my
of muffineers.
establishment
was
working,
Rs. 6 : a hardsalary,
harmless
who
creature,
pegged away at his
wash-board
iron
daily. A pretty wife, a large brazen
is unavoidable),and three fat naked
(the Hibernianism
piccaninies,
always on the crawl at the top of my bolio,
seemed
of his earthlytreasures.
to constitute the amount
Bahadoor
Khan, rnussalchee, or linkFourthly came
boy ; the provinceof this servant is to carry the torch,
and tea-kettle,
the saucepans
out
or
lantern,and to scour
Nannoo,
dhobee,
or
washerman
much
for
chasseur
230
MEMOIRS
salary,Ks.
OF
GRIFFIN.
not too
eight shillings,
for the decent clothingand
much, one would suppose,
and his family.
maintenance
of a man
river journey)
Next
(hired for his specialutility
a
on
terrible
came
a
Hyder Bux, bhistie,or water-carrier,
4 per
or
mensem,
thick-set
with a beard so
fellow; a devout Mahomedan,
bushy and luxuriant,that,with his hooked nose and large
alwaysreminded
ivy-bush.
eyes, he
Last
me,
was
of
me
owl
an
lookingout
of
on
the
I shall draw
to
peculiarduties
of Nuncoo, but others I shall particularize
; they were,
of Hector
I was
the care
the bull-dog,and Teazer
the
terrier,in preparingdailyfor
going to say soi-disant
them
of rice and turmeric, with a few
a
very largemess
small bits of meat
interspersed.
Poor Bull, this Gentoo
fare,I suspect, but ill agreed
with your Whitechapel constitution,
and seemed
to hasten
a
veil
over
of
an
some
the
"
"
your end.
The prospect of
change was
regret
my
at
friend
affection.
very warm
Rattleton was
equallysorry to
as
the
to
he wished
me
to
be
part with
present
capacityof bridegroom'sman,
take placein ten days.
"
Frank,
said
seven,
but
must
we
he; "I
must
It is needless
of what
pass
to
trouble
the
be
of
the
for whom
Tom,
at
and
had
particularly
marriage,in
me,
his
which
event
was
last
gether,"
evening cosilytowith Julia till half-past
the evening I am
yours."
reader with
any account
this the last
and me,
in
passed between Tom
evening of our sojourntogether;past hours were revived
and future pleasuresanticipated.Tom
spoke in rapture
of his approaching happiness,and
of the liberality
of
the young
lady'suncle, who had alreadypresentedthem
with a new
bungalow.
MEMOIRS
"
one
She's
said
angel,Frank,"
an
231
GRIFFIN.
OF
he,
"
if
there
ever
was
on
you
way
the
row,
took
after ; he
by
time
some
There
of
gleam
lover
the
time
next
each
still
was
dash
of
particular
down.
was
years
It
other, not
sadness
other,
some
was
having
our
in
was
ing.
greet-
it, like
of
wintrysunlight. The joyous anticipations
had long since subsided
into the cares,
the
of
predictions
realized.
sort
some
met
we
discovered
we
full,true, and
mere
for
! the
little
an
promising to write to me
of the wedding.
account
Tom
it?
CaptainBelfield's budge-
to
he
Poor
sant
plea-
so
forth."
so
accompanied me
we
be
the
The
and
the husband
father.
in
is
true, in due
"
vacant
time, become
; but, in the interim,
king had arisen,who knew not Joseph," and
another
Tom
had
in consequence
failed
to
to
send
her
on
it.
obtain
the brow
of the
once
accumulating,children
health was
beginning to
of some
the expense
sand
thouthe painher die before his eyes, were
ful
"home,"
rupees, or see
alternatives between
at
which
he would
shortlyhave
to
choose.
Even
"
Tom
himself
vulyb, the
of beer-shrob
complained
liver
"
and
of
could
not
of yore ; a
in fact,had set in upon him.
difficulties,
Just before we met, he had sustained
river disaster
by which
as
; his
horse-boat
ment
hepaticderange-
had
been
buggy,two
not
uncommon
wind,
upset by a whirlhorses,and other
232
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
with
He
the
had
boat, as if
of
had
He
old
sustain
to
discovered
that
the
delicate
Julia
neum
had
send
her
off;
succeda-
only
the shades
fant
in-
slumbers.
available,a
rendered
to
child's
marched
despair. The
in
was
his
dosing his
huff, and
took
by
another, though
in the habit of
native nurse, was
with opium, that it might not disturb
threatened; madam
adage.
occasioned
dhye, or
Tom
went
servants
the shock
from
he had
different kind.
his
verifythe
to
barelyrecovered
of
Three
compensation.
no
could
he
goat,
below.
who
Much
hadst
small
on
must
of Tom's
forms
occurred
much
the
on
occasion,
other
some
the
sub,
but
move;
"
with
the
"
would
Trim
married
rest
for it
say,
and languidinvalid
shawled, be-capped,
nearlyomitted to mention
the previousday, with
on
unexpected visit
an
kept
part of it."
belle
I had
story,"as Corporal
I could
the
to
and
it for
In Julia"
"
thou
means,
reserve
and
sons
should
I had
be made
from
my
indeed
"
lookingon
light of
the
circumstance
which
room."
ball-
which
it is of
tance
impor-
acquainted to wit,
"
friend
Chattermohun
Ghose.
going into
On
of
chattels
Tom's
to
my
extremityof it,his head
some
one
going
like that
of
nese
Chi-
mandarin.
I discovered
for
me.
that these
I advanced
profoundsalaams
towards
the
automaton,
were
intended
and
imme-
MEMOIRS
OF
233
GRIFFIN.
diatelyrecognizedthe patriarchal
proprietorof
effective children
him
"five
denominations/'Chattermo
of various
"
Ghose.
"
Hah
said I.
"I
!
"
Chattermohun, my
What
brought you
"
"
came,
gentilmauowe
learn by chance
I think
that
master
duty to
my
;
great obligation
master
respect; master
my father,to whom
pay
is
fore
; there-
ishtayinghere
was
make
my
me
lasting
ever-
will be due."
gratitude
As
for being your
father, Chattermohun," said I,
laughing, no one would suspect that, for if I am not
mistaken, you are old enough to be mine ; and why you
should be so grateful
towards me, I cannot
imagine."
Some
well
that
has
writer
observed,
gratitudeis too
often but a lively
of favours to come
;" to Asiatics,
sense
natives of India, at all events, this remark
or
applies
with more
force than to Europeans in general. That my
friend Chattermohun's
gratitudepartooklargelyof this
became
prospectivecharacter,soon
abundantlyapparent.
will shortlygo ope contree?"
"Master
I understand
Yes, Chattermohun, I'm off to-morrow
please the
?"
pigs; have you any commands
"
"
"
"
"
"
No, sair,command
Here
got
"
but
sumed
repause ; after which, Chattermohun
his plan of operationsin the usual wily styleof
was
Bengalee ;
the
not
one
any
of whom
in the Minories.
"Does
master
an
"
air of
perfect
Captain Belfil,
"
"
"
234
MEMOIRS
to go up river by ownself.
young
Belfil will be in paymaster bis'ness
think
much
little too
but
GRIFFIN.
OF
Master
"
got
?"
he
believe
has
paymaster of
"
other.
But
Chatteror
invalids, somewhere
now,
mohun, my
good fellow, make yourselfscarce, if you
please,for I've
very busy."
plaguy deal
raised his
Chattermohun
attend
to
to, and
be
must
in
hand, enveloped
its snowy,
made
me
a
muslin
"
"
"
To
? for what
whom
1 do I know
the d
of
"
Chattermohun
you,
? what
"
"
"
Oh, oh !
objectof
and
gratitude,
the
"
said
your
"
I think
must
have
my
Chattermohun
became
eh !
me,
honour,
for
not
try it by sap
those
I
; so
in his
that
to do
who
me
cannot
promised
favour,and
this is
everlasting
"
great benevolence
paper
To
and
of your
? "
newly-dubbed paternity
I liked Chattermohun
storm,
Chattermohun
Mr.
visit to
sair, 'pon my
"No,
master
my
I,
only, but
favour."
to
it
by
certifyon
carry
little more.
de voyage.
compagnon
They say there is no word for gratitude in the native
language,and consequentlythat the qualityis unknown ;
our
Chattermohun
certainly,
was
be
than
can
so.
Gratitude
is
him,
to
grateful
as
far
was
certainlymore
as
but
me,
poor
in his
fellow,
power
easilyprofessed
to deny that it
236
MEMOIRS
fellows
as
OF
their namesakes
GRIFFIN.
home,
at
fourteen
or
sixteen miles
day ;
waistcloth
rag or
the boats
a
each
the
at
has
man
rate
stout
latter he
over
his
shoulder.
In
the
ascending,
made
seldom
are
oars
of,excepting
use
and
by
taken
in
from
colonial governors
and which once
served
the
purposes
coaches
do
in
Lord
the
at
common
the
than
state
at
in India
use
barges,once
present,
also in London,
of transit
as
more
state
in the
amongst
has
olden
dently
eviused
dage,
appen-
time,
great which
the
soon
left
"
"
rather so-so,
and
pretty Roman
cream
cheeses,which
Catholic
chapeland
MEMOIRS
OF
237
GRIFFIN.
the
of
hour
joy
and
relaxation.
Belfield
before tea, to
proposed a saunter
his sister and myself gladlyassented ; and it was
which
before
agreedthat we should explorethe little paraclete
Captain
which,
us,
were,
and
modest
reposingin
tranquilly
captaintook
The
Javanese
often
in its pure
wood,
on
expatiated
;
tendered
arm,
my
stick,a
his
the
Miss
like
the
merits
whiteness, seemed,
mingled
which
Belfield,bonneted
an
attentive
chaprasseeand
and
light.
twi-
of
shillelagh
stout
of
moon
it
as
some
he
afterwards
and
scarfed
young
and
man,
black terrier,
captain's
first evening'sramble.
our
Thug, we commenced
How
delightfully
tranquilis your evening hour in
far as my
Belfield.
"As
India!"
said Miss
experience
almost
say it compensates for the fiery
goes, I should
of the day."
sun
said
the
It is a relief,certainly,"
captain. Old
Phoebus'
disappearancebelow the horizon in this country,
and the effect produced by it on man
and beast, remind me
of that which
usuallyfollowed the exit of my old preceptor
from the school-room
and rejoicing."
a generaluproar
followed
by
the
"
"
"
"
CHAPTER
little church
of
Bandel
XX.
is
pleasing,modest
its white tower, cross, cloisters,and adjoining
structure"
house
and garden, creating a pleasingillusion ;
priest's
the spectator in imagination(forgetting
he
transporting
is in India) to the orange
groves of Portugalor Madeira.
sound
The
to
we
as
slowly
vesper bell had ceased
entered the building. The
invested with a
interior was
broken
deepening gloom, but partially
by the waning
lightof evening,which, streaming in at the windows,
THE
238
MEMOIRS
chequeredthe
OF
GRIFFIN.
it were, with
as
pencilling,
record
its sad and sober ray, the touchingbut evanescent
of another departingday.
when
Within, all was silence and repose, save
slightly
broken
by the closingof a door, or the echo of a distant
pavement,
worn
footfall.
altars, with
of the
splendid adornments
Romish
ritual,
"c., sparkled
throughthe
tapers,crucifixes,
dim, religious
light of the place,whilst here and
their
there a few solitary
native Portuguese women,
on
The
their
"
"
knees, met
The
our
scene
eyes,
absorbed
in silent prayer.
solemn
was
thoughtsfled,and
of devotion
and
deep sense
fell upon
light
impressive; my
of the holiness
We
me.
moved
and
liness
love-
through the
along,
of Bandel
?"
"
been
I have
Belfield ;
said
the
what
do
Ann!"
"Well,
"
with
'
Even
Of
any
"
captainto
you
think
his
sister,as
of the
old
greatlypleasedwith it,"answered
me,
the
you
chapel
Miss
know,
faintest relics of
worship
we
wake
some
shrine
thought divine.'
trulythere
is
"
MEMOIRS
the
defects
of
OF
and
its tenets
contains
the very
doctrines,Romanism
questionably
un-
poetry of religion."
! my
dear
exclaimed
"
captain, what
"would your old friend Parson
Martext, of Long SomerFie ! fie !
he to hear you talkingthus ?
ton, say, were
The
term
it,"continued
misty past/ as you poetically
CaptainBelfield (who, I began to discover,was a matterof-fact-man,who had curbed and double-bitted his fancy,
and was
not
perhapsquiteso orthodox as he should have
been), is too often a regionof delusion,in which flying
the dull realities of the present,the feelings
and imagination
of moral mirage rests upon
love to revel
sort
a
it. With
too
as
they approach it,judgment
many,
abandons
the reins of the understanding,whilst enthusiasm
"Ann
Ann
"
239
GRIFFIN.
the
"
"
seizes
and
them,
drives
Heaven
away
knows
whither.
"
"
"
"
'
"
deal
vast
too
and
solemn
didactic.
are
Hoogly
ramble.
you
care
would
Mr.
please.
how
be
you
walk
over
our
too,
the
on
which
table !
plank;
your
we
your
board
once
more,
on
to
we,
Here
are,
young
caviare
backs.
finale to
chilling
sister
Gernon, give my
Here
our
are
subjects
spring of life,to
so.
then, take
sure
These
those
you
I'm
we
Now,
dip in the
evening's
hand, if
our
first-
rate."
was
not
"
240
MEMOIRS
cabin, in
Indian
worm-eaten
characters
GRIFFIN.
and
covers,
in
all
of
sorts
crambo
what
not
OF
"
bulk.
maintained
He
had
a
hobby, and
his
book
in
are,
we
the world
was,
we
indebted
acknowledge;
to
received
have
thingsin generalfrom
fact,more
most
time
that
men,
writing
almost
East,
the
it suits the
than
and
that
at
moreover,
it" that
to
prove
notions of
raw
Captain Belfield,like
for
"
after
now,
all
to
our
which
policy of
a
or
score
two
centuries,we
dicta
"
faith which
researches.
post-griffinish
better grounds to go upon than
by
colonel,who
took
and
prove, that
the Irish,that Sanscrit was
a
up the
endeavoured
proved,or
sprung from
their vernacular, their
than
more
natural
for bulls
partiality
and placability
of
perary.
On the
field
became
and
contested
games
veneration
and
been
the
old
Irish
which
won
to
them
proposition,
the
Hindoos
corruptionof
cow
nothing
their well-known
mildness, temperance,
stronglyof Tip-
all smacked
race
down
for the
from
that the
absorbed
sat
;
to
victorymeekly enough,
perceived,that it would not
my
too
not
the
of
converse
transition
the
evening to
soon
Belfield
has
my
had
He
are
am
Captain Belreferring,
in
his
chess.
books,
We
whilst
had
two
Miss
well-
though I bore
or
thought I
perceived,
to repeat my
triumphs
both, and
I
do
often.
Chess
or
beaten
how
fine,intellectual game, no doubt, but, someother, a sad tryer of the temper ; and, whether
is
or
unless possessed of
victorious,
more
than
or-
MEMOIRS
dinarytact
and
OF
241
GRIFFIN.
self-command, you
may
chance
to
quarrel
versation,
con-
destination.
my
My knowledge of
Indian
ornithologybeing extremely
limited, I declared war
againstall of the feathered race
that presentedthemselves
the paddy-birds
particularly
and snippets. The first,
ing
aboundof small crane,
sort
a
in the rice-fields,
and which it is considered by sportsmen
of Johnny-rawism to shoot, under
the acme
the
impressionthat they are game ; the second, a sort of
sand-lark, which
runs
ducking along the banks of the
to
river,and are so tame, being accustomed
boats, that
it is difficult to make
them
take wing. These, in my
for
I took
simplicity,
Bengal snipes,and sometimes,
batteryon them
poor little devils,opened a point-blank
from
bolio window, knocking them, of course,
to
my
"
"
immortal
smash."
warnings
some
to
Captain Belfield,a
the
of
avoid
few
and
inklingfrom Tom
of such
with
proceedings,
reserved for
them, though it was
new
days after we left Hoogly, to re-
admonition, with
an
better effect.
This
arose
out
the
followingoccurrence.
returned
one
evening
his
242
MEMOIRS
GRIFFIN.
OF
turkey),four snippets,
three doves, a gillarie,
five paddy-birds,
or
stripedsquirrel,
a
braminy kite,and a jackal.
The boats were
justcoming-to,the poor dandies, after
hard day's pull,
a
winding up their tow-lines, and old
himself
Phoebus
just sinking to rest, spreading his
glorioushues over the broad bosom of the Bagheriti,as,
shot, thinking he
was
wild
Spent with
Weary
I made
search
long explorationamong
paddy fields,and
groves,
of game.
mango
after
appearance,
my
toil,
extreme
faint,
and
kates,* in
sugar-cane
"
"
"
"
course
"
Oh
"
sir,"said
capital,
I ; "all in that
bag, and
more
besides."
"
"for
"
"
are
Quantity,certainly
; but what
they? added he,
that, after all,is the main point."
Pray bring them on board," said Miss Belfield ; I
"
curious
am
to
see
of the Indian
some
in what
"
exhibit
opportunityto
shall
So
to ascertain
game,
at home."
see
them
the
of my
contents
went
board, and
on
an
"
bag ;
you
joined my friends on
the bag, and Nuncoo
laugh,as
of
immediately."
I
saying,
captain,albeit
I, glad
Ramdial
man
grave
tumbled
the
!
*
Gods
! how
the
ordinaryoccasions, did
on
out
Ye
Plantations.
contents
of my
copia
cornu-
244
MEMOIRS
have
we
'
shoot
"Mr.
rightto slay,it
only what you can
Gernon," said
brother
undervalues
OF
is
GRIFFIN.
in
not
'
eat
is
Miss
maxim."
good
Belfield, "though
be
sport, it may
your
wantonness
mere
my
consolation
some
at
me,
that
parting,
all on
I would
do
Will
so.
you,
therefore,
ded,
the poor jackalincluto-morrow,
"
and you shall group whilst I sketch them ?
"
Capital! said I ; with the greatest pleasure; and
bring them
"
board
"
we'll have
Nuncoo
as
the Indian
in
huntsman
the
ground:
fore-
wickedly,"in this
little dedication
the
the fine arts, be working out
to
utilitarian principle,
as
captain's
appliedto sporting."
Captain Belfield was as good as his word ; he put his
double-barrelled Manton
together,after a long repose
if not in
in its case, where, in dust certainly,
apparently,
shall," I
we
ashes, it had
mourned
added
rather
of
its state
out
inaction, mustered
sallied in the
we
noon
after-
spot in
the
this
have
"
was
(thereis
of
long
in
discovering;to
the
to
ascertain
river where
the
little,
comparatively,
but
been
able
soon
neighbourhood
the
to be found
was
game
in
great kindness
I
them
should
we
probably
accordingly
and abundance
partridges,
differ in the
of real snipes,
which
I perceiveddid not
smallest degreefrom
preme
English ones ; and I had the suof bagging something more
felicity
respectable
than paddy-birds
and snippets,
which I afterwards treated
went, and
with
The
hares, black
found
proper
contempt
long on the
sportsman, fired a capitalgood stick
the black
knocked
partridgesabout,
twice,
or
; indeed,he once
great style
although he
captain,
retired list
as
nevertheless,and
rightand left,in
had
been
so
MEMOIRS
OF
245
GRIFFIN.
"
sportingphrase, wiped
nose"
in a very off-hand
proofs of his
manner,
my
with which
I could have
as
a marksman
readily
powers
in the face,
dispensed; as next probably,to a smack
than
there are few thingsmore
having your
disagreeable
"nose
wiped."
the
inform
The
black
partridgeof India, I must
the male's),
reader,is a beautiful bird ; its breast (i.e.,
glossyshining black, spangledwith round and clearly
the
the long grass on
denned
white spots; its haunts
are
it creeps,
borders of jheelsand marshes, from whence
in the
mornings and evenings,into the neighbouring
to borrow
not
very
delicate
cultivation.
When
certain
like
from
his mode
it would
rising,
appear otherwise.
It will be long ere
I forget the thrill of pleasureI
experiencedwhen I dropped my first black partridgeon
this occasion,and how
pompously, after ascertaininghis
I consigned him to my bag, taking him
specific
gravity,
nation.
out about every five minutes, to indulgein another examiof
It is difficult
which
I then viewed
to
my
express
quondam
paddy-birds.
The
prodigiousquantityof
the
contempt
with
friends,the snippets
and
of
some
the shallow
to
clouds
of
water-fowl
to
be
seen
on
culated
jheelsof India, is well calastonish the European beholder.
I have seen
them rise from
such sheets of water, particularly
lakes
or
246
MEMOIRS
gentlyto earth
as
description,
coloured
nor
OF
GRIFFIN.
do I think
this
cordon
on
the
is
have
exaggerated
an
the
seen
flame-
wing.
of doing things
been
Having now
put in the way
accordingto rule,I no longer,as I have before binted,
molested
such ignoblebirds and beasts as, in my state of
did I nail
wont
to destroy. No
more
innocence, I was
from my bolio window
the unhappy snippets
to the bank
disturb the 'lorn cooings of the turtle-dove in her
nor
of mango
of No. 6 ;
bower
shade, by a rattling
irruption
but in a steady,
form, accompaniedby Kamsportsmanlike
laden with
dial (who, by the way, had no sinecure of it),
chattah
(umbrella),
game-bag, and brandy-pawney bottle
and
in leathern
Nuncoo, the dog-keeper,with
case,
almost dailyin the jheels
Teazer
and the bull dog, I was
and swamps,
mud-larking after the ducks and snipes.
The reader will think,probably,and I am
not disposed
of his opinion,
that bull-dogs
to questionthe correctness
be selected for
not the best of the speciesthat can
are
snipe-shooting.
member
Granted, I say again; but he will be pleased to rethat there are such disagreeable
thingsas tigers
and wild boars (and great bores they are
too) to be met
with
an
It therefore
in India.
struck
me
that,in
of
case
with one
other of these creatures,
or
unexpectedrencontre
the bull-dogmight do good service,by making a
diversion
in
my
favour, and
in
concert
attackingthe
check,
with
Teazer,
keeping him
many
in
valiant
and
none
before
or
since
have
been
like
unto
MEMOIRS
Had
ye !
I then
described
have
set
for
up
247
GRIFFIN.
second
in
paradise,snipe-shooting
been
infallibly
enjoyments!
The
OF
included
amongst
Mahomed,
a
and
jheel would
its most
nent
promi-
posed
Bengal is a dead flat,comof a rich alluvial soil,in a high state of cultivation.
Palma
other tropical
Rice, sugar-cane,
Christi,and fifty
flourish luxuriantly,
the sightby
and charm
productions,
their novelty.
