12^ BENARES. 
I understand, from Mr. Wilford, whose antiquarian researches have 
done so much credit to the British name, that it is a grant of land 
similar to that found at Monghyr, and of about the same date. 
As the plates were not presented to me, the Prince requested my 
acceptance of an old sword, which, he told Mr. Neave, had belonged 
to Firrochsere, one of his ancestors, known to us as having, when 
Emperor, given to the India Company their first charter of free 
trade. I have, however, a little doubt on the subject, as the blade 
was not of sufficient value, for so splendid a sovereign to have used. 
The hilt was copper gilt ; the scabbard green velvet. The Prince 
gave it into my hands, while, at his request, I presented to him two 
gold mohurs over it ; of this I endeavoured, but without success, 
to obtain an explanation ; as it appeared to arise from a superstition 
similar to one which exists in England, of not receiving from a 
friend a present of any sharp instrument, without making some re- 
turn. He took his leave with the same ceremonies as his brother, and 
received the same military honour. The returning my visit was 
a very high compliment ; I was the more pleased, as it was per- 
fectly voluntary, and not in consequence of any official application 
from Lord Wellesley. I afterwards received the Vakeels of the 
Mahratta States, the great uncle and brother of the Rajah of Benares^ 
together with many other natives of rank. Among them was a 
very fine and fair boy, son of Golam Mahomed, the celebrated 
Rohilla chief, who resides at Benares with his mother. When 
fatigued by their company, 1 dismissed them civilly, by calling for 
attar and betel, which I distributed according to their rank. The 
highest compliment is to give it to the visitor to help himself. This 
the Princes did to me, and I of course to them. The next is to give 
