Page:Early English adventurers in the East (1917).djvu/90

86 was a desire that the pearls of wisdom which fell from his lips, whether when he was drunk or sober, should be recorded for the edification of posterity. To this end he had at his elbow a sort of Court reporter, who was charged with the special duty of noting his comments on any matter, either with reference to State affairs or to the most intimate concerns of his private existence. It is probable that this precious record which was to go down to remote ages did not outlive the reign. But we know quite enough of Jehangir's habits from the writings of unauthorized Boswells to be able to dispense with the Court newsman's transcripts.

Jehangir's personal characteristics are further illustrated in interesting fashion by several anecdotes which Hawkins relates from experiences within his own knowledge.

One day a young Pathan from the frontier applied for employment to one of the Emperor's sons. He was asked what pay he expected. The man's reply was that he would not serve either the prince or his father under Rs. 1,000 a day. The prince smilingly asked what was in him that he demanded such extravagant remuneration.

"Make trial with me," responded the Pathan, "with all sorts of weapons, either on horseback or on foot, and if I do not perform as much as I speak let me die for it."

Amused at the man's conceit the prince later in the day related the incident to his father. Jehangir, who was "merry" at the time, commanded the Pathan to be brought before him. It happened to be an occasion on which the Emperor was diverting himself with a lion fight, and the lions were about to be brought into the arena as