The
face
mango,
and
towns
of
the
villagesare
scattered
here
and
groves
of
numerous
there, but
interesting
or
matting being the preappearance,
dominant
materials with which
constructed.
are
they
Still the vastness
of the population,
the number
and
varietyof the boats on the river,transportingup and
in
their
down
mud
the
rich
and
varied
produce of India,
and
the
wont
to term
Some
old
it,and which
and
had awakened
magnificentbanyan
whose
tortuous
boa-constrictors,overhung the
tree, exhibitinga
roots, like sprawling
village maidens
fadinglike phantasmagoric
stream;
248
MEMOIES
than
friend Tom
my
OF
GRIFFIN.
Eattleton,comprisingmany
standard
Indian
"c.; to
history,
geography,antiquities,
no
these, for he was
monopolistin any shape,he kindly
free access, and when
not
occupiedby blazing
gave me
in aiding Miss
Belfield in her graphic
at the snipes,
or
I found in his library
stores
an
operations,
ample fund
works
of
on
amusement.
of the
Hindoo
How
Pantheon.
genuine, how
of
bonhomie
Mutakhereen!
the
refreshing,by
Mahomedan
with
the
author
of
way,
the
is the
ul
seer
and
naivete
simplicity
does he relate the
valiant
doings of our
countrymen in the earlytimes of Anglo-Indian history!
His comparison of the red Feringhie* soldiers,firing
in battle,to a long brick wall,belchingforth fire and
what
grave
sayings and
smoke, is admirable.
Law, and
Beebee
the
And
how
excellent
the
stern
reproofadministered
story of
to
the
the young
noble
at Patna, by
fawning Asiatic parasite,
the former tried to
the sturdyEnglish commander, when
himself
ingratiate
by insultinghis fallen enemy, the
!
Frenchman
gallant
How
too, when
striking,
recording these acts, the
and
astonishment
with which, as if irresistibly
energy
impelled thereto, he apostrophizesthe virtues of the
their
English their high-souledcontempt of death
"
"
under
fortitude
likeningthem
Asiatic
is
no
reverses,
to
the Rustums
types of valour
moral
sense,
adverse
an
! admirable
still minuter
myself,did
moderation
and
in
success
Noushervans
of
; showing that
justice
"
old,
there
nobleness, which
of habit,climate,and education
eternal standard
wholly obliterate
whollyconventional !
oh
and
circumstances
can
And
and
destroy
or
"
Orme
! thou
of
that
minute
virtue
is
not
chronicler of
European.
250
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
of the
example of the tortuosityof the course
and of the way in which both it and the great
Bagheriti,
Ganges abandon their beds and form new ones, leaving
miles of their former channels unoccupied,or formed into
stagnant lakes,was afforded at, Augurdeep,a few miles
from
Plassey.
After a long day'sjourney (some fifteen or sixteen
had
that we
observed, to our great surprise,
miles),we
halted within a few hundred
yardsof the spot from whence
of boats moored
had set out in the morning, the masts
we
mus,
there being visible across
neck of land, or istha
narrow
connecting with the main land the peninsulawe
had been all day circumnavigating.
This isthmus, in after years, was
cut through,the river
beatingin full force againstit,leaving,of course, a great
of channel dry, If Olive's victory,
extent
therefore,had
it
left no more
than the field on which
lastingmemorial
should know
but little about it.
was
we
gained,
We
ill success,
at least Miss
at our
were
disappointed
Belfield and I j for the captain
that matters
had anticipated
be as we
would
found them.
I, however, consoled myself
An
with
determination
I had
formed,
raise
to
monument
which
than the one
durable
victorya little more
had justdisappeared.I made
to compose
a
up my mind
the conquest of Bengal ; Olive,of course,
on
poem, an epic,
the hero, and Plasseythe scene;
batants,
which, like the comon
I proposed to put forth all my
strength.
I had
for some
of the divine
days felt the stirring
afflatuswithin me, a sort of boilingand riotingof vast
of the
ideas
or
too
for
delivery,
I stuck
found, for
afterwards
vast, alas ! I
fast
at
"
utterance
Olive."
Immortal
days more
brought us to the station of
Burhampore. The day before we arrived,Captain Belfield received a letter from
old acquaintanceat the
an
station,one Colonel HeliogabalusBluff,begging him to
Two
or
breakfast
day
*'
or
two
three
and
en
dine
route.
with
him
The
on
the
morrow,
letter thus
and
concluded
you
pass
:
shall,of
course,
MEMOIBS
be
glad
to
the
see
dolee, which
pray
OF
251
GBIFFIN.
Beebee
Sahib
present
to
too
herewith
send
her, with
bhote
my
b/iote
salaam.
"
field is
child."
violent fit
attacked with a most
Captain Belfield was
that
of laughter on
my making this remark, and I saw
I had been once
more
unwittinglygriffinizing.
he
When
"
had
Gernon," said
little recovered
he,
"it
will
add,
his
composure,
perhaps, to
intend
I tell you, that we
said dolly for dinner, and shall expect you to
it."
astonishment
when
Saying this,he
ordered
article to
the
sat
Who
is the
at tea
in the
this
your
eat
the
partakeof
brought in,
be
was
basket
of
"
morning, and
fine fruit ?
to
to
whom
are
we
indebted
for
all this
"
"
Why, Colonel Bluff,"said her brother,"an old fellowcampaigner of mine, a very rough subject; and though
he is my friend/ as Mr. Dangle, in The Critic,'
says, I
must
far from agreeable
a very eccentric and
acknowledge,
'
'
character."
/'Oh!
like much
pray
to
describe
have
an
him
said
fully,"
eccentric
character
delineated,for,
have become
in this age of refinement,men
so
very much
like one
another, that a person marked
by any peculiarity
is as enlivening
as
a
rock, or other bold feature, to the
sight,after having
of
low
and
level
been
of him."
252
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
to
eat
to
live,for
of his time is
ing
occupiedin devishis farm-yard,educating
dishes,or superintending
his fat China
pigs, and looking after his tealery,and
and sheep.
quailery
He has a constant
supplyalwayspouring in for him
from
Calcutta, of exotic and expensiveluxuries
beer,
hams, Perigordpies,
champagne, pine cheeses,Yorkshire
liberal
pigs'cheeks, and the like of which he is certainly
enough ; for no prince can be prouder than he is when
of his table,making his gastronomicaldisplays
at the head
passing
; in short, he
greatlyprides himself on the surexcellence of his breakfasts and dinners, though
those
who
often, as their price,
partake of them must
and brutality
of mansubmit quietly
to all his coarseness
ner.
Folks in India do not generally
trouble themselves
about
much
least,not so far as to
English politics
; at
identifythemselves stronglywith the sects and parties
which
are
everlastingly
worryingeach other at home, and
remind
who
of vultures
and jackals here
me
over
a
he lives
eat, and
ought
we
to
much
"
"
"
carcase.
"
and
Colonel
has
king man,
Bluff
is,however,
an
exceptionto
the
rule,
always set himself up for a great church-andand"a violent high Tory, delighting
in talking
violent
fellow, and
terribly
when
excited by a few glassesof wine, pounds the table,
all
and makes
the glassesdance again,as
he denounces
Whiggery and Kadicalism.
of
such
"
an
subjects.
He
is
all his
'
'
more
of
than
Miss
More's
MEMOIRS
253
GRIFFIN.
OF
a
feelingin
compound of Ion vivant and politician,
which
I expressedmy heartyparticipation.
You
be on your guard how you comport yourmust
self
for
I
before him, Gernon," said the captain,
assure
to griffins,
cuttingthem up right
you he shows no mercy
"
"
and
left,when
he
once
with
commences,
fully
unmerci-
most
rough raillery."
had
"He
formidable
better leave
shake
of
sir,and
you know,
his Oliver/'
"
You'd
the
captain;
than
banks,
for
fellow,"replied
griffin
stouter
many
mand,
com-
Rowland
dear
his
whilst
his head.
umbrella, over
this
be
must
"
Kisha
"
Bilfil Sahib
It
Colonel
budjra hyr
"
ka"
we
very
orderlysepoy,
"
reached
we
little before
the
an
under
not
givehim
may
demolished
he has
morning
next
pore, and
by
I'm
are."
you
The
attempt it,my
better not
"
"
head
the
rather
me
held
bearer
chattah, or
impossibleto
was
taken
be mis-
Bluff.
?)
(CaptainBelfield's),
replieda
(whose
is that
boat
servant.
"
them.
seem
and
have
back
come
used
to
the
well,though
you
cut
Qui-Hye's ?
; you
aint
herringguttedlookingfellow
alantern-jaw'd,
be
to
"
! haw
haw
'
joinedus first,as
day'swashing.'as
used
"
to
say
"
haw
You
thin
were,
the Dutchmen,
as
"
they
half such
you
used
recollect,when
you
after
o'
hard
a ha'porth
as
a
soap
father's old north country gardener
my
! haw
"
see, colonel ;
254
I
MEMOIES
OF
GRIFFIN.
congratulateyou on any
respect."
Why, man, you don't expect
can't
that
"
stumps,
ever
or
woman,
of
your
child
women,
won't
come,
"glad
to
the
her ;
But who
see
for you
breakfast
for no
you know
Beebee
?
have
of old.
me
where's
as
all
you
man,
Talking
sister ? she'll
Bluff's
the
compts
honours
to
you
"
Belfield ?
friend of mine,
young
join his regiment,under our
Oh, it's
going to
stir
come,
ham
My compts" Colonel
always proud to do
she?
the ladies.
"
living
;
But,
stumps ! breakfast's
I wait
teeth in.
where's
haw!
capitala
as
compliment an
med/
compliments cram-
with
stir your
man
alteration in
to
me
haw!
"
your
'
material
Ensign Gernon,
and
convoy
tection."
pro-
eh ! a greenhorn:hungry as
a
hunter,
griff,
I'llbe sworn
alongwith you, bringhim along,
; bring him
Rare
and we'll fillhim
to play
out.
fellows,your griffs,
fork
trencher-men.
I'd sooner
rare
a knife and
keep
haw!"
of them a week than a fortnight haw!
some
But
colonel,had you not better take your breakfast
with us? it's ready,and then we'll walk
up and spend
the rest of the day with you."
with
if I do : d'ye
Breakfast
you ! No, hang me
"
Oh
"
"
("
"
to insult
mean
shore, with
with
him
No,
come,
shot
hardly a
with
sir?
me,
in
What
man,
after
voyage,
heard
such
I
along,or
come
his
Yorkshire
never
must
proposalin
march
you
all my life !
all up under
file of Jacks."
All
was
uttered
at
it
kindness
might
captain,I
top of
the
heartiness
for
was
I overheard
this,which
an
and
in it,and with
doubtless
could
and which
very distinctly,
iron pair of lungs,was
tended
in-
No
doubt
there
jocularity.
mortals as rough as himself,
answered
256
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
his capaciousarm-chair
burlyKing Hal person filling
figurea little obliqued,a napkin over his knee, and the
bottles in array before him, the jollycolonel looked the
of absolutism
and animalism.
very personification
and
fill your
"Gentlemen,
King!
glasses!Church
"
and
a
up
of your
off?"
"
I'll drink
"
You're
thoughtyou
not
had
please,colonel
anythingyou
are
politics
our
here ; I
Whiggery
I fear
but
rascal Tom
that
scoundrel
irreligious
deserves
would
fellow
"
have
gone
that had
"
upset, if he
villain !
1, I hope, as he
and
respect for royalty,
no
could, our
an
holy religion,
fernal
in-
"
"
Why, you
aged officer ;
?
politics
the d
to
are
"
may
colonel," observed
warm,
I ask
when
you
took
so
middle-
keenly to
"
"Yes,
me
whether
glassand
haw
it depends upon
may ask," said Bluff; "but
I answer
haw ! haw ! Come, fill your
you
you
"
! haw
Never
bottle,and
the
pass
don't ask
questions haw
"
"
did
Yee
The
kea
ky
see
"
unfortunate
so
(what is
this
domestic
?)
bent
forward
his
head,
MEMOIRS
OF
in fear,to
though evidently
received
he
scrutinize the
hack-handed
257
GRIFFIN.
hlow
in the
damage, when
from
mouth
the
the
The
shock.
man
I shall
"
never
up his turhan ;
his face was
livid from
hand
his mouth,
to
upon it.
The company
"
"
of
sense
looked
and
appearedand
insult
the
at
; he
it,there
put his
was
disgusted; even
were
blood
Bluff,
of himself.
Well it is that
thought,seemed ashamed
these thingsare becoming rare !
But enough of the colonel,of whom
this sketch may
elaborate description.Of
give as good an idea as a more
such
characters
Indian
army,
there
and
were
few, and
it is to
be
hoped
but
few, in the
their number
is fast
diminishing.
CHAPTER
WE
remained
colonel, and
followingday,
the
one
two
or
givenby
of Moorshedabad,
The
whole
XXI.
of his
the Nawaub
in honour
station
had, I
and
accompanied the
to
officers,
of
grand
Bengal, at
his
tainment,
enter-
palace
believe,received
invitations,
or
domain
in
which
the
nawaub's
palace is
258
MEMOIRS
buildingis
This
on
style,
the Aina
"
Palace
The
the
OF
GRIFFIN.
loftystructure,
banks
of the
in the
river,and bears
Mahl, which, if I
am
not
in
European
the
error,
of
name
the
means
of Mirrors/'
whole
scene
to
so
animated
was
being the
me,
and
and
striking,
first thing of the kind I
particularly
had
in India.
seen
Mahomedans,
exhibitinga
Groups of richly-dressed
grand displayof shawls, turbans and jewels; retainers
inhabitants
and connections
of the nawaub, or dignified
of the city; armed
attired in the picturesquecostume
men,
of the native soldiery
of India, with shields,swords,
and matchlocks
Bengalese in
; Abyssinian slaves, and
their flowing
muslin robes, constituted the native portion
of the assembly. Amongst these were
numerous
a
body
of English officers,
and
ladies
in their scarlet uniforms,
dressed.
elegantly
On
the terrace
the
of the noble
house, overlooking
stood the nawaub
and his little court, their
Baghiriti,
with the plainblue coat
jewelsand muslins contrasting
and simple garb of the Governor- General's agent and
other civilians about
him.
profuselycovered
palace,
with wines and refreshments,in the European style
; old
hands
and
fair sex
and
civilians,seemed all
griffins,
determined
to enjoy themselves,and to
give his nabobhis claret,as a slightoff-set to
ship a benefit ; to sweat
the sweatinghis ancestors
in the Black
had given to ours
Tables
"Hole
of
In the
courts
two
the
an
three
or
mimics
enacted
Indian
tailor,as far as
expression,and
As
in
or
feats
tricks,and
to
out
Calcutta.
exhibited
horse
laid
were
a blaze
exhibiting
of
light;
sale of
the
of
Brentford
their action,
from
the
stande
by-
effect.
place was
illuminated,
and
Euro-
MEMOIRS
OF
259
GRIFFIN.
the
air,and
blue
the
lightsshed
their
spectral
glarearound.
this
delighted:
methought.
seeing,
covered with countless lamps in
Anon, the river was
motion
its surface,and, soon
on
after,a fairypalace,or
of gorgeous
structure
came
light,
formingone mass
ing
gliddown
the current, passingheneath the terrace.
effect was
The whole
beautiful and striking.I have
hardlyever before or since seen
anything of the kind
which pleased
me
more.
The costumes
of the East, and possibly
and buildings
I
of
was
semi-barbarous
all
is worth
countries,harmonize
well
; all is in keeping,and
pageantry and spectacle
appears
Not
so,
to
wound
the
sense
it strikes me,
and
nought
congruity.
pomp
in
of fitness
with
our
own
utilitarian and
our
by a
by jowl with
tournament
ridingcheek
of Barclayand
Perkins's
let it be in unison
with
stores
our
day, having replenished
several additions from
the colonel's garden and
yard,
farmfor it would be ungratefulnot to acknowledgethis
resumed
liberalitya trulyIndian virtue we once more
The
next
"
our
of
"
voyage.
Burhampore, like
most
India, is intended
to
of the
operateas
stations
great military
a
check
on
largeand
the
once
importantcity; not that from Moorshedabad
capitalof Bengal,a placelong since sunk into comparative
much
be appreto
insignificance
danger is now
hended.
It is the head-quarters
of a brigade,partly
composed of European troops.
The
barracks
and officers' quarters are
superb,and
"
"
form
vast
square, of which
the
former
constitute the
s
260
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
of
range
and
colonnades
handsome
to it is
nearest
and
houses
tinuous
con-
gardens, with
and
superiormilitaryofficers.
There
are
of buildings
also other ranges
runningperpendicula
the river,partlybarracks
and
in part
to
whole
officers' quarters. The
Baghiritiby a broad bund, or
lines
the
about
are
mile
is
inland, but
officers reside in
The
scene
here in the
there.
voyage
The morning of
were
we
besiegedby the
departure,
vendors of silk piece-goods
and handkerchiefs, as also of
ivorytoys and chessmen, for both of which this place
and its neighbour,Cossim
Bazar, have acquireda great
reputation.
Some
of the chessmen
shown
us
were
largebeyond anything
of
the kind
our
I had
ever
that to
and
The
natives
of
before
seen
with
India, it appears
; so
such
much
so,
ponderous
though possessed
and ingenuity,have
of infinite perseverance
no
natural taste (at least,if they have any, it greatly
wants
in the fine arts, they
cultivation)
; as respects progress
at the
Anglo-Saxon ancestors
appear on a par with our
time of the Conquest,and their sculpture,
carving,and
painting(and probablytheir music),in their leadingand
marked
and defects,
bear a considerable
more
peculiarities
resemblance
to those
of such
remains
to
me,
as
we
have
of the
time
of
MEMOIRS
OF
261
GRIFFIN.
Of
perspective,
proportion,"c., they know little or
nothing,and of this we had amusing examples,both in
the carvingand some
here offered us
which were
pictures
for sale,and which latter,
in the richness of their colours
and gilding,
brought stronglyto mind the illuminations
of
and
perspective
them completely,
false
disregardof proportion,
they heat
fusion
outdoing Hogarth's illustration of that ludicrous coninto which an ignoranceof these thingsis wont
to
lead the graphictyro : full views at once
of three sides
of a square
building,flat roof inclusive,visible from
below ; chiefs,in gorgeous
apparel,seated on carpets as
large as the adjoininggarden, and holding posies to
their noses;" antelopesscampering over
hills somewhat
utter
"
smaller
than
themselves
the
with
buildings,
stockingstretchers ; water reversingthe laws of hydrostatics,
and running up-hill,
and objectsincreasing
with
the distance.
Miss
was
shocked
these formances
perfor my part,
by
deficient
more
Hindus, in these respects, seem
than the Mabomedans,
though,like the ancient Egyptians,
in their ghauts,temples,
and other works, they exhibit the
The
vast
and
minute
in
perfection,
showing
what
numbers
was
now
cold
season
fast
to
so
falling,
and
mencement
com-
moderately broad
that
we
were
led
to
262
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
suppose
they set
it :
"
associated
of my
were
name
so
river,with whose
many
earlyideas of Brahmins, Gentoos, burning widows, and
of the world
romance
is fast
desecration.
A
day
mountains,
after
with
or
having
level of
The
two
or
more
hills of
been
so
brought
us
in
sight of
the blue
Bengal.
low
game,
lands
the
at
are
well stocked
264
had
time
no
MEMOIRS
OF
to reflect on
the
in such
enemy,
he made
my
GRIFFIN.
dangerof provokingsuch an
a
place no rock, stump, or
coign of
which I could have
evaded
his charge,
hut instantly
of
poured the contents
"
"
vantage/'behind
had
one
"
organ,
fellow
the
at
distance of two
almost
was
as
yards. But the
tough as
whose
end I formerlydescribed : the shot
the alligator,
effect beyond a shake
producedapparentlynot the slightest
of the head and a quickeningof his pace.
the country, floundering
over
Away he went
through
and pools in great style,
the mud
tance,
disTeazer, for some
or
three
hard
on
imagine,of catchingsuch
Had
resented
the brute
serious
no
intention,I
Tartar.
the
earwiggingI
gave him, as
have done, a pretty littlewhite
he might easily
cenotaph,
"
Gernon"
and
the nearest
eminence, Hie jacetFrank
on
an
invitation
would
After
to
have
the humane
been
bagging one
the
to
dropa
tear
in passing,
probableresult.
two
or
chikors, I proceededto
more
rather of
them, and
traveller
found
spur proceedingfrom
the skirts of a most
myself on
jungle: tall yellow grass, sombre pools,
tigerish-looking
with irregular
with reedymargins, interspersed
patchesof
wooded
bush and tree jungle,
ramifyingfrom the denselysoon
hills above.
I would
have
not
insured
and
coupleof hours, for ninety-nine
cow
there,for
value.
I
paused ere
coverts
; but
ventured
hesitation
my
established fact that,in
to
was
plunge
but
love,war,
into
these
dreary
It is
an
momentary.
the chase, wherever
or
Where
old hands
fear to tread.
MEMOIRS
in
mouth, and in
that,in a second, I
Munro, by
265
GRIFFIN.
perilouslocality,
my heart in
feverish sort of tip-toeexpectation
a
might find myself hurried off, a la
my
OF
most
the waistband
of my
breeches.
as
of
alarm
of the
instant,into
an
which
was
pressed
com-
one
(forverilyI thought it was
have served (dilutedinto anxiety)
royals)as would
for seasoningsix months' ordinary
existence.
I of my
Truly proud was
exploit,as the hog-deer,
doubled-up,
laykickingat my feet,in the agoniesof death.
By a fortunate chance, I had lodged the whole charge of
shot
under
Never
his shoulder.
was
"
"
been
fortunate
kind
warned
again,as,
on
me
captainalso congratulated
my success,
me
against venturingon foot in such places
in fact,I had really
incurred considerable risk.
indeed
with
detailed account
of my
very
266
MEMOIRS
the flesh,which
OF
GRIFFIN.
"
"
for I can
to-morrow,
all these fine old ruins unsketched
remain
here
never
behind
consent
to
leave
me."
brother
MEMOIRS
sensations,any
those
as
to
that
exquisitely,
yet sadlypleasing,
so
me
arise
267
GRIFFIN.
OF
in
when
mind
the
wander
we
the deserted
of
courts
"
"
but
are
not
discovered,was
his
like
Captain Belfield,who,
somewhat
Lines
on
some
time the
Which
Ye
ruins
past
How
aspect,since
changed
your
that
regal state
Sujah,t in his
Poor
victim
of
And
Here
Now
There
Grim
retributive
the minstrel's
nightly sounds
hoots
the
cynic of
fire,
Meerunt
Where
hate
sweets
display'dits vengefulire,
fell the
That
happier hour,
of power,
to his darker
fate.
