CAPTAIN MUNDY. 
141 
“The King of Oude is too dependent to be re- 
garded as one of the political states of India ; but as 
his surplus revenues are said to exceed half a million 
sterling, after defraying the expenses of his govern- 
ment, and a court maintained in all the magnificence 
of Eastern parade, he may be considered the richest 
prince in the world, and, as such, possessing a power 
to do much good or evil.” * 
The description alluded to as given by Captain 
Mundy is as follows : — “ The King, Nuseer-ood- 
Deen Hyder, is a plain, vulgar-looking man about 
twenty-six years of age, his stature about five feet 
nine inches, and his complexion rather unusually 
dark. His Majesty’s mental endowments, pursuits, 
and amusements are by no means of an elevated and 
dignified order ; though his deficiencies are in some 
measure supplied by the abilities and shrewdness of 
his minister, who is, however, an unexampled rogue, 
displaying it in his countenance with such perspicuity 
of development as would satisfy the most sceptical 
unbeliever in Lavater. He is detested by all ranks, 
with the exception of his royal master, who reposes 
the most perfect confidence in him.” 
Captain Mundy’s authority here is evidently that 
of a man who observes superficially and thinks rashly. 
He asserts merely of the King what he does not show 
to be the fact, and finds an index of the minister’s 
mind and heart traced upon his skin. This is about 
one of the weakest delusions upon which a sensible 
man can attempt to base a rational conclusion. 
* Historical Sketch of the Princes of India, p. 80. 
