102 CONQUEST OF MYSORE. 



ther hostilities. The injunction was received with a deep 

 feeling of disappointment. Their enthusiasm had been 

 raised to the highest pitch ; they cherished the most san- 

 guine hopes that they should triumphantly scale the proud 

 walls of Seringapatam, and with their own hands rescue 

 their countrymen immured in its dungeons. The com- 

 mander-in-chief, however, issued very judicious general 

 orders, in which he exhorted them to display moderation in 

 their present success, and to avoid any insult to their hum- 

 bled adversary. 



An interesting scene occurred in the fulfilment of that 

 article of the treaty which related to the delivery of the 

 two royal youths as hostages. We confess ourselves un- 

 able fully to perceive the object of a stipulation, conform- 

 able indeed to Indian ideas, but contrary to the more im- 

 proved feelings of modern Europe. Supposing the treaty 

 violated in the most flagrant manner, what use could have 

 been made of the boys, or what injury done to them ? 

 However, such being the course adopted, Lord Cornwallis 

 softened it by every species of kindness and indulgence. 

 In consequence of the deep distress which was understood 

 to prevail in the palace, a day's delay was granted. Tents 

 having been sent from the fort, and erected for their ac- 

 commodation, the general offered to wait upon them ; but 

 Tippoo wrote that it was his particular wish they should be 

 brought to his lordship's tent, and delivered into his own 

 hands. They set out at one in the forenoon of the 26th, 

 the walls being crowded with spectators, among whom was 

 the sultan himself. They rode on elephants richly capari- 

 soned, dressed in white muslin robes, having round their 

 nocks several rows of large pearls, intermingled with valu- 

 able jewels. The marquis received them at the door, and 

 taking their hands in his, led them into his tent. The chief 

 vakeel then said, " These children were this morning the 

 sons of the sultan, rny master ; their situation is now 

 changed, and they must look up to your lordship as their 

 father." Their reception was in fact truly paternal ; they 

 were soon relieved from all apprehension ; and though only 

 eight and ten years of age, yet, having been trained with 

 infinite care in every thing at least relating to external be- 

 haviour, they astonished all present by the dignity and ease 

 of their deportment, and by that union of politeness and 

 reserve which characterizec oriental courts. 