Bright contrast
Heav'n
bound,
reign'daround.
brother's
Here
of old
orient
trumpet
Of
t The
the
cast ;
lightwinds
Low
blending with
The requiems of
Here
halls,
pensive sighs,
at
pipe
evening hour,
the lapwing'scries,
departed power :
Gay
Nagara
and
gloriesof
And
"
Where
And
the Palace
faded
The
followinglines
mould'ringcorridors
Ye
the
and
of Rajmalial
the Ruins
afterwards
of
sister,as
the
low.
voice
was
heard,
jackal's
yell;
melancholy bird,
the
darksome
cell.
royal kettle-drum.
Sultan
Sujah, brother
of
Aurungzebe, fled
to
Arracan, where
murdered.
was
+
he
268
MEMOIBS
the Harem's
Within
Where
No
beauty
brighteyes,
The
OF
rank
GKIFFIN.
latticed screen,
its radiance shed,
once
owl's
the
save
jungle
green
of gems
Lies coil'd where
carcanet
seen
"
its head.
snake
the
"
are
rears
jewell'dbeauty prest,
tangledbrake,
seeks the
Unwinding,
and
folds,
by the peepul's*circling
Like writhing Laocoon
embraced,
and nature
Art dies
empire holds.
Crush'd
"
Hail,
sombre
Once
gay
of thyself,
with
Wreck
Of
Like
all
thy
ruin
rife,
first attractions
shorn.
volcano
some
its fires
dead
"
Here
"
the
now
no
more
passions rage ;
Ambition, hate, or fierce desires
Long past no longer conflicts wage.
Sadly thou breath' st the moral old,
Earth's vanities
man's chequer'dlot,
often
and
told,
By seers
sages
"
"
In life'sfiercetumults
o'er the
As
forgot.
soon
of time
mould'ring wrecks
With
silent step we
pensive steal,
In every land, in every clime,
Oh
! say, whence
spring those thoughts we
Why
hush'd
What
What
animates
each
breathe
Why
we
Sweet
better
love and
withdrawn
cares,
with
to the mint
treasures
In such
frame
in
"
Waked
"
fancy hears
Oh, pilgrim ! this
Look
tear
brother's
and
*
old
the
upwards
trembled
for
in Miss
part ?
peace
from
strife and
contemplationlowly
Her
to
man
cares
"
fraught,
sorrow
"
bears
of
thought.
tone
stilly
these words
is not
thy
your
exprest,
home,
"
placeof rest."
Belfield's
feel ?
?
eye
some
as
she read
tender
evidentlyin
tortuous
her
chord,
unison
roots around
MEMOIRS
her
with
; she
own
OF
and
arose
269
GRIFFIN.
retired
to
cabin,her
her
she
As
slightlyaverted, to conceal her emotion.
passed,the captainfondlystretched out his hand towards
her; she seized and pressedit it was all the commentary
head
"
she made.
The
ruins of
the
and two
three old
or
mosques,
the Moorish
styleof architecture,which
nevertheless,some
in
ways,
gateseems
from
preservedits originalcharacter
Delhi to Morocco
are
highlypicturesque.
well
Captain Belfield,who was
acquaintedwith the
acted as our
Cicerone, pointing out
placeand its history,
the most
remarkable
buildings; amongst these,by far the
considerable
the palace erected by that crafty
most
was
villain Aurungzebe, of which there
and most
consummate
have
everywhereto
"
"
are
some
Dowlah.
Rajmahal
the residence
was
tunate
capitalof the unforbrothers of Aurungzebe.
and
Sultan
Sujah,one of the
The tragicend of this prince,amongst the wilds of Arrahistorian Bernier,
related by the accurate
can, is touchingly
The
whose
historyof this family is a perfectromance.
relator has traversed
Myamootie, where
to
have
the
Arracan
Mahomedans
are
differ in many
wear
a similar
of those
naturalized
the
respects from
garb. They
are
followers of Sultan
in
Arracan, who
though they
aborigines,
ants
supposedto be descendSujah,who escapedthe
described
massacre
the
head
of
the
the
enough, bore
him
towards
his fate.
met
There
well, and
approachof
the
name
Mahomedan
of
Sujah.
retained
in
the British,
inhabitants, singularly
The
writer remembers
playing,on
wily fellow he was,
army, a well-managed double game,
the
with
2?0
MEMOIRS
British
and
OF
Burmese, which
GRIFFIN.
to benefit
was
ever
himself,which-
party succeeded.
Sultan
personate him.
from
has
the bank
long fallen
from
its
of the river.
low
a
Sicrigully,
Ganges,crowned at
At
of
spur
the
its eminence
with
hills
touches
the
old mosque
an
or
and
bungalow, for travellers,
hard by, a straggling
village.
Here I was
gratified
by the sightof a brother sportsman,
tomb
beneath
is
in the person
was
small
of
Indian
an
hunter, or shekarri.
little,
spare, black creature,
perfectlydistinct
native of
the
hills
(a
or
the
not
there
often
the
plumage of
rich,varied,
cleer
that of the civilized chantiso than
beautiful,far more
; the hens, however, are
generallyof a uniform dun
slate colour,having callow bluish wattles,and spots of
same
colour
ever
Sunderbunds, and
the
from
He
around
the
seen,
was
aural
though
not
orifices.
I had
heard
These
them
were
in the
littlesurprised
to learn from
not
many
only game,
may
be
but
capital
considered
272
MEMOIRS
obtained
which
OF
GRIFFIN.
him
cause
fakeer
The
assured
ticulars
par-
the
the
captain,that not only was
of the saint venerated
by man, but that it was
memory
also held in great respect by the wild beasts of the adjoining
the
of
whom
came
one
particularly
by
tigers,
jungles,
regularly
every Fridaynight,and swept up the floor of the
durgah with his tail.
It happened that the day of our
visit was
the very one
the tigerwas
which
wont
to perform this office ; Capon
tain
Belfield
told
it,and
the
had
great desire
to
witness
there
where
Hindoo
temple.
found
and
intention
some
are
some
went
on
Chattermohun
of
caves,
and
shore
to
pretty white
examine
them,
Ghose
Master
have
teach
S'poseI
will believe
him
make
master's
"
There
so
was
no
I gave
him
little incident,which
Master
up.
my
tell Hindoo
and
father
to me;
"
what
for
him
same
no
one
mother
thing.
ispek
familyman."
; he
was
nate,
obsti-
religiongot
*
fact.
too
many
god
"
too
MEMOIRS
much
veneration
for
have
plentygod
too."
"
;'
Master's
you mean,
you
don't know what you are
foolish
do
Yes,
fellow ?
talkingabout.0
well.
I one
Europe
very
;"
said
hook
I.
got
afterwards
short, Chattermohun
matter
me
Europe religion
that/'
the
cut
showed
I know
sare,
273
GRIFFIN.
image.
What
''You
OF
Pantheon, with
the Eoman
was
fakeer from
the Hindoo
was
vis-a-vis,of
medan
find
Mahomedan
The
in very
"
"
the
said
was
;
success
your
I have
than
Belfield
to
did
at
the
Muse
with
Now
As
ON
it breaks
The
molten
And
list !
THE
GANGES.
lightlysounds
slow
the
with
dipping oar,
sparklinggleam
silver of the
a
the
me,
to
me
me
next
try
script
manu-
more
EVENING
eve
disciple
somewhat
opinion."
'Tis
yesterdayhas induced
Here/' said she,handing
courted
you
Miss
him
of
scene
poeticpowers.
"
me
fakeer
Gernon,0
Mr.
morning,
my
rival
that
He
was
long beard.
boat, a tiger-skin
spreadbeneath
good case, rowing the boat.
the
of
of
land, ministers
an
with
main
the
creeds,but agreed on
song,
stream.
in fitful notes,
floats,
274
GRIFFIN.
OF
MEMOIRS
it
dies,
cries ;
mournful
With
cries,which, wafted
the
on
gale,
wail ;)
pensivespirit's
The mullah'sf song, ere, toil-oppress'd,
He seeks his nook and evening rest.
Afar Junghera'srocky isle,
Crown'd
by the tapering temple'spile.
like
Seem
some
tide its
On
mountain-source,
mystic glades
foot invades,
nought save pilgrim's
ice-bound glens,where, cold and lone,
Which
'Midst
Hiraaleh
High
The
and
in dim
Afar
course
its
Majesticfrom
"
throne,
hurled,
of the mountain-world;
his snowy
rears
chaotic
realms
over
monarch
Whilst, far
sheeted
away,
throng
Receivinghomage as it goes,
the mighty current flows,
Onward
Dispensing,as with regalhand,
blessingso'er
Its bounteous
of that
Type
power
the
land
mercies
whose
flow
below.
O'er all this wildering scene
But ah ! too oft its noble tide
horrid
By
sacrifices dyed,
pyres
brightself-immolating
Whilst
fires.
their flickering
whose
shades
mellow
from cool groves,
Now
No prying ray of lightinvades,
The low, fond cooings of the dove
Tell 'tisthe hour of peace and love ;
o'er the stream
Shed
And
many
The
hnnza,
are
cry, and
the Mujnoon
Burman, as
f milah"
braminy
or
considered
and
was
Leila
the
of the
eagle of
boatman.
duck.
emblems
the
ue
of
to ebb
slowlyseems
vital tide of
idol-fane
and
mosque
shame,
away
dying day.
They
flyin couples,have
plaintive
empire.
MEMOIRS
OF
275
GRIFFIN.
By
brow
afar
yon blue mountain's
twinkles
brightthe evening star ;
Translucent
ray ! the brightestgem
Now
That
decks
Now
deeper
The
its
diadem.
glittering
invest the
shades
weary
rests
shelter
Abroad
And
of
the
friendlycreek.
some
night winds
freelyrove,
deck
fire-flies
countless
shore,
his oar,
his eye may
seek
boatman
the
Swift-wingedbrilliants ! gems
Bright
Than
jewels-of the
which
grove.
light!
of
tropicnight,
of the mine
the diamond
sparkling forth
Long-scattered fires
from
and
nook
succeed
the
bay,
day,
And
them
round
The
Like
wizard
Who
round
of the
demons
wold,
a
orgieshold,
Framing, on Scandinavian fell,
Some
direful charm
or potent spell.
The simple meal despatched,the song
dram
the joy prolong ;
And
merry
Or some
light jocund tale givesbirth
To honest bursts of simple mirth.
At length, the song and story past,
Silence profound succeeds at last,
By every sound
unbroken, save
The turtle's splash or rippling wave.
Thus
by life'swoes and cares opprest,
The weary
spiritsinks to rest,
tomb
And
ebon palland marble
with gloom.
Invest the closingscene
But
o'er that
Another
To
So,
on
thus
not
cease
As
piletheir
the
guise.
haply rise,
it with
soul, its
Shall burst
in sombre
darklingstream
shall
sun
cheer
"
its beam.
chast'ningo'er,
eternal light
"
The
tiful
brought us to Boglipore,a very beaurich
park-likescenery.
station,surrounded by
few
days more
Having
which
visited the
plentiful
crop
boilingspring of Seetacoond, to
of legendsis attached by the cre-
276
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
dulous
is remarkable
for its
I
(though, as
purity,and
soon
we
placewhich cuts
altbough more
on
water, which
I believe medicinal
virtues
of
at
much
not
was
the
water-fancier
that
actual
experience),
Monghyr, a
Indian
history,
considerable
celebrated
in
figurein
modern
times
as
the
seat
manufactory of tea-kettles,turn-screws,
"c., as also of fire-arms,after European
toasting-forks,
of
extensive
an
models.
have
occasionally
winged a few griffs,
and have
consequentlya bad name,
though the vendors
Nevertheless,
are
willingto prove tbem in your presence.
they are not often bought, except by
though dirt-cheap,
There
is no
the very green.
enjoyment in a suspected
These
guns
One fellow
present their wares.
another a double-barrelled
huge tea-kettle,
gun,
chapmen,
carried
third
fourth
all eager
regiment
to
and
chafing-dish
cage
of beautiful
handful
green
and
of
a
toasting-forks,
the
hills,"c.
these gentry I drove several bargains,
assisted by
Kamdial, who afterwards had to fighta few stout battles
With
on
his
own
account
claimed, though
in India.
A
rare
includingthree
off,some
time
cages
of birds,one
after,by
terrible
on
of
leavingMonghyr,
avidavats,all swept
which
epidemic,
found
amongst them.
mode
of
I observed, for the first time, a peculiar
capturingthe river turtle; several natives paddleda light
its way
Here
above
an
with
a
huge
instant the
MEMOIKS
bustle,and
now
turtle,which,
alderman's
As
catch
the
277
GKIFFIN.
minutes
looks
as
went,
haul
them
saw
might
have
in
made
an
water.
the
on
somewhat
few
far
as
mouth
am
mention
in
OF
mullets.
highly prizedof
subjectof harpooning, I
similar mode
These
in
fish, the
which
most
here
may
the natives
delicious
and
the
lows,
Ganges, swim in shoals in the shalwith
their heads
partly above the surface of the
water
of
: the shape of which, by the
way, and position
the largeeyes, givethem much
of serpents
the appearance
indeed,the first I saw, I took for a brood of water-
"
snakes.
The
be,
dandie, or
follows
hand
fisherman, whoever
them
in
the
sportsman
may
crouching attitude,having in his
appear
with
their heads
slowlystemming
as
before, above
I used
the current.
to
the
watch
make
water, and
this operation
anything
fort of
the
distant woods
rather bold
A
and
and
hills,which
serrated outline.
few
"
"
Here
are
with
somewhat
those
at
two
fine
squares
of
officers'
bungalows to
similar in their disposition
and appearance
Burhampore.
numerous
to
278
MEMOIRS
Here,
as
I before
my kind and
visit a friend
their ultimate
OF
; and
Patna
for
destination.
both
was
companions,who
by unequivocalproofs that
another
GRIFFIN.
mentioned,I
amiable
at
me
gave
engaged to
before proceedingto
a month
marked
Our leave-taking
was
had
we
were
dear to
become
little tokens
of their
one
brance.
remem-
XXIT.
CHAPTEE
the
evening of
my
arrival
at
"
"
"
go and see."
I ordered Ramdial
"
280
MEMOIKS
hand;
grasping my
OF
"why
GRIFFIN.
whaur
the
he
told
dickens
are
you
from?"
I
satisfied him,
soon
and
he
me
was
now
"
"
"
"
"
call it
all young
of us
a
hands, none
year in the
country, and a tearinglife we lead ; it does not suit me
"
all,though, and I
at
"
Yes,
wonder
how
they ?
Why,
are
"
know
your
such
there's first,Mr.
McScreechum,
never
with
in
all my
will stay for
on
born
an
the shoulder
assistant
myself,and
they ire
all
for mischief
man
day
two, at least,"said
for it glads mj heart
or
"
again,man."
acceptedGrundy's invitation,and
see
and what
set ; who
"
as
soon
as
got amongst
you
them
wi:h.
to chum
quietman
pacifichabits, Grundy, and
placeand
get another
can
leave
to
mean
you
proceededto
we
Griff Hall.
We
found
two
or
three others, on
the
and
bungalow, all laughing
joking. The former, a huge fellow,six feet two, with a
freckled face and a carroty poll,in the act of compounding
a
glassof brandy-and- water.
Grundy presentelme
his friend on the way to join my regiment.
as
Glod to see ye, sir ; glod to see ye," said the doctor,
hand; "we'll use
presentingme his shoulder- of-mutton
chabootra,
terrace, of the
or
"
you
Eleuseenian
said he,
*
turningto
Sub-lieuts.
workers
mesteries.
of
the rank
What's
now
for
ye
abolished.
years
ago,
intoo
oor
*'
dinner, Larking?
slender,paleyouth,in
few
a
artillery,
is
eeneetiate
were
red caniet
called Lieut.
Fre-
MEMOIRS
"
raggie;
what
OF
have
of your d
I hope. Ah !
skeennykid
mair
got for
ye
chiel
braw
ye'ra
281
GRIFFIN.
to-night? Nae
and tough goat mutton
for a gentleto
cater
man's
treat
mess/'
pleasure,doctor, if
satisfied with my proceedings,"
not
repliedthe caterer ;
but I think things will be better to-day,for I have
givenEumjohn a good trouncing for palming that stuff
there is, doctor,
upon us yesterday. I'll tell you what
muchee,* for I secured it myrooee
by the bye, a capital
self
this morning."
"
I'll resignmy
post
to
with
you
"
"
Weell," said
thing,if
At
Hall,
"
muchee's
rooee
three more
this moment,
hove in sight,
rattling
up
bad
nae
tattooes,
pleasantvarieties of
some
India, every
on
of Griff
galloways
or
fiddle-head,
must
(i.e.,
European officer)
one
horse-flesh
pieceof
ensigns,inmates
"c.
swish-tail,
goose-rump,
In
doctor,
it's frash."
tits combining
"
the
of
sort
some
or
keep
other, though it
for obvious
reasons,
griffins,
remarkable
for possessing
never
superior studs. As
new-comers
approached,full canter and shuffle,the
Indian
put forth a screech, compounded of an
whoop and a view halloo, by way of welcome : the
was
evidently
beginning.
One of the ensigns on the terrace
jumped down
be allowed
must
that
off his
his hat
make
loudly,to
his
in
with
it
an
to
angle
aid
it
bolt
of
besom
sort
long
of the
in
the
tor
docwar-
fun
into
round, and
friends' horses
stood
head, whirled
were
shy.
or
which
forward
the
to
rout.
"
Doctor, what
shouted
the
the immediate
deuce
about, man
you
don't
object of his attack ;
are
"
"
be
ridiculous."
infernally
so
"
Stir him
Rooee
India.
oop
muchee,
with
the
huge
fish of
lang pole,"roared
the
carp
kind,
one
the
of the
doctor,
best
in
MEMOIRS
nothing daunted
"
OF
stir oop
GRIFFIN.
the
homhardier's
wonderful
animal."
And
saying,he poked
so
the hesom
this rear
the tattoo, who resented
his heels,jerked off the Lieut.
out
under
attack
the
tail of
hy launching
Fireworker's
cap,
and
the
finallybolted, with his rider half- unseated, across
rades,
compound, amidst the shouts and laughterof his comand his
the doctor,with his wild red locks flying,
feet in slippers,
pursuinghim with his besom at the pas
de charge.
McScreechum
returned, puffingand blowing,and
soon
his besom, and the Lieut. Fireworker
shortly
flourishing
his
after joinedthe group, having disposed of
runaway
with
but
countenance
a
Bucephalus,
darklyportentous
of
mischief.
"Dr.
McScreechum,"
take such
not
to
not
Stir him
"
Others
said
lang pole,"said
"Stir
to
the
doctor,
the
McScreechum.
All
out
brewed
the
fury of
"
tenant
the indignant lieurallying
man
of his wrath.
The
good-humoured Scotchand presentedhim a glassof grog, to allay
it.
the black dog," as he termed
joined the
soft
and
though
tact
as
it is
sure
on
in
"
turneth
answer
the
same
away
even
principle,
to
to
verb,
pro-
joke,
practical
softened by a little
be avoided, may be so
allaythe anger which, in nine
ever
to
medico
cases
out
of ten,
excite.
properly
doings at an end, and matters
moned
composed, we adjournedto the dining-room,being sumby a rather dingy-lookingbutler, or khanseman,
resemblingthe worthy who has been recorded
very much
in these pages as having so suddenly decamped with my
plate-chest.
All these wild
MEMOIRS
Six
-wall shades
the
chairs
oil
with
of the
centre
guests,constituted
as
In accordance
283
GRIFFIN.
OF
table
glasses,a long
and
room,
the
sum
about
as
total of the
universal
cupying
oc-
many
ture.
furni-
of the
custom
the order of
militarycircles in India, camp fashion was
his own
the day
that is, each gentleman had
plates,
and
of
knives and forks,
with a brace
muffineers,
glasses,
; these
containingpepper and salt,flankingthe same
last,of every varietyof size and shape, of glass,silver,
or
pewter, with a correspondingvarietyof patterns in
the cutlery
and plates,
constituted
as
motley a show as
well be imagined.
can
of the Kum-Johnny order
The servants, too, were
a
whom
I have before
dissolute,dirtyset of Mahomedans,
described
those usuallypicked up by young
officers on
of their speakingthe English language,a qualiaccount
fication
which is pretty certain to insure their rejection
The dingy attire and roguish looks of
by old Indians.
well with the styleof the enthese fellows harmonized
tertainment.
"
"
"
The
doctor
took
the head
of Griff Hall
and
of the table
their guests
noble
the
were
ternity
fra-
seated.
soon
The
khanseman-jeeappeared,staggeringunder a huge
dish, which he deposited at the head of the table ;
with the air of a
having done so, he lifted up the cover
muchee
major-domo, and there smoked the rooee
already
mentioned.
"
Wha's
knife with
for fesh ?
the
"
asked
vigourof
his trowel.
"
Wha's
an
the doctor,
Irish
for
fesh ?
Here's
bonnie
'
fellow ;
a sightlike this is gude for sair een,'as
my old
father,the provost, used to say."
in great request, and
muchee
The
other
rooee
was
viands
and
of the rattan
in
proving the efficacy
Great was
the talkingand
laughing,and
sped merrily. Never has it been my lot
some
cases.
the
to
dinner
encounter
284
MEMOIBS
OF
GRIFFIN.
and
light-hearted,
thoughtless,
more
fellows
than
the
cloth
The
inmates
of Griff Hall.
hookhas
removed,
of
jovial set
bubbled
bottle
the
animated
passed freely,and the conversation became
;
and
other things,the scenes
flirtations at the
among
band
that evening were
passed in review.
Who
noticed Miss Simper, the new
spin,talkingto
that old fellow, MacGlashum
?
said Ensign O'Toole,
I hope she's not going to take
Hibernian
a young
sure
;
"
"
"
that broken-winded
"
By my
Claymore;
"but
Scotchman
to
"
old-fellow."
I think
if she
than
an
gets a major,and
Irishman
an
aither
or
gude
do better."
na
Scotchman
young
heart for the ladies !
old
Mac
oh,
man's
Irish-
an
"
"
lander,
Meaning yourself,I suppose/'retorted the Highdryly; you Paddies think there's nought like
in the world/'
yeer'sels
"
"
grate dale
janius like
"
Proud
and
said
never
was
other
countries
the
other
"
the
contemptuously;
worth
never
"Mean
that.
hooever
auld
the
What
trouble
sit here
attempts
land
Scotsome
were
made
"
the
and
ing
Caledonian, his eyes flash-
Gude,
"
conquered,sir,as
never
"
listen
such
"
beggarlycountry was
expense of conquering."
