Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/179

Rh popular leaders who have been crushed in the defence of national rights, — unlamented, unhonoured, and forgotten. Nevertheless, at first their revolt had the approval of the whole of the Maratha nation, and the confidence reposed in the wisdom and the plans of the native princes was sufficient to induce the almost universal belief among the Hindus that the English would be driven out of Asia. Nor were these expectations dissipated after the first defeats, and it was not until the victory at Ashti, which delivered the Rájá of Sátára from the Peshwá's power, that the natives acknowledged resistance to be vain.

Henceforward the treachery of the two Maráthá rulers in the Deccan became an advantage to the Governor-General; for the timidity of many was roused by the sudden and unexpected collapse of national aspirations, and they feared to lose their possessions if they obstinately maintained a hostile attitude towards the winning side; the intelligence of others soon perceived that their princes were contemptible, and not worth supporting; while to all was the weakness of the foremost Maráthá chiefs so clear, that the other states took warning by the example unfolded before their eyes. No real principle of national life was at stake in the contest, and if there had been such a thing, the conduct of the Maráthá chiefs soon dissipated the charm. Hence when the Peshwá surrendered, and when the power of a few tyrants was broken down, their authority