464 



traveller at Dhuboy, which there distinguished the governor-gene- 

 ral. Colonel Malcolm will not be accused of partiality to Mr. 

 Hastings's political character; yet of that he gives this admirable 

 summary. " In the history of British India, it is admitted, even 

 by those who condemned part of his conduct, that Mr. Hastings, dur- 

 ing a time of unexampled public embarrassment, and at a moment 

 when he had to contend against those from whom he should have 

 derived support, shewed all the active energy of a great statesman; 

 and, by his spirited and extraordinary exertions, saved the inte- 

 rests of his country in India from that ruin with which they were 

 threatened; and in which they undoubtedly would have been in- 

 volved, had a man of less resolution, fortitude, and genius, held the 

 reins of government." 



I have since passed one of the happiest days which has fallen 

 to my lot, at Dalesford, the paternal seat of this great man; where, 

 in the bosom of his family and the pleasures of society, hospitality 

 and benevolence, but above all, in the retrospective view of a 

 well-spent life, he passes the evening of his days in a state of 

 calm delight, far beyond all the wealth and honours to Avhich his 

 country and his sovereign deemed him entitled. Never have I 

 beheld otium cum dignitate more truly enjoyed : never was I more 

 convinced of the serenity and happiness of mens sibi conscia recti. 



" One self-approving hour whole years outweighs, 

 '* Of stupid starers, and of loud huzzas!" 



I now return to the Hindoo pilgrims which occasioned this 

 digression. Bhaderpoor, though in itself an insignificant place, and 

 nothing in the district very interesting, afforded me occasional en- 