Eh
produced
find
been."
poor
"
has
respects, thank
conquered,
have
will you
"
haroes ?
may
"
"
Where
auld Ireland
that which
poets, statesmen,
of.
proud
be
to
more
to
check
this angry
and
I've
most
dia-
MEMOIRS
logue,but in
half
patriots
All
vain.
arose,
OF
and
the table,their
across
now
was
darted
285
GRIFFIN.
fierce looks
them
"
McScreechuin
the
of
to
belligerents
"
now
listen
and
by
to
me.
vairtue
I'll have
seats.
in
monium,
Pande-
to
engage
order.
Gentlemen," said
and
their
horrid war/'
like Satan
arose,
the table
war,
in
attention,and with
Stentor, proclaimed silence, and called
thumped
the' voice
other
disposedneighbours
peacefully
more
each
at
the
am
"
doctor,
of the pooers
confided
to
me,
proclaim
pax.
na
'
"
"
the
around
Thus
of
each
them
up
he
table.
stood, his
of his
and
arms
right and
down
with
left
a
neighbours, as
force and
energy
of that celebrated
he
worked
proportioned
ditty,which
varyingsentiments
has to answer
for being the proximate cause
of more
ever
sentimentalitythan
boozing and maudlin
any
to the
286
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
softened
when
the
genialglass;
chords,and awakens,
derest
the
by
and
sweetest
youth, and
like the
soul
most
"
touches
de
Kanz
its
ten-
vaches/'
subduing reminiscences
of
all its
associations.
never-to-be-forgotten
After this bout, anchovy toasts and broiled bones were
Ensign O'Toole insisted upon mulling
put in requisition,
of port, to keep the beer and claret warm.
a saucepanful
fell asleepin their chairs ; others, including
At length,some
Grundy and myself,dropped off to bed, though
abused by the peep-o'-day
boys for our recreant qualities.
Away we went, heartilytired, leavinga few choice
to
keep it up, the doctor talking in thick and
spirits
inarticulate
almost
"
about
tone
Sheshero's
Epeestlesto
Hatticus."
"
You
morning ;
next
kill
"it would
Grundy,
Why," replied
"
can
in
me
life as
week
this/'said I,
; how
do you
it?"
stand
may
besides,it is
have
we
keep as
clear of it
as
not
as
we
jollification
racket
"
does
not
suit me,
soon
it goes
as
can
rope tillhe
sent
ago
in
it
was
an
a
was
mercy
How
"
Why,
in the
face ; and
about
"
black
was
the
boat
he
was
and
as
not
starved
this,Grundy ?
doctor
and
he did
"
the
or
not
on
return
month
the Ganges
for
week,
drowned."
said I.
lads
always poking
fun at him, and making him a boot (butt). One
night,
something such another as last,they made him believe
he had been insoolted,and must
fight. Sawney said he
would rather take an apology,but they told him
it was
quiteimpossiblethat the affront could ever be washed
of one
of them.
but with the blood
out
They said it
were
288
MEMOIKS
partlydevoted
measure
"
OF
GRIFFIN.
join
to
but
not
This
It
was
was
very comical
little before
Fireworker
walked
down
affair.
sunset
when
had
entered
(who
the
to
which
course,
tenant
Grundy, the Lieuhis pony),and I,
is situated
little
behind
the cantonment,
being separatedfrom it by
nullah,* over which there are one or two bridges.
found
We
cantonment
foot
on
assembled
"
There
in
some
"
was
of the
great number
gigs,some
on
witness
the
to
good
of
show
dry
inhabitants
of the
horseback, and
others
sport.
of
ponies,some
them
"
The
I
young
officers who
than
recognizedmore
Hall, marched
about
to
were
them, amongst
of the
one
in their
ride
top boots
inmates
and
whom
of
Griff
velvet hunting-caps,
pressive
excracking their whips with countenances
of the full sense
they entertained of the awful
about to be engaged.
in which they were
contest
Some, too, tightenedtheir ponies'
girths; others passed
down
their fore-legs,
if to rub out the
their hands
as
knots
and
clean
the back
sinews
some
put their
arms
their animals'
their love
necks, or gratified
lovinglyround
of tormentingby pinchingthe flanks of their steeds,and
enjoyingtheir abortive attempts to bite.
character,
Amongst this throng was a very remarkable
clerk of the course,
-well known
at Dinapore, the
or
other name
whatever
properlyappertainsto the master of
the ceremonies
on
sun-dried,invalid
determined
such
occasions.
sergeant,of
spirit.I
He
was
old,
little,
form, but
meagre
greatlyamused
by the
was
Brook.
old
most
sequential
con-
fellow,as he stumped
MEMOIRS
in
about
OF
289
GRIFFIN.
tremendous
rusty hunting-cap,cracking a
whip,and clearingthe
other interlopers.
environs
of
dogs,boys,and
all
The
them
they
race
in every eye as
all in proper order ; eagerness
was
Ladies stood
bent forward, impatientfor the word.
and
outstretched to
neck was
a
carriages,
many
catch
a
glimpse of the start : when at last a thundering
Ready," Off," from the littlemummified
sergeant, and
in
up
"
"
"
Punch,"
a
Cocktail,"and
"
nameless
besides.
steed
"
MatSuch
crossing and
for
space, and
half-wayround
the course),the leading
a
(it was
sweepstakes,round
followed by all the rest, entering
pony bolted, and was
first of a series
the gates leadingto a bungalow, the
drew up,
there commencing ; there they very deliberately
where
doubtless
they had often drawn up before, when
their rounds
of morning visits.
on
carryingtheir masters
of laughterwhich
the roars
Intense
issued from
were
the spectators assembled, occasioned by this littleepisode.
Haul, dig,pound, and spur, and they were
againplaced,
ah ! the unlucky fates ! the meridian
off
and
but
of
another bungalow entrance
no
sooner
reached, than away
with them
again,follow my leader,like a flock of sheep
When
the
troop had
whole
got about
"
through
gap,
or
stringof
wild geese.
have
died
All
this
time
we
could
see,
tattoos
once
more
under
of
ran
and
as
outright,
neighbours,they
my
down
though
hard
their cheeks.
the
at
distance
was
work, getting
290
MEMOIRS
OF
strugglewas
regained,away
becoming warm
and
The
course
in
were
more
: the
they went once
turned the curve,
; they had
the winning-post;bettors were
line with
"
the
ten
qui vive
little sergeant squattinghands
now
on
"
lo !
observation,when
a
GRIFFIN.
to
one
the
"
on
had
sooner
no
"
Cocktail
on
theyreached
gular
bridge before mentioned, leadingin a rectandirection to cantonments,
than away
they sidled,
and all made
fair bolt of it,rightbefore
at last one
a
certain
and
"
And
home,
"
Zounds
agin,I'm
of
"
wind, for
the
said
!
a
off
home."
sweet
the
sergeant,
"
if
they bea'nt
all off
Dutchman."
laughter.
I doubt
"
amusement.
amidst
sure
They
if any
are
race
gone,
renewed
peals
ever
they are
gone,
and
never
will return."
This
the case
with some
literally
; but several of
the heavy sailers managed to tack, and came
in amidst
the half-mad shouts of unexpectedwinners, provingtruly
that
the race
is not
always to the swift,"and that the
best-founded
appointe
be unexpectedlydisexpectations may
was
"
Two
all
or
three
was
describe
and
on
races
not
smaller
unique scamper
pleasureand
were
to
excitement
be renewed
selves,
expended themimmediately. Under
these
steps
wards
to-
artillery
in
high
spirits.
Our
than
dinner
that
of
this
the
far
more
doctor
soberly
was
dently
evi-
and
spirits,
seemed
occasion
than
on
more
one
disposed,like a
certain old gentleman when
he was
sick,to be religious
of Hodgson,
and
sentimental.
After a bottle or two
however, and a due proportionof claret,he rallied,and
of passingthe
proposed a round game at loo, as a mode
sufferingfrom
reaction
of the
vital
OF
MEMOIRS
evening,which
291
GRIFFIN.
joyfullyassented
was
whole
the
by
to
party.
The
tables
consequentlycleared,wine-glasses,
were
"c., were
and
and
side-tables,
we
up
till two
placedon tea-poys
all proceeded,
keeping it
when
General
to
which
that time
from
"
evermore
resolution
temptation
time
and
refer
Memoirs
my
material change has since taken
which
that any
aware
for
religiously
kept
in my way.
came
At the time to
not
morning,
pinch of
very considerable
Capsicum's"snuff," with a firm determination
retired minus
cards
cut
in the
work
to
"
am
place
I
in India,
too prevalent
unfortunately
have
known
nearlythe whole of a small station,ladies
at each other's
inclusive,keep it up for weeks, alternately
houses, rarelymissinga day.
The
after breakfast,and having
party would assemble
gambling
"
distributed
would
was
fish,and
ink
to
write I O
U's,
Tiffin would
good earnest.
after being rather impatiently
in
break, and
and
pen
business
commence
constitute
set
despatched,
operationswould be resumed, and continued
till time for the evening'sdrive.
After this,and dinner
would
of this absorbingamusement
over, another round
close the day.
What
and
of bad feeling
in men,
of keenness
a world
have
unfeminine
in women,
I seen
elicited on
cupidity
those
occasions, and
physiognomy ;
observed
near
Dr.
and
the
in
for
what
what
on
winners
Cards
of
is
one
for the
various kinds
party, when
the
in
curious
have
the hour
drew
of
the accounts
settling
earnest
pleadingsfor another round
losers,and conscientiously-expresse
O
U's
retire
and
to
rest
on
the
part of
the
!
and
dice
are
of idleness,and
pests,the offspring
studies
of
expressions
faces
inditingI
Or.
what
crime.
semi-barbarism, and
of
the
indices
of
tants
They are the concomitheir gradualdisappearance
advancingcivilization and
u
292
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
"
maiden
more
the
I
the
sister.
There
were
social
more
no
rambles, no
in search of
tours
more
no
agreeabledisquisitions,
chess.
no
more
picturesque,
felt how insufficient, my own
thoughtswere to supply
hiatus caused
by their absence, and mentallyejaculated,
I occupiedmy lonelycabin at night,with poor
as
Alexander
Selkirk,
"
Oh, solitude,where
That
sages
have
are
seen
in
the charms
thy
face ? "
"
love
and
affection
which
should
ever
subsist
between
persons
so
"
"
short
but fervent
prayer
to
the
Father
of
MEMOIRS
all,which
293
GRIFFIN.
the
how
with
tender
repose.
If two
salute
three
or
sometimes
world, my
True, true
commend
sentiments
was
and
the
The
sisters.
alas ! the
more,
of the
hearts
and
brothers
thus
pair were
an
led
discussions,never
and
chamber
in all
equal accordance
opinions. This, however, though
not
numerous
brother
her
to
in
thought,why not
not
are
good griffin,
; I had forgottenthat.
united, there
of
her
love
can
pity.
Though, however,
the
OF
and
to
in
sister
disagree.
the
to
ductive
pro-
acrimonious
had
Nature
mental
same
their
cast
mould,
to
term
(which I do with respect)
phrenological
;
the organization
fine sense
and
was
equal. The same
kindliness of disposition
in both ; but circumstances
had
favoured
in different degrees the development of their
Benevolence, veneration,and ideality
respective
qualities.
have
been
must
large in both, though the captainhad
evidentlybeen at pains to curb the vagariesof the latter.
He had left his home
a
mere
boy, with his mind almost
blank
which
a
sheet, on
anything might have been
inscribed.
Whilst
others his contemporariesplunged
into idleness and dissipation,
he, by some
chance, flew to
a
the solace
of books.
of
In
mysteries man,
living manifestations
recorded
of
of his
studied
he
comparing,
"
found
them
life
as
that
advanced,
the
all that
he
with
character
his
;
questions
which
is,that truth
like the
from
ideal
far,and
and
good
as
we
arrived
at
very hard
of Goldsmith's
is
mystery
works
of
all sides
grand conclusion,
thing to get at, and,
one
Traveller,
follow,flies/' He
"
allures
sought
certainly
it
294
MEMOIRS
himself
strongly,he
Utopian ;
GRIFFIN.
doubt, somewhat
no
was,
least such
at
OF
I know
of
an
CaptainMarpeet thought
him.
Miss
but
an
her
been
subjectlo the
English country
to
seems
be
Belfield had
have
reared in the
somewhat
life
intended
(nature,if I
nations
gregarious),
enjoyingin
flowers, and
pets, her
elegantseclusion,
contractinginfluences of
well
as
so
may
her
it,
express
individuals
as
to
father's pretty
the agreeableand
vicarage
polished
vicinity.In the
all
was
matters
not
which
on
(and who
to
frequently
be
allowed
she
is?) without
free scope
defect; hers was
amongst the
with
met
them
"
amiable
most
she
one
and
gentleintolerance and
those subjectson
on
quiet assumption of infallibility
which
a
very little readingand reflection ought, perhaps,
hold our
convince
should
that we
to
us
opinionswith
the most
religion,and
trembling diffidence I mean
other kindred subjects
relatingto the powers and duties
of mind, and
the great interests of society,but particularly
estimable
of
countrywomen,
our
"
the
former.
expressionof
obstinacy or
differed from
This
pity and
extreme
delusion
her
in
would
of
commiseration
kindness
of her
matters,
the
entertain
intentions,did
not
look
generallydoes
but illaccorded
the
with the
so
ill
smallest
be
still it
the
was
in
shade
the
manner,
rectitude
of her
ugly monster
her
generalgood sense
of
This
error.
of her
evident
as
the
conscientiously
she, by her manner,
such
heart,and
for
the
who
those
seeming to
suspicionthat she herself might
veiled by the graces
spirit,
partially
never
itself in
evince
toleranc
in-
by
which
she
296
MEMOIRS
"Educate
conceivable
no
GRIFFIN.
masses," he would
your
do that
you
OF
"for
without
the
happinessto
pieceof mechanism
say,
form
the
strictest
principles
of art, if the material is rotten
and unsound, it must
give
its
will
be
at some
point the due antagonism of
springs
and it will not work."
destroyed,
endeavoured
This diversity
to
of views, which I have
describe,used to give rise,as I have alreadystated,to
you
may,
on
"
animated
numerous
I used
the
to
listen
collisions of intellect,
during
interest ; and
with much
passedtogether,
eveningswe
I could
when
these
to
see
my
sometimes
wont
was
discussions.
captainand
if anxious
to
his sister
to
know
how
the
matter
and unsophisticated
mind.
young
of these
Some
discussions,that
would
is,the
strike
on
substance
my
of
this
them, I still remember, and had I space, and were
the placefor them, I might here be tempted to record.
Lest
my
here
be inclined
reader may
to the
state, in justice
to
think
otherwise, I
no
good captain,now
that he was
leveller
he considered
no
perfect
more,
column
to construct
as
as
a perfect
equality
impracticable
without a base and a capital,
and that the fabric of society
fine away
must
but that instead of being,
to a point,
ever
at present, founded, in great part, on
as
misery,prejudice,
and ignorance,
rest
it might be made
to
indigence,
the solid basis of virtue and happiness.
on
His grand axiom
and he used frequently
to repeat
was
it to his sister
If by reading,
observation, and
I have learnt anything respecting
reflection,
my fellowof their sufferings
creatures, it is this : that eight-tenths
have been
and
of their own
are
creation,and
entirely
must
"
"
"
that it is within
the
amount
to
an
ish
diminculable
'incal-
extent.
world, but
mind
powers of the human
of moral and physicalevil to
the
The
MEMOIRS
'
the
OF
rule it.
tyrant majority5which
educated
find
fulcrum
to
In
these,the
physicallyArchimedes
what
the world
move
297
GRIFFIN.
head
the
sought the
the governing
"
is
all know
we
more
how
disordered
stomach
I had
hut littlemore
and
his
now
and
sister
good captain
India, though we met
intercourse
with the
stay in
maintained
an
during my
occasional
then, and
dence.
correspondestined
revisit his
to
He, poor fellow,was never
land, for after saving a small competence, and
native
just as
of
preparing to return, death, by one
its most
lodged a detainer
appalling agents cholera
againsthim, and instead of enjoyingthe easy evening of
life he had fondlyanticipated
of his
amongst the scenes
boyhood, he was destined to filla cold tenement, six feet
by two, in St. John's churchyard,Calcutta.
"Tis not
Belfield's feelings
for me
to describe Miss
on
this occasion ; indeed, who
describe the anguish of
can
he
was
"
"
association
very
of
youth,
sunk
almost
lines,which
forciblythe extent
fact that
gratifying
of
and
every
occasions ?
I
necessarily
the blow
wrote
her
brother
sentiment
of
under
she
loss of
the
me
and
sorrows,
she considered
and
few,
shortly after,told
I had
indicated
a
the
right to
ticipate
par-
in them.
I returned
Well, years rolled away.
home, with a
broken
and a lack of rupees, in the English
constitution,
of
sense
the
the
;* and
term
for
native
ding
time
some
Swines-Norton, June
ceived
re-
given
two
years
to the
been
aware
before
the
public,died,
liver complaint.
10th,
18
"
GERNON,
about
was
is here
old -stan
CAPTAIN
DEAR
I have
This
event
"
"My
your
that
followingletter :
"
"
after
time
some
as
of
of your return
to
from
mutual
you
whose
worthy griffin,
stated
in
the
graphy
autobio-
preface,of
an
298
MEMOIRS
shall
one,
will
GRIFFIN.
leaving London,
small
Pray, "when
friends.
have
OF
room
in some
enjoy great pleasure,
respects a sorrowful
in meeting you again,and in revivingold recollections
first we
of those days when
became
acquainted.I
all further
reserve
the meantime
communications
till we
; in
meet
am,
"
dear
My
CaptainGernon,
"
Yours
truly,
most
"
BELFIELD."
A.
To Brev.
"
Capt. Gernon,
"5, Peppercorn-buildings,
"Pimlico."
not
was
shire.
in
Norton,
few
"
"
"
as
clowns,
who
recruiting-sergeant,
element, loitered
of his
wofullyout
smock- frocked
in
front
of
I descended.
Bill,bear
Come,
bag
of the hind
out
hand, and
gentleman's
boot/'
bandy-leggedostler
The
get the
disengagedmy property;
soon
clutched
off-leader
over-frisky
cracked
dance
saraband.
"
the
Davy brought up
landlord, saunteringout
Has
with
his
mare
pipe and
"
tankard
said
of
half-and-half.
"
Yes
All
; he's down
right
"
at the
crack
window
along o'
there
whisp
"
"
"
nod
ya-hip!and
Tom
at
the
bird."
Black-
the prettychambermaid
away bowled the Highto
MEMOIRS
299
GRIFFIN.
OF
alone in my glory/'
savingand except
flyer,
leavingme
the drowsy specimens of humanity afore-mentioned.
Can
where a lady named
Miss
Belfield
you tell me
"
"
"
resides ?
"
Bulfield"
Miss
The
"All
Heast
go
and
said
lady,I mean,"
right,sir, that's
Hinjies. I knows
the
to
on
church,
on
keep straight
lane; when
and
go across
o3 the
end
she, Jem,
as
?
Tinker-pot-lane
and
she
then
returned
India
from
"
she've
ever
as
"
I,
years
have
that
be
"
some
o'
Bulfield"
Miss
a-
turn
got
to
can
you
mentions
you
the
parrotkeet -jist
righthand,
your
"
go 'tilyou
comes
to
the stile
you be at the top o' that, get over
the furder
the footpath till you comes
to
field,and
then
any
body '11
tell you
where
Myrtle Cottageis/'
"
Thank
my
I forthwith
And
with
I heard
man," said I.
of
discovery. It
evening,glorious,tranquil,sad.
set out
summer's
sweet
was
you,
delightthe
on
voyage
my
cuckoo's
and
sheep-bell,
about
the
in no
steeple. I was
hurry,but loitered in the quiet
villagechurchyard,where naught was moving save some
three little ragged sheep; and
oh ! who
could
two
or
describe the sensations,the sadlypleasing,
confused, but
undefinable
sensations,which crowded upon me
during
the littlehalf-hour
Seated
at
up
soft
on
that rustic
air
summer
sounds
an
fell
images of
on
monitor,
played
my
ear
"
the
on
the
villageclock
my
face,and
events
of
looking
whilst
"
the
soothing rural
my
the
past life,
friends
done"passed
departed" all I had done and left unlike visions^dissolving
views
before me.
Brother
Indians, try sometimes, after your period of toil
yard"'twill
is o'er,the effect of a summer's
musing in a rural churchcalm the perturbation
of your
spirits,
place
"
300
MEMOIRS
thingsin
their
waters.
cottage
neat,
remembered
hall,and
opaque
Be
herself.
The
parrot screamed
in the little
pleasedto
modestest
take
seat,
of little maids,
"
and
an
will be with
mistress
immediately."
took
in a flutter,almost
spiritswere
pain. The door opened,and the hand of
seat
borderingon
Miss
with
dowager of a spaniel,
very antiquated
I entered.
a husky bark
as
eye, emitted
"
you
I
GRIFFIN.
true
troubled
"
OF
Belfield
was
"
my
locked
in
mine.
started
both
We
little.
''Most
trulyglad to
emphasis,her eyes full of
the
over
one
of hers which
her
see
I assured
as
fresh
as
slightcurve
her that
ever.
my
Years
respect and
and
in the shoulders.
"
suppose
looks, for I am
on
parted
suffered by the
is since
not
esteem
ill-health had
The
had
pause,
we
for her
"
were
given me
of my complexion
delicate yellow;
freshness
"
"
"
"
MEMOIRS
and
the
OF
301
GRIFFIN.
there
and
through
of her
muslin
of the
stood
we
followed
shone
gentlewoman,
conspicuouslyas
As
cap.
in
Miss
Belfield
as
ever.
the
near
the ardour
of
questionand
which
incident
answer
to
first
"
Do
and
kind,
with his
thoughtfulcaptain. There he sat, serenely,
book half- opened and restingon his knee, just as he was
look in days of yore, when
I rattled into his
to
wont
budgerow, after one of my shootingexcursions.
Come," said Miss Belfield,gentlywithdrawingme
in the next
from
awaits us
its contemplation, lunch
and you must
requirerefreshment."
room,
and
"
"
I must
for
to
some
a more
future
part of
England
visit
detailed account
reserve
let it here
amiable
to
my
that
autobiography,
my
"
suffice
friend"
was
thing
pleasing I
first promised to repeat my
and
draw
to
one
to
visits from
talk
of
Belfield
that devoted
returned
"
botanize, and
of Miss
old
London,
time
times
having
time, to
and settle,
to
;
fish
on
cup
of
the banks
I found
ensign,on
and
my
whom
British
the
station of
Ghazepore,the
Here
of
river,and
one
in
of H.M.
officer in the
time
reached
regiments.
shipmate,Ensign
called,received
due
me
O'Gorman.
as
an
The
Irishman
royalservice might
be
sup-
302
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
what
"
"
Married
stuck
in
case
"
she is married
in
my
"
"
mouthful
pillaw
oesophagus,nearly producinga
exclaimed, and
heavens
Oh, it's a
of
"Oh,
glassof
so
"
"
unwell."
appear
I am
you
said
quite well,"
"
I ;
let's take
but
wine."
