Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/133

Rh Smith's Life of Lord Lawrence relates how the Koh-i-núr was afterwards delivered to John Lawrence for safe custody, and how Lawrence for a time lost the priceless gem!

Those who were acquainted with Lahore in those days can alone form an idea of its picturesque aspect. Surrounded by the ruined tombs of the Muhammadan kings, the city with its fortifications, its colossal pillars and minarets, presented an appearance which made it rank among the most striking of our Eastern towns, Amritsar alone excepted. It is now bereft to a great extent of its old attractions. Cantonments with their barracks and bungalows, however indicative of the security of civilisation, do not charm the eye. The procession of the Mahárájá in his circuit round the city was unique in effect. The colours of the dresses, the line of elephants, contrasting with the display of troops, were a sight not easily to be effaced from our recollection.

I had a delicate business to carry out at this time on my own private account. It was purely artistic, and I had little hope of being successful. It had been intimated to me that Lál Singh had no objection to sit for his portrait, although he was at the time hourly engaged in conferences and negotiations. However, whilst I was waiting by appointment in the court-yard of the palace, a 'pardah ' was drawn aside suddenly, and Lál Singh rode in equipped in a complete suit of armour. I longed at the moment for the touch of a Velasquez; the subject would have