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 immediately after the Begum had left us, I entreated and implored Foster to also drop me down—but he did not do so. On my arrival at Calcutta, I asked every man I came across with, there, to send me back here, but nobody took pity on me. Later on, I came to know that Warren Hastings is always kind to the needy and the distressed—I went to him and fell at his feet, with the prayer, that I might be sent back here. It is through his kindness that I have come here and you can now put an end to my life—I have no desire to live in this world any more."

So saying, Kulsam began to weep.

On that immensely rich and gorgeous throne, bedecked with jewels, casting on all sides their lustre in innumerable beams and rays, was seated the Nawab of Bengal, with down-cast eyes. The sceptre of his vast kingdom was about to slip out of his hand—it could not be retained in spite of all possible endeavours, but where was now that unconquerable kingdom, which would have remained his without any effort whatsoever?

The Nawab had taken care of the thorn instead