I tossed
"And
off
so
bumper,
and
felt relieved.
Olivia"
little
"
"
Good
"
hear
asphyxia.
Good
"
transitu
of
of Olivia Jenkins
has become
Jenkins
is
"
ried
actually mar"
"
"
"
"
diviner ?
true
"
acknowledge it,"said
heavens
The
! and
so
"
littleOlivia Jenkins
ensign pressedme
to
Good
girl.
married !
is actually
was
route
In
"
"
the next
few
days
the Jerusalem
treat
to
and
hospitality,
morning.
look
upon
I reached
Mecca
or
a
Benares
"
human
week, but I
resumed
my
ward
on-
of the Hindoo
pictureof
"
world.
What
existence,justas it
304
MEMOIRS
the
religionists,
stab
vital
is
given
GRIFFIN.
in
the
tender
most
and
part.
Having nearlycleared
Ramdial
by
OF
the
Sirdar,to take
at
peep
interior of this
to
interesting
In
the
of
course
understand
that, if
Benares
from
me
here
cannot
striking
itself,as
novelty.
desirous
was
Indian
in
ramble, Ramdial
my
I
its
that
fashion, I
two, which
of
an
could
gave
to
me
hummaum,
have
or
at
one
would
purifymy outer
besides being wonderfully
agreeable. I had heard
man,
of such baths in the
Arabian Nights,"and in works
much
of the like sort, and
thought this a good occasion to
facts with earlyimpressions
mined
; in short,I detercompare
and having intimated the same
to be parboiled,
to
Ramdial, I departedwith him and my kidmutgar, after
Ghosul
Kaneh.
or
an
earlydinner, to the hummaum,
a
or
rupee
"
This
was
considerable
distance
from
my
boat, in
entered
garden,in the outskirts of the city. We
building,and Hamdial
having explainedwho I was
what
small
wanted,
attendant
an
which
of
the
bath
showed
the
and
me
requestedto disrobe.
Having peeled, a pairof curwah drawers, or pajammas,
were
given to me, which descend about half-waydown
the thigh,and are tied in front with a string.
submitted
All being ready,I, rather nervous,
myself
habited
athletic
to
to the guidance of an
native,similarly
myself.
and
dark
I
We
passed through a narrow
passage,
slave of the
The
began to look out for adventures.
apartment,
in
was
MEMOIRS
bath
showed
feet
ten
into
me
by four, filled
reservoirs
were
of
OF
305
GRIFFIN.
little confined
apartment, some
side of which
one
steam, on
of different temperatures, in
with
water
(as well
as
recollect)
can
breast-high.
Here
bowl
I found
of
two
or
a
attendant, who, after sluicing
another
water
over
body, laid
my
out
me
on
strong
man
now
bade
rise,and
me
then
and
there
vertebral column,
on
play the castanets
my
beginning at the topmost articulation;this he effected
by placinghis leg behind me, swinging my body gently
backwards
and forwards, and then by a sudden
jerk,the
of pleasant,
tion
producing the desired dislocavery reverse
and its accompanying crack ; having done
with the
the
spine,he rung
changes on my toes, knees, and
fingers. To effect all this,he entwined his brawny limbs
about
in a most
far
me
was
gladiatorial
style,which
from agreeable.
At length,after a few more
I was
sluicings,
givento
understand
that my purifications
end ; someat an
were
thing
began
to
then
was
the
place from
in my
never
thrown
over
whence
if
to
new
open
There
came.
life experienced
such
buoyancy. I felt as
and bodily,
and ready
and
me,
led back
was
to
I dressed,and
feelingof purityand
cleansed mentally
man,
a
fresh account
with
the
world.
My kitmudgar,Fyz Buccas,
not
been
absence
idle
; for
or
no
"
306
MEMOIRS
OF
than
GRIFFIN.
he
incense.
The
station
between
to
Sultanpore,the
followingday brought me
of a regiment of native cavalry,about
midway
and Chunarghur. Here
I stayeda few
Benares
days with
There
no
cornet,
native
whom
to
the
was
of
bearer
letter.
French
was
those
red cloth,with
The
with
of
sort
hemispherical
covered
silver
European
breeches,and
grey, buckskin
high blue mitre-shapedcaps,
with
mountings.
officers
helmets
wore
(sincechanged
to
like their
dressed
respects were
Some
of the trooperswere
well-made
fellows,
tight,
the native officers large,portlygentlemen; but, if
shakos), but
men.
and
I may
in other
allowed
be
Musulmans
than
pun,
musclemen
should
there
say
amongst
were
more
them.*
In
the
both
militarycostume
from
those
Hauberks
cap,
and
at
and
so
on.
descriptionsand
of
Europeans
present
other
worn.
and
For
antiques; the
illustrations
natives
example,
shako
of
has
volumes, the
slightlyto differ
these
will be found
Hessians
now
superseded the
rank
with
chimney-pot
MEMOIRS
would
peans
OF
able
be
to
307
GRIFFIN.
Their
cope.
great degree of
induced by the
is,however, in general,
artificially
strength
the magdas, or clubs,
continued practice
of gymnastics,
and the use of the iron- stringed
bow, "c.
I arrived at Sultanporeduring the great Mahomedan
and the cantonment,
festival of the Mohurrum,
bouring
neighwere
bazaars, and villages,
resounding with
and shouting.
firing
This
prettywell known
is
festival,as
all in
any
is held in honour
history,
Oriental
degreeacquaintedwith
of the martyrdom of
to
emotion.
without
hardlyperuse
feelingsof
the
are
griefand
of
and
Hussain
The
the
what
infidel,
Sunni
makes
it
themselves
to
of
season
Ali, abandon
be
must
lowers
fol-
or
and
the wildest
of sorrow.
demonstrations
passionate
of the shrine of Kerbela,
Tazeahs, or representations
of all sizes and shapes,more
less richlyadorned with
or
for a periodof
"c., are borne dailyin procession
gilding,
days,followed by crowds of the faithful,shouting
many
Hussain
! Hosein ! beatingtheir breasts, and indulging
violent semblance
the most
of grief.
out
one
My friend,the cornet, drove me
evening to
witness the tumasha
(sport).As we approached the
most
"
"
spot where
ears
were
the
greatest
saluted
by
informed
concourse
alternate shouts
were
intended
of
compactly as
fitful escapes
The
honest
ever
and
he
of
from
steam
can,
Bull
to
to
was
"
mass
an
effect
the
my
sequently
subsain,
Hus-
sharply
as
platoon fire,or
engine.
the
natural
of
proneness
assimilation where-
national
"
calls these
it is but fair
well-delivered
English soldier,with
John
what
the words
for
assembled,
was
"
308
MEMOIRS
shouted
like
"
forth in the
OF
GRIFFIN.
sound
described,
manner
Hobson, Jobson."
On
the
exceedingly
wild
fro,
were
numbers
excitement
of
scene
of Mahomedan
met
of which
centre
rocked
view.
our
and
to
troopers, in their
Here
undress,
of them
and
front of it
of
body
with
had
tazeah
camel, and
female
face
and
gildeddome,
splendidly
figureof
the
was
Hosein.
in
the
the
intended
this creature, which
I take it was
Mahomed
his nocwhich
made
to represent Borak, on
turnal
journey to heaven, were stringsof gold coins.
the neck
of
All this
told, of
was
of
supplied at
begum, the
magnificencewas
a
devout
old
the
I
expense,
left-handed
wife
invalid
stuck
serves
which
event
The
it is intended
Mahomedans,
when
part of the
image
lively
to
the
induce
them
carcases
to
worked
of
try the
of the
touching
to
up
temper
high
these
state
of
occasions,
of infidel,Hindoo
description
any
and
commemorate.
and
religiousexcitement
frenzy, on
are
dangerous subjectsto deal with ;
then
pageant,
or
Christian.
The
Hindoo
relator
was
festival of the
the Mahomedan
at
once
Allahabad
Hoolee,
Mohurrum
*
sort
when
the
great
of Saturnalia, and
unluckilyfell together;
Scimitars.
and
MEMOIRS
OF
309
GRIFFIN.
tation
judge,Mr. Chalmers, when a depuin
him
from
waited
each
of the religions
upon
shed
connection
with the subject of the apprehended bloodand disturbance,
in case
the processionsof the two
present with
was
should
the
meet.
The
requests and
the
highly characteristic of
religions.The Hindoos
had possessedthe country from time immemorial,
and long before the Mahomedans
into it, they did
came
not
see
why they should postpone the celebration of
their religious
take
chose
because
to
the former
rites,,
offence at them ; they disclaimed
wish
to
the slightest
insult
offend
or
the
Faithful, but
contended
for
music, "c.,
with
rightto parade the cityin procession,
of
as
old.
The
the
as
Mahomedan
Hindoos
moollahs,
were
the
case
on
their
their
tazeahs
their
to
mosques
:
"
The
allowed
Betwixt
the wind
their
nobility."
endeavoured
and
unless
to
Hindoos
the
distance
were
forced
this the
that both
his assent, declaring
avail
and
that he would
justice,
himself
civil and
Some
remove
to
militarypower
time
after the
postpone
judge refused
partiesshould have equal
to
theirs,or
to
of
both
the
them.
keep the peace between
departure of these deputations,
to
310
MEMOIRS
information
dans
were
of armed
situated
assembling at
their principalmen,
of
one
Mahome-
considered
head
the
of
judge immediatelyordered
step into it,and, accompaniedby
drove
we
the banks
on
to
his
the
gig,
couple
residence,which
Jumna.
of the
the
his
The
there.
begged me to
of orderlyhorsemen,
was
GRIFFIN.
was
barree, or residence of
great landholder, who was
Sunnis
OP
consisted
It
of many
or
disposed through one
buildingsirregularly
three
also situated two
or
more
courts, in which were
small mosques.
dismounting,and enteringthe
On
observed
many
with
Musulmans,
first enclosure,we
inclined
heads
as
if in
Follow
me,
examine
all the
my
took
where
to
us
several
he had
an
determined
such
any
were
the
Hindoos,
judge said
mence
night to com-
The
piled.
their intention
was
onslaught on
of
rows
at
and
that
be
was
The
chief disclaimed
preserve the peace.
intention, but I well recollect his concluding
to
observation.
"
"
Our
"
and so forth.
pray consider this ;
The
result of all this was,
that half a
ordered
were
couple of six-pounders
;
city in
the
battalion
down
or
to
and
the
market-
312
MEMOIRS
had
We
OF
GRIFFIN.
their respects.
In India, Christmas
to pay
"
Burra
Din"
or
dependantsattend
Day is
great day.
called
Our
in their best
by
natives
the
native
soldiers
attire,to pay
their
our
and
spects,
re-
little
according to their means,
nuzzurs
or
gifts,as tokens of good-will and fidelity.
Your
Kansaman
brings a basket of sweetmeats
; the
shepherd,a kid from the flock; the gardener,a basket of
his choicest fruit,flowers, and
vegetables;the bearers
deck the bungalow with evergreens,
or
plant a young
and
tree
present,
so
forth.
It
merry
The
season.
venerable
veteran
native
officers
rolled up,
posse
of
entered,exhibitingon
of the Indian
their persons the various obsolete costumes
of half a century back, graduallyapproximating
army
attire of the sepoy
from the uncouth
of the olden time,
the
vandyked jangheeas, half-way down
thigh,cut-away coat, and ludicrous triangular-fronted
cap,
to the more
perfect
Europeanizeddress at present worn.
kerchief,
Each
his extended
bore on
palm a folded-uphandwhich lay a certain number
of gold mohurs
on
the old general,
or
contrary to the usual
rupees, which
in
in such cases, groped off,and laid beside him
custom
touched his forehead, by way
a heap,having previously
of acknowledging
the compliment.
with
its short
MEMOIRS
Besides
held
He
is
313
GRIFFIN.
of the
pecuniaryoffering,
many
swords
to the general and
my
This
is universal
and
the
their
touched
OP
of
finely
expressive
pretty
tom
cus-
what
he
can
more
civil functionaries,
entered,various
the
bazaar
domestic
general's
garrison,and the
arrayed in their holiday
and
servants, all
ushered
in, and made
attire, were
friend, who
the
amongst
connected
veterans
their
salaams
and
latter were
and
aside in the room,
set
gifts. The
formed
of oranges, pomegranates, sweetmeats,
a
goodlydisplay
sugar-candy,"c., enough wherewith to set up the
store of a generaldealer in a small way.
Last of all,several trays were
brought in,each covered
with
embroidered
an
roomal
having arrangedthese on
with a grand air,as
think
of that ?
or
the
much
"
and
to
"
say,
! what
There
magnificentdisplayof
good things appeared. The Kansaman
whispered the
friend
old general smiled, and
old general; the
my
Sahib,
gift from Begum
laughed. It was a Christmas
his piousleft-handed Moosulmanee
wife,and whose funds
had
supplied,as I before mentioned, the magnificent
Benares.
tazeea
at Sultanpore,
Whilst its examination
was
going on, I thought I perceived
from
behind
the
curious
few
curtain,
a
eyes peeping
do
you
which
concealed the
khaneh,
female
of the
sanctorum
sanctum
zenan
apartments.
After
my
or
observed
the
aforesaid
curtain
once
more
on
an
old
the move,
withered
Indian
stood for
moment,
placedher fingerarchlyon
314
MEMOIRS
as
a signalfor
lips,
gliding slowly towards
her
towards
OF
GRIFFIN.
friend
my
the
silent,and then
be
to
whose
veteran,
back
was
her, she
"
"
"
"
before
"
him.
General
make
to
come
She
now
salaam
my
took
knew
evidently
and they held
to
in
"
am
you
chair; my
Hindustanee,
salaam,
respectful
animated
conversation
a very
together,
of which, from
their eyes being directed towards
me
and
I guessed myself to be the subject.I
ever
anon,
was
barrassed
a modest
youth in those days,and felt a little emand discussed
at the idea of being overhauled
in an "unknown
tongue."
The
The cornet
said :
Begum has been asking about
look very young ; quite a chokra
you ; she says you
(boy),and have a very gureeb (quiet)look, though, she
dares to say, you are a bit of a nut cut
(roguishfellow)
her
well,made
her
"
"
doubtless
will
may
say it is
The cornet
correct
hereditary
complaintin our family."
explained,or tried to explain; the old lady
smart
apartment, after
"
her
reply).
fresh
round
She
of
it
"
now
taiz
burra
was
retired
to
her
her
salaamingbetween
the cornet.
thought,"said I, when
usual
not
an
laughed,nodded
bhat"
(a very
and
it ; with
to
she had
exhibit
"
gone,
that
themselves
it
was
in that
way."
"
Nor
is
it/'said he,
"
; but
generally
age
and
other
MEMOIRS
circumstances
lead
315
GRIFFIN.
OF
this
exceptionsin
to
well
as
"
else.
Besides," added he, though
everything
lady is both rich and devout, she does not, of
hold
foremost
The
was
"
left
had
"
woman
much
as
Hamilton
for
don't
Moore
read
fortyyears,
few moments,
and
of in
if he
had
know, but
wife
my
for
us
subject,
being spoken
deeply,
course,
now
littleconversation,of which
some
matter
old
the
estimation/'
place in native
who
general,
as
if
laudatorystrain,
been revolvingthe
had
had
old
that
consider
a
of
page
faithful ion
companof my
children !
My
the mother
"
she
we
to us.
over
in
as
"
"
making
her appearance
one
recollect that,general?
day
when
he
was
here
do
quitea scene."
ing
generalhere emitted a panegyricaleffusion touchthe whole clerical body, and the scrupulousPadre in
which, however, I will not repeat.
particular,
After tiffin,
the general,
the cornet, and myself,went
I had
out
to visit the fort and the neighbourhood,which
a desire to see
; the former, being old and infirm,rode in
his tonjon (a sort of chair-palankeen)
friend and I
; my
you
The
were
on
The
You
had
horseback.
fort of
the town
side
summit
of
rock,
some
hundred
feet above
the
terminatingabruptlyon the
river side.
A strong wall,defended
towers,
by numerous
round
contains
the
interior
the
runs
edge, and
modern
of barracks, magazines, "c., and some
ranges
fine masses
of old buildings,
in the Moorish
styleof
architecture,characterized
by the cupolas,horseshoe
surroundingcountry,
and
arch, "c.
The
views
on
all sides
are
extensive and
:
interesting
look
down
the roofs of the
you
upon
native town, its temples and
closely-built
intermingled
and tall bamboo
with
the white
pigeon-stands,
foliage,
on
the
one,
316
MEMOIRS
and
and
rich
with
luxuriant
mango
bold
many
with
dotted
and
groves,
or
mosques
by
GRIFFIN.
houses
the
OF
snail-like pace
there with
old
distance,traversed
the river,which, sprinkledwith
stringsof heavy boats, advancing
tombs, extends
of
sweeps
white sail,or
and
here
in the
far
againstthe
current,
glistens
brightly
below.
The
generalpointedout
we
made
our
some
other
fort
by
zigzag descent, on
which
we
had
to
me
particular
part
unsuccessful
lions
another
the
the
assault
of the
in the
place; after
gateway, and
oppositeside
of
to
what
some-
that
on
entered.
MEMOIRS
OF
317
GRIFFIN.
that
juvenile,
the creak
touched
was
at the
the
of
the
lightairs
the
of the
many
"
Ah
soleums,
Ganges pipe,amidst the white mausleepwell heneath,
dirgesof those who
of the
once
inhabitants
nor
is the watchword
"
of the
scene
"
more
thingswhich address themselves
than
the sight of the tombs
of
feelings
few
are
stronglyto
the
in
countrymen
our
gay
sweetlythey slumber,
Peace, peace
There
"
"
far distant
land.
In
the
tery
ceme-
rarelyvisited,it being
of the track of travellers,where grass and jungle are
out
fast encroaching,
and time and the elements are pursuing
their silent dilapidations,
Briton
a
a
long
many
many
and
forgottenJohnson
quietlyrepose, far
Thompson
to
which
now
referring,
am
"
"
from
the hearths
I have
since
places,which
flow of
I have
of their fathers.
may
our
stood
than
more
once
visited
be
compared to
advancingpower
and
mused
this
wrecks
and
the
which
leaves
similar
behind
ward
on-
it,and
pleased
myself by indulgingin dreamy speculations
touchingthe
histories of the surroundingsleepers(for all have their
littlehistories),
of all their hopes,fears,and
cares, here
as
for
ever
We
laid
at
extended
amongst
them,
rest.
our
excursion
to
some
now
have
only a
faint remembrance
distance
of
I have
beyond
Mahome-
forgotten.
of its mosaic
and
318
MEMOIRS
lattice-work
GRIFFIN.
"
covered
around, and
OF
with
embroidered
an
"
the
cophagus
sar-
carpet,the lamps
suspended from
ostrich eggs
the
the Koran
the vaulted
roof.
returninghome
On
found
late,we
of the
two
or
to
the old
and
other Christmas
the
general
"
of his
three
assembled
garrison,
house,
general's
do
to
fare.
shouldered
rather
friends,invalid officers
justiceto
his
roast
beef
gave
us
plenty of
Indian
"
existed.
and I
morning, after breakfast,the cornet
and in a few days I bade him
rode back to Sultanpore,
in wind
adieu, and in a short time found myself sound
and limb, but quiteout of rootle mackun
(" bread and
butter"),and other river stores, in sightof the far-famed
of the Jumna
fortress of Allahabad, at the confluence
and Ganges.
walls and nuThe view of this fortress,
with its lofty
merous
towers, is,as you approach it,very striking
; one
few such
in England ; and
for
sees
as
imposing masses
feudal castles,
few of them are much
our
biggerthan the
gateways of such placesas I am describing.
The
fort which
occupies the point where these two
famous
rivers meet, though perfectlyOriental in its
generalcharacter,has been
pointed,"and strengthened
in accordance
with the principles
of European fortificaThe
next
"
320
MEMOIRS
ing,"c.
urgent
very
any
GRIFFIN.
much
so
"
OF
to
require
me
to
three
or
bolio.
my
"
acquaintancewas
My
Indian
young
officers
are.
mighty hunter,"
He
most
as
pack
mongrels,and
of
not
am
Europe
aware
whether
If
not.
or
it
were
this
as
sort
of bow
is known
generallymade
use
in
of
in India,
boys in England as by young men
should
of blind and
have a fearful number
we
certainly
one-eyedgentry amongst the population.
made
of a split
This bow
is generally
bamboo, which,
renders it peculiarly
adapted to the
being highly elastic,
it has two
stringsof catgut, which, at about
purpose;
foot from
one
are
a
extremity,
kept separate by a small
pieceof stick,about an inch and a half in length,the
the strands
ends
of the
ingeniouslysecured between
string;immediatelyopposite to that part of the bow
graspedby the hand, and which is well padded,there is
small
a
pieceof leather, about two square inches in
to the two
size, sewn
strings,and presentingits flat
of hard, dried
surface to the handle; in this a pellet
and
clay is placed,and being seized by the thumb
of the righthand, is then dischargedat the
forefinger
object
the
The
great danger of the tyro is that of striking
amongst
thumb
the
of the
ball
bowman
hand, within
an
inch
or
two
of which
must
a
left
OF
MEMOIES
peculiarturn
The
twist.
or
321
GRIFFIN.
force with
which
the
off
the
heads
which
to
"
Will you
and
squirrels
let
have
me
"it
he
was
months
twist
your
grove,
exhibited his
"
said
to
my
I, eagerly.
difficultthan
more
before
he replied
;
you imagine,"
I got into the way of it; here,"
"
if you are
wrist thus, or
continued,
he
it before ?
attempted
you ever
"
but there appears
to be no
"
far
tamarind
paroquets, much
shot ?
as
"
Certainly
; but have
Never," I replied
;
in it whatever."
difficulty
Tis
the
moored,
was
"
"
sometimes
sparrows
done with a koife.
been
boat
my
skill upon
the
astonishment.
and
I strolled in
friend and
my
near
doves
of
if it had
completelyas
As
thus
determined, you
will
you
Now,
must.
hit
infallibly
your
"
thumb
"Oh!
there,so !
I see/' said I; and
immediatelyseized
the
bow.
dove
gave
thumb
tossed
on
a
neighbouringbough ; I
invitingly
long pull and a strong pull,and, och ! hit my
whack
that bared it to the bone.
a
Away I
the pellet-bow
to the distance of about
twenty
sat
yards,thrust the
immediatelyfell
Crow.
In
swathed
the
to
came
"
mutilated
ex-member
to
us
into my
mouth, and
to
little time
summon
member
the
agony
in fine
subsided
linen,when
like
Jim
had
Fyz
Buccas
dinner.
"
Come
you
"
get your
meat
did
"
bought it of a
splendid
jointit is."
"I
off
322
My
India
a
GRIFFIN.
OF
MEMOIRS
little grave.
"
have
hope they
given
not
made-up
you
article."
"
"
"
"
"
and
other different
up their meat, and use half a dozen
passenger."
ways of takingin the unwary
"
"
s
aid
Ton
me
I, you frighten
; if this my
my life,"
shall go plump on
the rocks of
best bower
fails, we
blow
that's certain."
short commons,
"
at the worst, my
mind," said he ;
place
is not
far off, and there is abundance
of prog there ;
bazaar mutton,
eat
or
besides,I can
goat, or anything
"
Oh,
else
never
at
Hodgson
This
to
wash
mutton
should
look.
worst, and
wind
gave
; the
good glassof
it down."
cut
dialogue was
did not
; it certainly
the
is
if there
pinch,particularly
seized
cut
short
look
the
the
the
by
entry of
respectablemutton
as
carver,
to
eager
know
the
out, and so
fallinginto a state
murder
unhappy mutton
the
was
was
of
collapse.
"
Ha
much';
Indian
I made
sac,
of
and
ha !
"
try that
now
will have
you
an
ha !
evidence
of
manufacture
transverse
incision
there
lay a
seriatim
beautiful
other
the
sub
"
thought
as
can
extracted
the
of fat
mass
farther
butcher
a
roared
fat
into
and
extraneous
skill with
the
jointof
the
compact
which
mutton."
membraneous
stratification
I
matters, which
fork.
I confess
point of my
I was
thunderstruck
of the heathen,
at this profligacy
which is,however, common
enough.
Currah
is an
resque
interesting
spot, abounding in picturuins ; and good sportingis to be had there,the
neighbourhood abounding in hares, wild pea-fowl,
grey
and quail; the best cover
in which
to find
partridges,
the latter is, my
underfriend told me, the soft feathery
at
MEMOIRS
OF
of grass to be found
of the islands of the
indigofields. In
Ganges, black partridge,
growth
some
323
GRIFFIN.
in the
the view
to
presents
be
to
are
confused
met
in the
foliageof numerous
tamarind
with
trees ; interspersed
temples,musjids,or mosques, as
stone
and
The
convenience
is
vicinity
the annual
soil,to
much
are
several
of
appearance
for this part of India.
of
cut
also
some
considerable
up
little below
picturesque
appearance
Lower
down
in
from
mundils
loose
the
are
the
Ganges
mains
re-
has
spot where
the
still,on
pretty Hindoo
the town
fort,which
loftycircular bastions,are
preservation.
some
these
houses
rains in their
river.
the
of
rather
neem,
buildings,
peepul,and
considerable
brick, displaying
a
or
comfort
by
of mud
mass
or
moored,
temples,from
are
which
as
mind
my
the
groves, I gazed on
they glideddown the stream, and yieldedup
and pleasing
to the influence of tranquil
tions.
emo-
doves, which
numerous
I
when
remote
The
thought of
I should
and
masses,
mother
my
captain and other
is of
home
"
"
the
widow
"
things equally
"
agreeable.
tamarind, to my
of the East
which
be
fillthe
not
"
even
delicate
like clusters
taste, is the
beautiful tree
most
"
324
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
old mosque,
piece of water, or half-envelopingsome
with the traveller'shorse picketed
durgah,or caravanserai
in its shade, or the group of camels ruminatingin repose
beneath it nothing can
be more
picturesque.
which no plant will grow, seems
This tree, beneath
to
be a great favourite with the natives, but particularly
with the Mahomedans
invariablyto be
; it is almost
"
"
found
their mosques
and mausoleums
I suspect,holds the place the yew,
near
them,
Fond
The
us
almost
an
"
only constant
of Brahmins
rather
or
the
fled.
griefsare
mourner
amongst
inseparableadjunctof
others'
and
"
is
established in and
comfortably
about the ghaut and temple above mentioned, the duties
of which latter they perform; these, with bathing,eating,
and fleecing
tute
sleeping,
European passers-by,constiof their harmless
the dailytenor
lives. They regularly
from
contributions
travellers
who
levy
European
pass this way, and make, I suspect, rather a good thing
nest
of it.
Their
of
course
is as follows
proceeding
all the humility of aspect
with
fraternity,
one
which
of the
acterized
char-
Sterne's
"
trulybe said, in
"
Qui
color
albus
partlyfilledwith
attempts
at
to
the
squeeze
to have
the
of
out, or
by him
language
erat,
of the
est
nunc
of
"
produces for
which
it might
Latin
contrarius
grammar,
albo
"
"
doggrels,and generallyabortive
names,
facetious.
record
addition
the
time
In
this the
traveller is
quested
re-
of any
extempore
ready cut
and
verses
dry for
he
may
chance
such occasions.
MEMOIRS
made
OF
325
GRIFFIN.
contribution,and returned
literary
in whose
favour the
the valuable miscellany
to its owner,
traveller's romantic
are
feelings
perhaps warmly excited,
wulait
tazu
a
if,like me, a
particularly
(literally,
St. Pierre-ish
fresh-importedEuropean), with some
notions of the virtuous simplicity
of Brahmins
and Genthe lingering,
toos, he beginsto discover,from
fidgety,
of
his
sacerdotal
that
friend,
something
expectant manner
remains
in fact,that a more
to be done
tribution
importantconthat the "amor
nummi"
is required and
is
quiteas rife in a grove on the banks of the Ganges as anywhere
world.
else in this lucre-loving
On
making this
he disburses his rupee in a fume, and
all his
discovery,
plicity,
romantic
ideas of hospitableBrahmins, primitivesim-
Having
his
"
"
"
"
children
of nature,
country, for
covered
with
the
great size,and
traversed
we
in search
around
miles
ruins
"c.
of Mahomedan
much
combining, with
of
and
game
of
the remains
of peers or
told,Sheik Kummul
over
saints ;
the
Currah, is thickly
of
tombs, some
of form,
diversity
considerable
three
deal
good
Two
erected
of these
one
or
latter
shumshere*
the
convincing argument
villageof Kummulpore
derives
The
its
name
jacent
adfrom
him.
Kurruck
was
Shah, I learnt
bit of
was
antiquary,
an
of remarkable
of Currah
sanctity,who
his
durgah
of
or
an
encompassed by shabby
*
friend,who
my
young
of another
the name
peer
from
lies buried
shrine, which
extensive
whitewashed
Sword, whence
near
we
the
town
visited,is
probably scimitar.
326
by
OF
MEMOIRS
two
or
three
long shaded,
their
like
children
"
of the
land attached
the
lamps, "c.
of which
the
on
natural
their
and
arms
buildingsthey had
parents claimingin age the support
of
establishment
told,an
GRIFFIN.
trees,some
gigantic
were
It
props.
of
were
we
attendant
or
peerzadas,
for their
has,
so
priests,
the cause
of
clearlyor positively
this neighbourhood
vast
as
so
a congregationof tombs
miles being covered with them ;
exhibits,many
square
told by villagers
whom
he quesbut my companion was
tioned
covered
that they
the remains
of
the subject,
on
I could
the
slain
dates
have
been
process
fell in
who
the
on
learn
never
tombs
the
hardest
Joking apart, to
lead
great battle.
of various
are
fought
battle
periods,this
record
on
"
must
or
the
slow.
singularly
of interment
untutored
trust
peasants in
to
any
the
on
dits and
country is far
traditions
more
of
likelyto
in nine cases
of ten.
out
enlighten,
Having much enjoyedmy three days'halt at Currah, I
once
more
pursued my onward
hospitable
course,
my
host sending down
boat a profusion of butter,
to
my
for my voyage, with a piece
fresh bread, and vegetables,
of which he told me
of mutton,
the integrity
I might
on
rely: this was, at all events, puffing it in a
confidently
to
error
than
proper manner.
I found the
contain
to
country between
Currah
remarkable
nothingparticularly
built towns,
leading features.
mud-
and
;
Cawnpore to
groves, ghauts,
constituted its
ravines,and sand-banks
On
of the latter,one
fine cold
one
evening,I performedthe
funeral
our
hands.
328
MEMOIRS
peculiarfortes,
*
kuddoos
to
mess,
been
from
GRIFFIN.
the
purloiner en passant
cucumbers, the thief in ordinaryto
and
the instructor
OF
of the
associated
one
of
the
or
sportingadventure
engaged on my way up
their
of
more
or
"
with
names
exploitin
long four
to
which
months'
trip.
It is true I
to the rigorous
subjectedthem occasionally
of the Marpeetian code; in other
words,
discipline
thrashed them
soundly when they hesitated to plunge
into an alligatorish-looking
pool after a wounded dabchick,
or
twice,
as
or
capsizedmy griffinship,
happened once
when
staggeringwith me Scotch-cradle fashion, gun and
all,through the shallows, to myboKo; but the goodnatured, placablecreatures
soon
forgotit,and we were
I
the whole very good friends.
I believe they knew
on
was
a
and, cognizant of the infirmities of that
griffin,
as
singularanimal, made allowances for me, particularly
I gave them sometimes, by way of compensation,a rupee
or
a feed of metais
(sweetmeats).
On paying the manjee,he tied up the rupees
carefully
in the
his
also bowed
crew
for
of his
corner
business.
agreeablesmile, and
I
themselves
then
He
which
in
desired
to
me
low
the earth.
salaam
So
much
with
an
thing
insinuatingtone, said someRamdial
to explain,though
an
partlyguessedits purport.
"
What
"
He
him
does
bola
he muncta
(says)if
(want),Eamdial
Sahib
Kooshee
?"
will
pleasegive
buckshish"
"
we'll
boxes
givehim some
paunch rupee
bus ?
(Rs. 5 enough, eh ?)
Sahib
"Han
(yes,sir)bus (enough)/'
Having, in my usual piebald lingua franca, thus
consulted
keeper of the privypurse, I ordered him
my
to disburse a gratuity
of Rs. 5 amongst
the crew, which
Thus
salaams.
received,with many
we
they gratefully
Yes, yes
"
"
Gourd, vegetablemarrow.
MEMOIRS
more
parted,never
aquaticjourneyfrom
The
curtain is
and
griffinage,
have
thus
sat
to
be
to
approaching the
are
trumpets
and
exeunt
Cawnpore is
329
GRIFFIN.
and
thus
wound
up
my
presidencyto Cawnpore.
about
it may
meet,
the
now
long
OF
to
rise
act
on
consolation
some
the last of my
who
to those
performance,that they
denouement, the grand flourish of
witness
the
omnes.
the
of
head-quarters
division,and
the
with
troops of all arms
slightaddition,indeed, of native troops, a force can
station
some
of
several
thousand
"
The
much
and
societyis large,and
in the
same
way
as
time
in other
masquerades and
parties,
mess
is killed
here
pretty
largestations" private
and
fancy dress-balls,
privatetheatricals.
I passed a week with the hospitable
major,which was
devoted to making the necessary
principally
preparations
for my march.
box
snuffI had nearlyemptied the general's
and was
; had no
consequentlyobligedto
pay due ;
consider economy
in my
purchases,and to relinquishall
en
ideas,if I ever had them, of travelling
seigneur or a
la nawaub.
The
thing was
to
"
330
MEMOIRS
in the
appearance
head
of
and
raw
"
matter-of-fact
to
GRIFFIN.
in
of Rosin antes
assortment
rare
OF
compound. I
bloody bones
before
the
equinerace,
of
quintessence
in
as
made
miniature
beheld
never
"
the
their
phrase
completelyreduced
so
some
of them
tatoos
grass-cutters'
the
vice and deformity a breed peculiar
to India, and the very pariarof horses.*
Try this fellow,Gernon," said the major, laughing;
I think he'll do for you."
The major littlethought how near
he was
to the mark.
On his so saying,
I mounted, or rather threw my leg over
bridle
a very angularback-bone, and
seizinga primitive
with a
of stringor cord, solicited an
onward
movement
gee-up."
"tender
Now, whether it was that I touched
a
point,"
or
being of greater specific
gravitythan a bundle of
in a
I was
not
sooner
no
certainly
; but
grass, I know
on
most
"
"
"
"
"
"
fix,"
the
as
Yankees
appallingscream,
a rapidretrograde
movement,
an
midst
"
of
In
seven
moment,
full play around
a
devils
I had
me,
"
worse
than
himself.
double
that
number
spiteof
to
partedcompany
and
scrambled
accelerator
an
the
regionof
almost
"
"
at
my
ably,
leg consider-
around,
friend
vinced
con-
and
in convulsions.
get
my
"
sooner
in the
consequentlyrolled off,
of the m"lee, receiving,
in retreating,
out
about
in the shape of another kick on
or
the os coccygis. As for the major,he was
better.
the
Confound
to
the
in
attempts
thunderingbroadside
speedilythat
of heels
owners'
the tatoo
ribs of my Bucephalus,
which damaged my
and other notes
of battle sounding
me
into the
backing me
me
it,major,that's
the back
on
too
of that
bad
imp,
of
and
you,"
said I,
to
laugh
now
misfortunes."
Oh
The
horses and
English reader
tatoos
can
have
must
forgiveme,"
viciousness
said
he,
of Indian
the last-named.
they fightlike tigers,particularly
MEMOIES
OF
"
but
if it
and
331
GRIFFIN.
was
again
father
my
he
self
him-
till he
laughed
25, and
first
was
position,
India
termed
small
worse
for
money.
the
routee, rather
60, and this, with
Ks.
for
bought
the
worth
the
in
were
tent, in
I
wear,
Cawnpore-made
bullock-trunks, and a
bridle,a hackery,two
for the
pairof bangy baskets, constituted my turn-out
saddle
and
march.
friend
My
and
messes
These
though
from
the
wherever
he
I confess
I should
him
to
invited.
was
partiesI
mess
with
me
then
now
very pleasant,
derive very little pleasure
thought
delight,
considered
what
were
on
public nights
particularly
drinking,singing songs (many of
toasting,
speechifying,
with
the grossest description),
roaring and screeching,
the finale of devilled biscuits,
daybreak,pale faces,per
haps a quarrelor two, and half a dozen under the table,
the
scenes
in which
was
then
to
wont
"
in
few
Since
to
words
those
describe
them.
century of the
olden
time
as
are
equal
now
respects progress,
improved ; we
begun to learn in what
change
and
true
even
tranquilintersociality
reallyconsists
of thought,with
a
sprinklingof decent mirth,
and the flow of soul
to
the genuine feast of reason
which
sures
gastronomic pleaeatingand drinking,the mere
considered
of the table, are
as
secondary rather
than as principal
of enjoyment.
sources
The change,however, is yet but beginning; aldermen,
ceased
associated
be inseparably
it is true, have
to
(as
red noses
twin ideas) with huge paunches and
your
have
seven-bottle men
enjoyed the last of their fame,
of a Beau
which reposes with the celebrity
Brummel
;
have
thingshave
"
"
"
"
"
but
too
much
of the
old
Saxon
leaven
"
the wine
and
332
MEMOIRS
and
wassail-loving
in
of animalism
GRIFFIN.
with
gormandizing spirit,
other
an
excess
be
OF
thought,is
us
serious hindrance
to
intellectual advancement.
exalted
more
in this
extreme
This
case
inordinate
to
the
love
to
defect
of that which
(allowablein
senses
is, it appears
national
that of excessive
"
humble
my
engenders a
profusion militates againstthat
a
affections
When
the
"
true
moderation
shall be
man
virtues,and
; when
station
happy
than
a
to
Eubini
battle with
dread
shall
the
the
the like
for the
happy
of
mighty energiesof
our
and
sneer
of kindred
missions
great and
fined
re-
duties
"
for the
fashionable
benevolent
human
glow
the
left fallow
and
sought
pirouettesof
; when
to be
purest enjoyments.
real charms
more
city
simpli"
for his
not
and
and
of the
source
gratification
degree)
prime
selfishness
and causes
pseudo-civilization,
cultivated the field of
partially
but
and
moderate
of
state
or
which
fearful
"
from
administers
apprehension,our
; it
of character
mortification.
we
to
the
the
and
"
world's
country
blacks," and
millennium.
power
to
effect
MEMOIKS
and
"
mediocre
in
philanthropists
whilst
of
Demosthenes.
"
any
immortal
the
There
in
other
by
rose
"
would
name
execution
MILITARY
and
to all persons,
for the
seen
first
an
smell
be, under
must
awful
his usual
one
of the
witnessed
the
execution
racy.
accu-
and
all circumstances
exhibition
striking
the
on
young
painfulimpression. An
soldier of
sweet."
as
XXIV.
time, it makes
peculiarly
deep and
sway
may
utterlybelied
bard
"
double
"
name
CHAPTEK
A
"
wealth.
plead in
the eloquence of a
?
says Shakespeare
and
Paul
What's
commercial
mere
with
prevail
"seedy coats"
them, would
from
Truth,"
of
influences
sordid
somewhat
the
refining,
liberal,ennobling,and
is
333
GKIFFIN.
OF
but
mind
European
which
one
The
of
three
The
arms
were
broken
prevailed,
mounted
officer's
solemn
effaced from
various
up when
sides of an
drawn
were
in
troops
be
never
memory.
European and
arms,
I reached
immense
and
my
native,
parade,and formed
square, facing inwards.
the
"ordered," and
the
silence
portentous
only occasionally
by
sword, and
it was,
scene
tramp
the
clank
of his
of
horse's
The morning
slowlydown the ranks.
mists were
beginning to disperse,and the bright sun
the
was
darting his long and almost level rays across
parade ground, and gleaming brightlyon a forest of
the last sunrise the
steel and dazzling accoutrements"
unhappy criminal was ever destined to behold.
hoofs
he
as
rode
faithful descriptionof
take placeat the supposed time.
*
This
is
real occurrence,
though
it did
not
334
MEMOIRS
roll of the
The
OF
drum
announced
now
in which
procession,
rounded
the flank
position,
he
the
soon
GEIFFIN.
and
arrival,
his
occupieda conspicuous
of
sides
the
of
one
of the
square.
it
was
frightful
scene,
what
have
must
been
and
sent
its effects
damp
to
the
on
my
heart
unhappy
"
man
himself?
in the
Last
borne
white
cap
on
on
came
melancholy procession
the shoulders
in
his
deadlypale,sat
head, and
men
face calm
and
and
it,with
but
resigned,
the unfortunate
felt most
of
litter (doolie),
in his
his book
canonicals,walked the chaplain,
open
hand, readingthose prayers and promises speaking of
"
halted.
The
and
firm
with
coffin-bearers
hands.
Profound
was
the
silence.
soul
was
preparing for
336
MEMOIRS
cry which
blood-red
GRIFFIN.
with
the
OF
had
died unborn
spot
on
cheek, where
his
contrast
lendingits frightful
features
other
the heel of
the
on
passing pang
bullet
the
to
his
ground;
hands
the
on
of his
coffin,the
and
open
entered,
hue
marbly
foot rested
one
had
; one
on
their
backs.
now
ensued, which was
pause
officers gallopingto
stir of mounted
by
short
the loud
and
"
command
march
"
to
wheel
back
into
followed
soon
and
open
fro, and
column,"
"
advanced,
force
the
bands
of
several
the dead
in
expressions
and
it
man,
the
they stole
sidelongglancesat it.
reader
The non-military
I
sure
am
I was,
when
observe
to
of the
countenances
as
sepoy,
curious
was
their
will be
tell him
the various
pean
soldiers,Euro-
almost
scared
and
as
surprised,
each regiment,
hundred
yards,
little
that
"
self-evident
to
be
after
it
indecent,
seems
to
say
the
least of it :
should
consistent,we
always ring a merry
funeral,or a gallopadehome from church.
peal
of my
militia
escort
; we
naick
might
have
and
m
"
__^2*S$"..
MEMOIRS
of
nomade
tribe
on
OF
the
move
337
GRIFFIN.
and
greener pastures.
A two-bullock
hackeryor
tive
country cart, a very primiwhose
wheels, utter strangers
lumbering locomotive,
the most
to grease, emitted
music, conveyed
excruciating
my tent, trunks, and hen-coops,with the dobie's lady
and familyperched a-top of all.
Then
there
was
bangy-burdah, with
breakfast
and
dinner
petaras, containingmy
whilst Ramdial, my
sirdar, trudged on,
bundle
containingmy change of linen,and
did
not
two
approve
green
apparatus,
bearing the
draggingmy
of marching)
volens.
shades
of
the
greyhound,
which
had
purchased at
animal, rather
ironically,
this
Cawnpore. I named
manufactured
into
Pillai."
"Fly," which Nunco
Fyz Buccas, kidmutgar,trudged along,drivingbefore
him
knock-kneed
a
shambling tatoo, which I verily
a
spread eagle of, laden
thought he would have made
with his wife, two
children, and sundry bags,pots, pans,
"c.
Whether
Mrs. Fyz Buccas
was
a
beauty or not I
cannot
positively
say, though, if I might judge from
coal-black eye, of which, through the
the sample of one
folds of her hood I occasionally
had a glimpse,I should
decidedlysay she was.
rode ahead of the procession,
I generally
armed
capand
shone
the
of
lean
ideal
alry.
chivgriffinish
a-pie,
very
My syce always carried my gun, to be ready for
with
two
or jackal,and
a shot at a passingwolf
one
or
other
bhistee,
servants, viz.,a classee, or tent-pitcher,
constituted
rather numerous
"c., with my guard,we
a
"
party.
In the above
on
the
mango
canvas.
road
order I left
to
Cawnpore, for
Furruckabad,
where, in
small
an
life
village
extensive
sleptunder
338
MEMOIRS
It is the almost
of the
before
halting-ground
but
was
would
be
for
that
either
means
the
about
system
my
enabled
rise
to
the
like
hour
it
it is,
after
ably
comfort-
whole
till
day
amusement.
I would
myself
seat
an
thought
hour
own
my
had
and
morning,
for my
that time
at
half
power;
certain
the
sunset
under
much
or
practice,
the
reverse
reach
to
as
attained
has
sun
so
march
to
in the evenings,
always marched
after dark; by that
ground sometimes
next
About
in India
custom
ignorantof the
time
some
was
GRIFFIN.
morning,
the
to
preferable
arrivingat
invariable
early part
in the
OF
they
on
hand,
chair
and
intend
super"c.
About
tent,
rise
fairlyoff,I would
were
steed, whilst my
giant refreshed, mount
my
and, fairly
seated,
obsequiouslyheld my stirrup,
syce
would
follow the baggage.
I love to recall in imaginationthose days, the opening
of
existence.
How
ones
independent
vividly
my
I
can
recall the
which
scene
this march
sunlightof
! the
the
so
cold
often
sented
pre-
ings,
evenwaning
few brightstreaks just tingingthe horizon,
a
my
its
the
and
over
hackery slowly wending
plain,
way
scattered servants
crawlingbehind it,in a cloud of
my
dust; the
all
the
mango
groves
winter
villagesmud
"
huts, and
"
accompaniments of
country life in
Upper
India !
I
not
must
here
omit
mention
to
leavingCawnpore, I received
patron
it
was
couched
that, prior to
letter from
I
whom
my
my
friend and
responded
coroccasionally
in his usual
frank
and
half-,
"
service,and
that
you put
take care
with
me
on
your
of yourselfyet, and
up
and
drilling
paternalcare.
arrival ;
requirea
Give
me
MEMOIRS
OP
339
GRIFFIN.
written
to
tellhim
he may
is celebrated
Furruckabad
cloth and
tent
defeat
of
Lake's
war.
do.
Hoping
which
the
for the
have
adjoining
manufacture
of the
camp
Holkar's
J. MARPEET."
few
of
lives like
Yours, "c.,
"
town
is
worthy Griff,
I am,
"
He
expect you.
in Lord
By
make
littleor
dismount
wield
down
them
from
with
ment
dismissed
rajah
they came
ex-
of them
"
instead
them
use
of the East
advantage over
The
former
to
of
givethose
armed
men
will
their
splita
man
nave
the
"
ease
author
of
fearful
saw
Indian
The
quiltedjacketsand
of them
many
well-temperedblades of the
the
affairs.
"
the
infinite
force
mealy
our
he
The
with
that
and
pistoled,
had
they
own.
who
take
and
natives
the
Mahrattas, and
of the
vests
the
impressionon
no
once
met
some
cal
physi-
Native
Cavalry,some
squadronsof which were
ordered to charge the
for turning tail when
of Kotah's
body-guard,and asked them how
The
of one
to disgracethemselves.
answer
was,
Why,
"
what
chance, sir,have
we
with
in chain
men
z
340
MEMOIRS
armour,
and
will cut
down
horse
this
and
GRIFFIN.
wieldingswords
I mention
of such
at
man
acts
recent
as
singleblow
hearing on
of the
justification
in
not
OF
hut
men,
as
"
sions,
discus-
and
a
affording
probableclue
to
occasions.
the backwardness
I think
the
are
we
power of
neglectof those matters
of
prone
calculated
our
cavalryon
some
to
to
increase
on
the
individual
Good
first-rate consideration,
not
a
arms
are
prowess.
only for the superiorexecution they do, but on account
the confidence
other,and,
as
with which
luck would
have
a felonious
on
opportunity,
free with a portion of my
had
it,soon
pariardog, which
the
had
desired
made
dinner.
advanced
four
some
or
five marches
"
"
As
tall
mane
he
came
I observed
nearer,
head-stall
cord ;
bunch
was
of red
mounted
was
on
chains
were
round
and
his
Rosiuante-lookingsteed, with
; his
he
animal's
covered
yellowchequers.
square
broad
342
"
MEMOIRS
will
That
OF
GRIFFIN.
do," I inwardlyejaculated,
as,
after
ining
exam-
judge'stents.
After
ride of
exhibited
to
five hundred
of the
turn
road
my
and
tents
were
eightmiles,the
about
the
men.
phants,
spreadingbanyan-treewere a couple of eledo
of trees
for their tea, as we
eatingbranches
and sundry camels
waterbubbling* and roaring,
cresses,
and uprearing their loftynecks
by the well-side,where,
Under
the force
from
and
of association,I
almost
looked
in
represented
as
those
for Jacob
Scripture
future
and
customs.
life,is
interwoven
ever
with
Eastern
scenes
"
When
attended
"
the camel
with
loud
blows
out
his
gurgling,or
water-bag
rather
from
his
bubbling sound.
mouth,
the act is
MEMOIRS
OF
-343
GRIFFIN.
thing
though attired in someEuropean garb,did not, nevertheless,in
other
to belong to
our
respects,seem
quarter of the
globe.
The judge shook me
at
heartily
by the hand, and was
once
so
smiling and cordial,that I began to fancy I
him
somewhere
must
before, and
certainlyhave known
that this could never
be the first of our
acquaintance.
It was
true
downright goodness of heart, bursting
through the cobwebs of ceremony, and going slap-bang
yellow
saffron,who,
soap or
like the
to its purpose.
"
and
Well, Mr.
safe.
off have
you
hope
sowar
my
left your
tents
to
see
"
he againresumed.
queries,
did you hear last from
When
friend Marpeet ?
our
not since I did, I dare
Come, give your pony to
say.
that man,
and he'll take care
of him for you."
I resignedmy tatoo, who was
led off.
The judge'sservants
smiled, and exchanged significant
glances,as my little jaded rat, with accoutrements
for a
calculated
horse
of sixteen
hands
high, was
to
Having replied
these
"
marched
away.
perfectlyashamed
"Come
earlier
of him.
in," said
on
hye ?
the
a
fatigued,
sherry-shrol) lou.
forgottento
introduce
littlefat
to
you
wine
By
turned
we
will dine
somewhat
glassof
himself,as
The
judge,"we
account;
your
be
must
"
I had
the tent,
fellow-traveller.
Arratoon
Bagram
Asiatic,tendered
in
me
nearly
Ensign
Sarkies; Mr.
smiled
with
as
benignantly,
betokening that my youth and deportmenthad
pleasingimpression upon him, he, in a manner
man
his
you
will refresh
Qui
you.
the bye,"said he, recollecting
enter
to
as
hand,
as
made
if he felt himself
look
amiable
halfbound
little
344
MEMOIRS
could
OF
personage
be, and
GRIFFIN.
afterwards,that Mr.
to what
Sarkies
Guzerat
proceedingto
was
with
for
languages,
in divers Eastern
Armenian
an
camel
ary,
missionof tracts,
load
the purpose
of converting
the natives.
the
At
he
time
same
that he gave
proposed,if agreeableto
other
each
route
our
this
me
that
me,
information,
should
we
keep
not
assented,for though the good missionarywas
exactlythe sort of companion I should have selected,
had
choice been
a
given me, nevertheless,an associate
of any
under
kind
who
language
speak my own
present circumstances,a great acquisition.
Dinner
made
soon
fitted up
claspsto the
with
was
render
that
could
its appearance
The
viands,which
short,everythingthat could
and luxurious, and make
us
forget
of Hindostan.
in excellence
by anything procurable,of
fashionable
most
the
town,
and
were
ales, of
merveille, and
hotel
in
we
looking domestics,
their
were
in
at
kinds,
the
silver.
kinds,
surpassed
were
at
the
end
west
The
of
wines
cooled
by fine, proudseemed
liveries,who
fully
waited
rich
be
not
several
burnished
delicious
most
could
club-house
or
served
the
by
in
poles,and,
in the wilds
were
tent, which
it comfortable
we
in the
was,
upon
no
means
state
of
of the lustre
insensible
to
the
comforts
of
this mundane
attention
to
the
MEMOIRS
mock-turtle,the
other
roast
OF
345
GRIFFIN.
saddle
"
"
tinykickshaws
old man
In spite,
however, of this little trait of the
and
Adam/5 the missionaryappeareda most kind-hearted
childlike simplicity
benevolent
there was
a
creature;
of all guile,
which
about him, evincinga total absence
at once
inspireda feelingof affection and regard,adding
it wanting, of the power
of truthfulness
a
proof,were
"
form
it may
It was
virtue,in whatever
appear.
flowing
overobvious, at a glance,that the Padre's heart was
with
benevolence
and love of his kind, and that
and
feelingharboured there.
of a jovial
and bantering
The judge,though evidently
not
at all likelyto turn
turn, and
missionaryhimself,
seemed
clearlyto entertain a mingled feelingof respect
but somewhat
eccentric
and esteem
for his single-hearted,
no
one
harsh
or
unamiable
similar chance
his
introduction
to that to
which
him
to
to
indebted
was
restrained the
feelingthat,in a great degree,
inclination which, in a good-naturedway, would
every
his
crack
and
then
to
at
a
now
joke
expense.
peep out,
comfortable
After a very pleasantevening,
I retired to a
for me ; and
to be prepared
cot, which my host ordered
next
morning Mr. Sympkin, who was
engaged on some
after breakfast to
left us
specialbusiness in the district,
attend to his duties and
proceed to his cuchery tent,
horses
and
around
which
assembled
were
ponies gaily
of native zumeendars,
caparisoned,and a concourse
with their attendants, hosts of villagers,
witnesses,and
the various native functionaries in the judge'ssuite,who
of the
omlah."
in India bear the collective appellation
At tiffin he joinedus, as full of spirits
as
a
boy just
in a gleefulway,
let out of school, rubbing his hands
if I was
and asked me
disposedfor a day's shooting,
excellent
for if so, he should be happy to show me
some
I need
sport, the neighbourhood abounding in game.
hardlysay that I was not backward in acceptinghis offer.
for sport,
The day following
one
was
a most
propitious
for mine
"
"
346
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
table, and
the
the
at
time
same
asked
but
pieceof
"
to
me
look
to
for it ;
tent
"
at
judge
a
and
it
first-rate
man
despatcheda
with this he
the
at
peep
locks,turned
clicked my
servant
muzzles, which
returned
it
to
piece about,
the
were
"
possessedof
I'll send
"
it,"said be
order for
and
was
routee.
my
The
took
how
ordnance.
Allow
to your
in
case
little power.
to be laid on
me
provided in
gun,
is the
rather fine
in
ment
of the instrushook
head,
his
me.
"
I think
we
can
better
up with a
though," added he,
set
you
"
"
'
"
than
more
"
it is
"
once."
make
must
must
; you
easy matter
fall of the animal, and take care
no
the black
I
fellows
you
bag
of
any
alongsideof you."
laughinglyassured
him
I would
endeavour
to
avoid
that mistake.
"
Come
along, then,"
said
he ; "I
think
we
are
now
ready/'
The
judge had two noble shekarrie, or hunting
elephants,trained to face the tiger,and for sport in
stood
general,which
ready caparisoned,with their
In
flamingred j /tools,
or
housings,in front of the tent.
the
howdah
of
one
judge occupiedthat
of them
I took
of the other.
my
seat, whilst
the
MEMOIRS
OF
347
GRIFFIN.
secured,brandy and
Duly seated,guns
in the khowas
away
the
command
of
lunch
brutes
dicky,the stately
or
the
drivers
from
their
stowed
at
rose
recumbent
horsemen
mounted;
orderlyCossack-looking
the troop of beaters shouldered
their long laties or poles,
and we were
instantly
bearingaway in full swing for the
sporting-ground.This lay at the distance of three or
postures
; the
miles
four
long
from
our
shallow
grass,
jheel or
terminatingin
trees.
The
motion
it that
shoot
We
both legs at
elephantmoves
consequentlythe body rises
is that of a ship at sea, and
I should
make
nothing of
off
one
and
side simultaneously,
I felt before
my
his
falls,and
first
I tried
attempt
to
one.
formed
advanced.
"
"
"
348
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
up
As
advanced
we
of the
deserved
around
us
judge
the end
at
black
tumbled
of his spear.
of
the
rose
partridges
every
them
over
right and
by
line
made
now
grass, and
itself;it was
the
our
beaters
with
view
emerging
immediatelya beautiful sightpresented
roused
herd
whole
of
a
antelopes,
from
sweep,
their
repose, and
the grace of
to
which
off
went
Taglioni. Two
bounding with
sharp cracks, and lugga, lugga I proclaimedthat Mr.
of them.
Sympkin had laid an embargo on one or more
This
proved to be the case, and a fine black buck
his
with spiralhorns
and a white streak down
antelope,
about
seen
side, and a fawn
soon
half-grown,were
danglingfrom the broad quarters of the elephant.
On
approaching the very verge of the long grass, a
ing.
followed by a wild hog's bolt! was
sewer
cry of sewer,
before
us,
I fired
of
and
him, and
at
of
one
the
the
few
rider
in
shots
judge'shorses,who
plunged,jerked off
dismounted
put
the
quarters
hind-
thereat reared
and
had
nearly
could
hear
awkwardness.
The judge
at my
mutteringa few curses
of barrels at him, but he got
also dischargeda brace
off,and we saw him for a great distance scouring across
the plain.
Having issued from the grass, the judge drove his
elephantalongsideof mine.
"
Well, how
do
you
get
on
I said correct, eh ?
You
haven't
"
Much
! I haven't
hit anything,sir,except
your
sowars' horses,I
am
sorry
what
to
say
it is
most
one
of
tanta-
350
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
successively
; this alarmingthem, and preventing
they were
attempt to quit the street in which
heads
every
confined.
In
they forced
they tumbled
headlong,rollingover and over, completelymanacled in
the toils. I never
saw
anything so cleverlymanaged ;
the fellows did everythingwith wonderful
and
coolness
of their craft.
masters
tact, and seemed
perfectly
Laden
with game,
after a most
day's sport,
interesting
returned to Mr.
we
Sympkin's tent, where we found our
smilinglittle friend,the Padre, with his ever-readyhand
extended, and preparedto receive and to congratulate
us.
After passinganother
day with our princelyhost, we
took our
leave and commenced
our
journey. Our tents
had been sent overnight,
and after an abundant
breakfast,
the Rev.
Arratoon
Ensign Gernon, the Griffin, and
found
themselves
Bagram Sarkies,soon
jogging along,
discussingthingsin generalin as cosy dialoguesas those
recorded to have taken placebetween the renowned
knight
sionary,
of La Mancha
and his valorous
squire. The good misat
on
was
flattered
interest in
affectionate
strong effort
his
the
the
to
observe, took
to
which
me,
impressupon
the
and
warm
manifested
he
me
by a
deep importanceof
views.
religious
One
afternoon,
outside
the
tents, my
our
of
group
as
missionaryand
attention
sepahisengaged
of back-sword.
game
exercise is conducted
may
describe it.
The
first who
handsome
were
two
have
served
entered
and
for models
be
the
new
lists
well-formed
sitting
a
banyan-treeplaying
the
were
attracted towards
was
under
to
or
the
in
which
this
reader,I shall
circle of spectators
Rajpoots,who would
"
MEMOIRS
"
girdingof
"c.
Each
leathern
whilst
also
the
of
his
with
loins,"so
the
shield
OF
mentioned
often
in
men
or
351
GRIFFIN.
diminutive
foot
Scripture,
in
diameter,
sword, covered
rightgrasped a long wooden
leather,and padded and guarded about the
handle.
of them, holding his
Having exchanged salutes,one
and planting himself in a firm
at the
recover,
weapon
which seemed
attitude,hent a stern gaze on his adversary,
"
Now
say,
The other
to
antics
do your worst."
commenced
those
now
which, amongst
de
maltre
right,eyed
kickingup his
his
two
He
for
behind,
so
athletse,are
three
or
opponent
foot
ludicrously
grotesque
Hindoostanee
set-to.
ballet, took
the
small
the
sweeping steps to
instant, and
an
almost
as
to
his
on
then
touch
heel, and
the
with
his chest
sure
At
neither
seemed
to like to
commit
himself
until
palpablehit.
last,however, he
who
had
standing on
been
his hawk's
defensive,
followingwith
the
ting
strut-
a blow
perceivingan
gyrations,
of lightning,
which was
with the rapidity
at his adversary
caught on the target and returned as quick as- thought.
A rapid'
and animated
took place,
exchange of strokes now
accompanied by the most
agilebounds and movements;
most
of
these
blows
rattled
shoulders, nevertheless,came
on
in
ugly hits.
The
fight at length ceased,
exhausted
combatants
amidst
the
targets; head
for
an
and
rested from
many
the
their
"
"
wau,
waus
ample
and
share
breathless
of
and
hibition,
exgladiatorial
and
"
shabases
"
352
MEMOIRS
OF
their
(" bravos")! resigning
GRIFFIN.
others anxious
to two
weapons
displaytheir prowess.
Subsequent experienceof them has convinced me that
is hardlyto be found than the sepoys
a finer body of men
in their own
of Hindostan, particularly
country; for,
to
taken
of it into
out
climate
where
lose
the
much
of their
spiritand
stamina.
Our
energy
when
tug of
the
must,
as
and
it
ever
war
"
rivalled
un-
an
has
justicedemands
respects,the sepoy
favourablywith him
subordinate,and faithful
patient,
temperate, respectful,
of his highestprinciples
to his salt,"
one
being fidelity
he adds to no
ordinary degree of courage every other
of a good soldier.
requisite
these men,
based
A judiciouspolicy towards
on
a
thorough knowledge of their peculiar characteristics,
bind them to us for ages yet to come,
by the double
may
contrasts
most
"
"
"
"
power,
to
enemies
laugh
whilst
and
feelings
customs
interest,and enable
alike
a
at
foreignfoes
contrary
to
be
us,
and
to
trifled with
tales
Indian
domestic
leaving their
by inexperienced
oppositeeffect,
ere
innovators, may,
long, produce an
and cause
them, if once
alienated,to shake
known
an
and
course,
as
for
as
us
"
off
wayfarers
"
caravan-
like
well
serais
"
with at towns
met
on
times
frequently
my march, and someThe
the walls.
serais,
encamped within or near
of buildingsin India, are
almost
like the generality
alwaysin a ruinous state, it being nobody's business to
keep them in a state of repair.
of them the fruits of the piety
These structures, some
and
of former
munificence
a
times, are
great public
benefit ; their construction
is generally
similar,and con-
MEMOIRS
sists of
four
walls
of
OP
353
GRIFFIN.
brick, stone,
mud,
or
sometimes
battlemented,forming a parallelogram,
having gateways
which
the
two
at
sides,through
opposite
highroad usually
passes.
round
run
the
traveller may
his repose
Each
cells
Small
or
apartments, with
interior,in
of
one
any
as
arched
entrances,
which
the
his pipe,and
of
weary
enjoy
attendants,Imnyahs
to
What
motley
serais sometimes
of fair and
athletic
voices
climate.
repose
the
In
Affghans
proclaimthem
In
cud,
from
another,
their nomade
whilst
; their
natives
piledsacks
amongst
one
part saunters
Cabul
of
more
group
fruits,and
bearing and
ing
invigorat-
bunjarra bullocks
munch
grain,and quietly
drove
of
fearless
these
Peshawur,
or
horses, greyhounds,dried
deep
do
picturesqueassemblage
exhibit !
proceedingwith
the
and
of
drivers
smoke
or
snore
around.
Under
the
shade
of yon
his sword
drooping tamarind-tree,on
of which
branch
and
shield are suspended,
a
traveller has spread his carpet, and with
a Mahomedan
his face towards
Mecca
(his kibla], his head hanging
his breast,and his arms
on
folded,he offers
reverentially
devotions ; near
him, on the little clay
up his evening's
the high-castebramin, his body
terrace, is to be seen
with ochres
marked
and
by
pigments,and, surrounded
his religious
apparatus of conch, flowers,and littlebrazen
gods, he blows his shell, tinkles his bell, and goes
through all his littlemummeries, with the full conviction
that he is fulfilling
the high behests of Heaven.
Groups of camels, tatoos, or the gaunt steed of some
roaming cavalier some
Dugald Dalgettyof the East,
seekingemployment for his jaws and sword, or rather
for his sword and jaws, for such is the order
to
serve
fill up the littlepicture
I have been describing,
and which
"
"
354
OF
MEMOIKS
GRIFFIN.
griffinisli
days, and since, I have contemplated
with pleasure.
In a day or two we
reached Allyghur,where
my good
destined
friend the missionaryand I were
to
part, his
in a
towards Agra, mine
route
lying to the southward
I received a
direction to Delhi.
Here
more
northerly
few lines from
Marpeet,saying that he was
lookingfor
had better push
my arrival with great pleasure. You
in
my
"
on
fast
as
as
you
is
who
can,
my
dear
crusty old
heard
fellow,and
mandant,
com-
tight
very
his
express
If it indeed
be true, and we
have
it,that the prayer of the righteousman
that
no
doubt
to
reason
"
availeth
much,"
Short
the
as
was
deeplyto be valued.
time
him
I felt as if I had known
acquaintance,
all my life,
and was, consequently,
much
affected at parting.
he
rode
I
waved
him
ful,
a sorrowoff,
Half-chokingas
and what has proved a last,adieu.
prayer
of our
was
CHAPTER
A
days more
FEW
the banks
brought me
of the
ancient
of the
XXV.
to my
last
day'smarch
the mosques
capitalof India broke on
Jumna,
and
and
on
minarets
delighted
my
view.
I had
scarcelydismounted
door, which
"
commanded
"
from
distant
at
my
the
glimpse of
my
pony
tent
blue
I perceivedthree
stealing Jumna, when
Europeans on horseback
approaching at a hard gallop.
As
they drew near, I recognizedin one of the three my
and
soft
MEMOIRS
355
GBIFFIN.
Mentor, CaptainMarpeet. He
friend and
and
OF
and
warm
cordial
our
was
soon
was
up,
greeting.
gladto
to
have you amongst us, Gernon," said he, presenting
me
his companions, two
laughing,beardless ensigns; let
introduce you to my two boys, Wildfire and Skylark;
me
have given
intractable dogs,"added
two
he, laughing;
"
Well,
boy,long looked-for
my
at last ;
comes
"
"
me
Wildfire and
minutes
we
break
to
in that you
Skylark shook
were
intimate
as
did."
hands
as
in ten
each
Come,
but
are
again,Gern on,"
mount
few
miles
from
here all
said
"
Marpeet;
you
to
day.
"
"
see
hah
"
! hah
"
We
pursued our
ridingin the midst
gander on a green
We
crossed
of his
at
the
cultivation
ruins
exhibited
river Jumna
as
three
in
proudly as an old
orphan goslings.
after
rich
ridingthrough some
its banks, joineda road skirting
on
part of
from
that
of ancient
Delhi, which
point
ruins
confused
fort,mosque,
assemblageof
far away behind
in the
us
palace stretching
"
tomb, and
distance,towards
of
of
Marpeet
cantonments,
proteges
the head
; and
ferry-boat
bottomed
the
towards
course
"
I afterwards
what
learned
the
was
soleum
mau-
Humaioon.
rose
was
out
of the
centre
buildingexhibited
*
him
Terrier
pass
for
bunnow
a
"
of
touchingpictureof
villagepariardog, docked
mass
of
loneliness and
and
cropped
terrier.
A
to
make
356
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
roots
desolation; long grass and the silvery
around
grew
of which
one
peeping,to
reconnoitre
us
as
modern
the
and
ofthepeepul
casements,
of
out
we
the mansion
city near
Buksh
Ahmed
Nawaub
arches
of fat and
couple
entered
We
battered
the
Khan,*
through
of the
embattled
an
We
in that part of
portion of the
soon
were
the
called Derriow
town
cantoned,t
Gunge, where a
troops were
and drawing up before an odd sort of building,of a very
mixed
styleof architecture,my friend dismounted, and
arrival at Marpeet Hall,
announced
to which, my
my
welcome,
boy," said he, with a squeeze,
you are heartily
"
"
stick up
you
may
in the wood
there,as
and
where
babes
blow
may
the
your
long
spoon,
as
with
please;
you
two
my
don't
half-hunter
captain,crackinghis
presumed,to
shouting
"
he motioned
The
the
hazree
us
(whip),as a hint,I
bawurchee
and
(cook) to be expeditious,
looe juldee
(" breakfast quickly"),
to
"
and
enter,
captain'sresidence
followed.
had
been
in the
exactlysay
or
tomb, I cannot
mosque
the addition of a terrace
olden
which
time
but
with
and
Mr.
Whose
son
acquired
since
dreadful
celebrityas
the
murderer
of
Fraser.
Siuce
the city.
this
period,cantonments
have
been
erected
358
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
we
as
"
"
"
'
"
was
floored."
stick
colonel's
men,
"c.,were
about
door
the
; we
"
"
"
"
"
"
and
*'
"
detention.
eh, Marchwell?"
"
"
must
verbum
sap., you
all about
know,
that
verbum
sap."
MEMOIRS
After
prolongedconversation,during which
I had
done
duty with the Zuburdust
him
Bullumteers, and
he
of his
account
some
pleasedto receive,I
was
friend,
to
rose
leave.
''
asked the colonel.
you with ?
with Captain Marpeet.
"
are
I told him
"
him
gave
which
Sympkin,
take my
Who
359
GRIFFIN.
rather
informed
Mr.
OF
Oh
! my friend Marpeet, eh ?
with me
and bring you
to-morrow,
six, and wait for nohody. March
attend
all
with
dine
to
I dine
him.
Gernon
well, Mr.
at
will
drills,parades,and
let you
mustn't
guard-mountings; we
Colonel Lolsaug has taught
forgetwhat
you."
I
domiciled
comfortably
became
soon
Marpeet,who introduced
in the
generally
put me
in the
The
more
kindness
new
and
apparent.
The
tenderness
much
sometimes, if he
almost
woman's
was
he
taken
ladies' man,"
of
his
was
quisite
re-
myself.
the
more
extreme
became
disposition
nature,
indeed,
was
weakness.
Marpeet, as I have
shyness,or awkwardness
restraint it imposed, had
"
his
all that
(which
manner
I found
of
friend
and
brother-officers,
doing
Marpeet,the
benevolence
too
frequently
care
of
my
of
way
in which
scene
saw
to
me
with my
and
was
bachelor.
before
with
stated,from
invincible
renounced
the
character
of
doomed
to die an
evidently
all have something to love
old
and
Still,we must
be kind to, be it wife,child,friend,cat, dog, or parrot.
if
Affection,
it has
not
something
external
on
which
rest, turns
to
360
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
in their
hands, all warm
by a bevy of young
towards him, and on perfect
of familiarity,
terms
feelings
time exhibitingthat profound deference
but at the same
to his dictum
on
deep and importantpoints,such as the
of performinga manoeuvre,
age of a horse, the manner
rounded
the way
or
make
to
port, and
mulled
the
like,which
had
and
bland
most
"
he addressed
which
the
were
which
and
zero
"
were
lad,"
the invariableness
by
and
of
summer-heat
"
the
"
Frankibus
"
scale, between
"
gentleman,"
young
griff,"
"youngster,"and
my
"
Gernon
me.
so
forth
founded
you conall of which,
of the circumstances
elicited
which
"
out
old
at
Gernon, I don't
Come,
my
like
that," told
his
me
"
back
hogged."
One
blot and
in Marpeet's
inconsistencythere was
character:
addicted
he was
for
to flogginghis servants
what we
deem
offences.
here should
On these
trifling
occasions
he always,however, put the offender through
was
the form
of
in which,
trial,
trouble,he acted in
plaintiff,
judge,jury,witness,
the
to
save
quintuplecapacityof
and counsel
for the prosecution. After
to
wont
party was
r-ummmg
up, the guilty
the kulassee, or tent-pitcher,
to
to have
dozen
or
two
Marpeet
but
certain
shall
it
of strokes with
would
not
is,for
justifyall
trouble
all
the
dispassionate
be handed
over
administered
the rattan.
this
severity
very logically,
reader
with
his
servants
reasons
regularly,
MEMOIRS
in
was
other
popularwith
Not
OF
far
the
from
Duriba,
shroffs
have
sweetmeats
was
Western
he
reside
their
here
shops;
very
of
out
when
located, is
principal
the
these,in
compliment to
Birch,
to
of
venders
many
of
one
principal
now
was
also
called Mr.
prototype,was
always answered
which
Street, where
jollyfellow,who,
whole
the
Chandney Choke,
Lombard
or
bankers
or
the
on
them.
361
GRIFFIN.
day,
my
his great
which
name
of
produce some
his choicest imitations of English sugar-plumery."
I think I now
the good-naturedfellow, hurrying
see
of baskets with a few samples for
out through his ranges
inspection.Many a time and oft have Marpeet,I, and
three jollysubs, after dinner, and
under
the
two
or
agreeablestimulus of an extra dose of the rosy beverage,
visited Mr. Birch, in the Duriba, all clingingto the pad
whilst the lightsblazed in the bazaars
of an
elephant,
summoned
to
"
faithful,moving
when
of
scenes
heart
and
hither
Arabian-Nightishcharacter
These
chattered,and
women
the
past
thither, gave
the
to
crowds
a
of
most
scene.
over
come
me
sometimes,
is
"
make
way
for
"
more
and
lot is
great are
the
pleasureslurk
the
the
more
we
thus wags
world."
hast for
even
the
best of
him
whose
cultivate
and
refine
!
acutelydo we feel thy sorrows
Happy ignorance! fortunate
whilst he
the
thy retrospects to
are
in
cast
and
! ye all seem
who girdsup
to
have
his loins
our
natures, the
more
! blessed
sensibil
incredulity
;
your soothingopiates
to
seek
the
talisman
of
362
MEMOIES
truth
amidst
from
for
the future
innumerable
its
the
and
mystery which
Well
confounded
at the
him,
exclain,
we
ways of Heaven
in mazes
and
Puzzled
The
with
second
some
of
out
must
pensation
com-
at
dark
are
knows,
profoundand mighty
length sits down and
and
intricate,
perplex'din error,
understanding traces them in vain."
Virtue, immortal
heaven, but
the less he
moves
surrounds
may
counterfeits"
for
something like certainty
past and
"The
watered
GEIFFIN.
"
and, amazed
weeps.
OF
plant,ye
will
ye here be ever
?
Oh ! for
tears
Newton,
darkness
to
to
call order
hush
the
in
sorrow
and
mighty intellect,
of chaos, light
out
Babel
of
discordant
tongues, and
minarets, which
from
I have
their summits
often
noble
and
ascended, and
prospect of the
joyed
en-
city
surroundingcountry.
this height you look down
the flat roofs of
on
the houses, and on a fine evening may
observe
the inhabitan
seated on
them, and enjoyingtheir favourite,
childish amusements,
of flyingpaper
though somewhat
kites and pigeons.
The
are
pigeons,of which the Hindoostanees
great
and possess a vast
fanciers,
variety,are trained to join
other
flocks in their aerial excursions, and
then, by
off
to carry
separatingfrom them with great velocity,
of those with which
some
they were
commingled ; these
they bring back in triumph to their bamboo
stands, at
From
the call
or
whistle
of their
owners.
MEMOIRS
At
363
GRIFFIN.
OF
which
unite
at
command
once
"
Nothing
and
parties,
it is often difficult to
what
respect of all.
be
more
"
and
bores, and deserves almost all that Johnson
have said againstit; I say
almost," for I do not
go the
when
he
"
full
length of
that
"
He who
says,
Had
this been
would
period,with
don't
make
their
this itch
curmudgeon,
pun would pick a pocket."
accomplished Barrington
indeed,
made
"
Great
means,
Granted,
as
spoken,but
take
but
of that
was
burking system,
lead
where
pun
the
first-rate
residencytable, to
man
muscas
himself,
commendatio
re-
him
which
puns."
and
its exception,
to
rule has
"
an
of the
in
occasionally
a
their head.
was
condescend
one
this
at
"
every
day
out
residencyI
get there,and proved
captat
non
littlebetter than
the
the
don't
wits
;
good
at
Aquila
rule
the Resident
to
"
it.
turned
have
chief at
distinguished
for punning got into
remarkablyinfectious.
who
an
true, many
residencyof Delhi
the
How
alliterative
would
others
make
the
truth
be
wicked," delighting
this conversation-
bour's
neigh-
moderation
puns,
"
is
if
to
in
is
364
MEMOIRS
odious.
I remember
may
think
rank
Resident
The
his
OF
GRIFFIN.
few of the
with
himself
of
some
the
fairest
asked
once
was
which
residencypuns
where
on
cord.
re-
he
quired
ac-
"
for
that
he thought
punning ; he replied,
he must
have picked it up when
travelling
through the
Punjaub,"through which country he had accompanied a
mission.
he had paid handsome
A fisherman, to whom
"I
with fish, absconded.
always
wages to supplyhim
him
said
considered
the Resident.
a very selfish
man,"
One of the gates of the palace is called the
Delhi
Gate," and in my time a subaltern's guard was
always
taste
"
stationed
there.
sub,
young
table,I believe,asked
residency
of duty there.
Excuse
me,"
"
occasion,
one
on
friend
said
his
take his
to
the
so
much.
the
turn
"
friend, I can't
at
city sold
that
is
not
These
of the
fond
of
"
adjutant's
working the
truth
with
"
detrimental
peoplewe
not
fit to
to
govern ;
be masters
and,
of
in
short,
themselves
and
state
that
or
to
that
of the
school-boys are
command
others.
able
illimitpossess vast science and almost
are
too, we
powers, of destruction ; and nationally,
respected;but not so much so, I think,individually.
we
Nationally,
366
MEMOIRS
OF
GRIFFIN.
and
corn
Once
twice he
marched
river Jumna
; when
or
into the
the
corps in
they reached
close
the
column
banks
"
there
"
"
"
occasion, tumbled
one
off his
horse
in
thought, I
stand
"
"
water
been
put in orders
of the
as
palace,a
his relations
week.
able
month
at
the
dutyon
station,I
the
Delhi
structure,
marched
I
sub
stiff
my
was
to
ramrods,
as
to
company
down
relieve,with
to
receive
his
me.
was
gate
the
as
be
to
fire."
as
about
vast
Having
up, all
"
and
gate, I found
drawn
well
as
I had
After
melee, and
the
to
and
for
the
guard
After
receivinghis instructions to
take proper care
of the "Asylum
of the Universe,"*
to his men,
sent
"c., he gave the word
quick march
them off under the subadar, or native captain,and then
proceededto introduce me to the quarters in which I
to pass my
was
periodof guard.
In passingthe first archway, I found
myself in an
enclosure, formed
by loftywalls, round the bottom of
"
"
which
end
ran
line
of arcades
of this enclosure
was
or
another
with windows
and
by a vast and loftypileof buildings,
the quarters of Major M., who
were
galleries
; these
filled the post of killadar,
commander
of the fort and
or
and brawny
palace guards, a kind-hearted,hospitable,
Caledonian, who, amongst other harmless eccentricities,
*
"Jehan
Punnak,"
one
Mogul.
MEMOIRS
My
consisted
covered
of
of
to
bee-hive
"
for the
sub
introduced
of the
angle
having something
table and
Eowyal
call it.
an
it contained
to
the
which
thatch, and
with
367
GRIFFIN.
wont
was
turret, in
small
he
as
quarters,
own
profoundveneration
Teemoor"
OF
ramparts,
the
a
me,
ance
appear-
few
chairs,
the worse
for wear, and when
cot
was
considerably
my
left for myself. Here,
placedin it,there was littleroom
then, for seven
long days, I read, shot paroquets with my
pellet-bowon the ramparts, cursed the heat and the flies,
and conjugatedthe verb sennuyer
to perfection,
through
all its moods
and
tenses.
One
the
this occasion
guard was
my
salute him
he
as
covers,
up within the
passed,whilst another
visage of
stern
that
my respects
but so it was.
to
should
that
never
anything that
barbaric
so
pomp,
the
Mogul
the
Saracen
heard
seen
Great
have
ever
fierce
I had
but had
of
the
at
stationed
of troops, and two six-pounders,
were
it and
the second archway,on the plainbetween
city,for
the
grand
drawn
similar purpose.
Little did I think, in my juveniledays,when
on
in
Minar.
enclosure, to
company
without
his
was
in
much
before,nor
on
I looked
the
card
honour
of
proprid
persona
of Eastern
have
cence,
magnifi-
I indeed
completelyrealized my
this processionof
as
paying
since,
ideas
vague
the King of
Delhi.
Though
which
it
was
there
told
still
much
was
of reduced
a
most
in it that
was
imperfect,and
and
insufficient resources,
strikingpageant, and, as it issued
means
368
MEMOIKS
to
make
and
waited
had
We
OF
for
distant
; when
hubbub
GRIFFIN.
some
his appearance
at
lengthconfused
announced
that
he
sounds
the
on
was
and anon,
omrah
a
ever
cavalier,some
presently,
of the old noblesse, or inferior horseman, would
come
prickingforth from under the arch ; then another and
then
steeds
another;
curveting and caracoling,and
covered with rich housings and silver ornaments.
After
his majesty'sregiment of Nujjeebs,hurrying
this came
diery,
solMahomedan
forth,a wild-lookingbody of bearded
armed
with matchlocks
and shields,and attired
in dark chupkuns, or vests, and
red turbans ; next
came
move
his camel
corps, each
swivel gun, on the bow
down
and blazingaway
the
By
way,
of his
at
told
was
little
camel's
furious
pattereroe,
or
saddle, ramming
rate.
that, on
one
of
these
sions,
occa-
followed
After these
horseback,
on
with
man
vermilion
assemblage of chiefs
their steeds,half-painted
confused
knightlytrain ;
saffron
or
colour, adorned
with
silver chains,
of them
housingsalmost touching the ground,some
composed of the silverychowries, or Tartarian cows'
tails ; mingled with these
with dome-like
litters,
were
canopies and gilded culesses, containingladies of the
and
harem, with
The
men
numerous
uproar
followed
now
on
attendants.
body
of
standards,
golden
of
the
fish
on
fallen
monarch.
These,
his
immediate
avant-
followed
MEMOIRS
erable
adorned
man,
turban,
in
Son
of
the
Sun
and
aigrettesin his
jewels and
with
immovable
sat
869
GRIFFIN.
OF
to
howdah, looking
the rightnor
left,up nor
silver
dignityof the
notice
sublunary
beneath
the
"
Moon
to
favourite
and
sat
man,
Mirza
son
behind
him,
The
assemblage of
horsemen,
and
these
multitudinous
which
it took
to
with
combined
array,
Moresque buildingsaround,
altogetherconstituted to my
romance,
vast
the
admirably in keeping,
of
mind
a
perfectscene
sides of foolscap protwo
me
perly
friends at
of my
gratification
so
home.
I
to
whilst
old
of the
account
Well, time
wore
received
announcing that
last gone
It was
on
lame
catch
Mowgul
;
in the
to
an
his
my
letter from
kind
the
Frank's
Heast
had
months
some
that
read
of Master
some
had
nothingvery particular
which
that
Great
'*
wrote
by my
the little green parlour,
with
footman, lingered,
Thomas, our
the kettle in his hand, to
Hingies."
ing
elapsed,dur-
occurred, ing
exceptcharming widow,
had
friend,the old general,
at
long home.
written
epistle,
admirable
with
all that
call
naturally
and
forth in the breast
of an
accomplishedwoman
affectionate daughter. It breathed
a
tion,
spiritof resignaand contained
beautiful, though not
very
many
of existence,
reflections touching the frail tenure
new,
proper
and
which
feeling
such
of that inevitable
the lot of
us
all.
an
event
termination
would
of it which
is alike
370
MEMOIKS
OF
GRIFFIN.
his model
In
of
cavalier.
conclusion,she stated
relations who
that
she
about
was
to
join
were
"
"
"
"
So
I whistled
of my
manner
uncle
"
And
the dear
around
Shall entwine
itself
ruin
each w:sh
of my
heart
verdantlystill.
"
"
day
have
few friends to
You've
of it.
Chumbailie
never
and
seen
Goolabie*
meet
a
and
all that
set
"
turkey,and a gloriousblow-out."
Marpeet was as good as his word ; he postedoff chits
ordered
fat
choice spirits;
to a dozen
a
(invitations)
on
sheep to be killed,which had been six months
gram ;
and a
in
be
had
to
cantonments,
bought the best ham
turkeyfor its vis-a-vis ; ordered half a chest of claret,
devilled
Jasmin
and
Rose-water
; female
names.
MEMOIKS
and
to be
beer
tundakurred
bespeak a tip-topset
to
"
and
On
and
of
nautcb-
his
sent
and
girls,
close with
shall
griffinage
the
(cooled);
back, exclaimed,
Frank, my
boy, we are
Now,
your
371
GRIFFIN.
bearer
then, slapping
the
on
me
OF
following
day
the old
the
with
the
tight,
of trumpets/'
flourish
guests assembled
resounded
mosque
and
mirth.
revelry
right and
all
at
dinner,
of
echoes
our
boxed
the kansaMarpeet certainly
*
for omittingthe pigeon-pie,
mah
and ordered the cook
half-a-dozen
for underboilingthe ham
rattans
; but, on
the whole, he was
in splendidkey.
officers
Evening at length approached; more
young
in ; the wall shades were
ranged
came
lighted,and chairs arin
of
sky-blue,crimson
and
with
gold,bedecked
sundry old
the
duennas,
slender
ever
guise,followed
apartment in stately
and
four
or
five
rakish
as
rings
skull-caps,
long raven
ungirdledwaists,bearing some
by
looking
lets,
ringof the
funniest
hands
extended
their anklet-bells
and
slow
movements
jinglingharmoniouslythe
of the
feet,
"
goongroo
aivaz"
Butler.
372
MEMOIRS
The
operas
have
Cahar
favourite in
OF
ca
India,
GRIFFIN.
enough
he
of them.
"
nautch"
or
was
called
now
thought
dance
of the
for
bearer," a
loudly, and
the
a little on
side, and
one
girlof the set, retiring
prettiest
round her head, after the fashion
twistinga turban saucily
of that order
of menial, and
otherwise
arranging her
attire into
somewhat
similar resemblance
to
the
other
a-kimbo, a la
parts of their dress, darted forward arms
animated
Vestris, and danced
an
lilt,
something of the
of
Highland fling.
Eapturous were the "bravos
nature
"waul
waus!"
increased
amidst
The
officers,and the
girl'sexcitement
the
heroes, whilst
pegged
of the
the natives.
of
with
"
at
away
she made
her
renewed
This
plaudits.
Mootrib-i
followed by
"
was
sweet," and
Persian
other
and
koosh,"
Hindostanee
"
"
songster
airs, not
"
by
round,
went
and
change, the
Marpeet, who was
the
song
and
the
toast
half-seas-over,
sung
us,
"Dear
Tom, this
in his very
brown
jug, which
now
foams
with
mild
ale,"
bled
style; and, by particular
request I warThe
Woodpecker."
health and song, my
Franco, your
boy," said my
friend,risingon his legs; and now, gentlemen(hiccup},
I am
about to propose
the toast of the evening, and one
which, I am sure, you'llall diink with as much
pleasure
best
"
"
"
MEMOIES
some
of
in
Gentlemen, I
the bottle.
friend
373
GRIFFIN.
(hiccup]as I have
heel-taps
; are
your
health
OF
young
respectsa chick
am
of
about
now
mine,
giveyou, standing,with
to
health,and success
long life,
the griffin.Hip ! hip ! hurrah
Woodfall
and
whom
us
in
out
the
good
last day
old hands.
three times
friend,Frank
our
came
is the
of
pass
the
propose
consider
of my own
rearing. We
him
I take credit for having made
together,and
Gentlemen,
to
with
Gernon,
"
three,
W.C.
WM.
H.
ALLEN
WATERLOO
13,
Pilchard's
of Life in
of
Budgepore,
India.
Upper
Co.,
LONDON.
PLACE,
Chronicles
Sketches
"
2. Vols.
Or
"c. ;
Foolscap 8vo,
12s.
"
those
To
to those
who
who
know
are
that
of the most
British
be worth
it may
awful
Empire
AM
to remember
in the
"
East.
that
have
in connection
with
darkened
History of
the
some
Illustrated Times.
"
of
in
Days
Twenty-One
SIR
while
will be
book
equallyinteresting
; and
is much
Prichard's
it,Mr.
India,and
BABA, K.C.B.
ABEEIGH-MACKAY.
GEORGE
By
Mackay's
indulgesin
satire and
humour
possess
of
literaryallusions
appreciate." Academy.
will
wealth
charm,
rare
he
and
which
"
11
The
humour
through them
runs
Akbar,
M.
in
all."
"
sparkling style,and
The
M.
Notes, and
With
Emperor Akbar, by
of
vein
keen
an
from
A.
S.
the Dutch
by
of
the
Introductory Life
R. MARKHAM,
CLEMENTS
P.
Dr.
By
Translated
LIMBURG-BROUWER.
Pen.
Romance.
Eastern
an
VAN
written
are
papers
C.B.
Crown
genuine story of
characters
"The
and
in whom
book
we
real human
presents many
societyin India
life,bringing
recognizeactual
into
contact
with
beings." Spectator.
"
glimpses of
us
the
Akbar."
"
Scotsman.
WM.
H.
ALLEN
13, WATERLOO
Warren
"
Hastings.
TROTTER,
Crown
8vo, 9s.
biography
generalcarefulness
"Carefully
than
the
memoir
of Warren
Biography. By Capt.Lionel
of
this volume
has
"A
far
clearlywritten, an-1
from
the
urn.
trustworthy and
more
indebted
Englishmen are
most
India," "c.
to favour
claim
Athena
"
of
History
high
it exhibits."
to which
LONDON
for
correct
knowledge
Hastings." Academy.
"
Thirteen
Years
their
Haunts
with
and
Account
an
Wild
One
Author
which
and
Co.,
PLACE,
JAMES
As
"
from
Habits,
of the
Elephants. By
G.
B.
Capturing
Full-Page Illustrations
Three
and
and
Taming
With
SANDERSON.
Observation
Personal
of
Mode
of India
Beasts
Twenty.
Fcap. 4to,
Maps.
25s.
"We
find
almost
every
tempts
the
with
which
it
difficult to hasten
incident
some
page
reader
to
linger
be wished
"This
is
Southern
and
the
shorter.""
best
Eastern
and
India
that
and
there
Matt
is
no
have
on
portionof
exploits
the volume
Gazette.
practicalbook
we
his
relates
Pott
most
interestingbook;
author
The
.
this
some
or
through
on
the
wild
History.""Bailey'sMagazine.
game
of
extensive