slaves, and, as I had already set free those the king had given me, it was in vain to propose the matter to me.  I afterwards suspected this were done to try me whether I would give a little money to save the lives of two children, or, if it even were in earnest, I thought there was no great loss in doing a good deed.  So, to try the scope of this affair, I directed my interpreter to inform Asaph Khan, that being made acquainted with the offer, and the answer my interpreter had given, I had reprehended him for presuming in any case to answer for me; and that, if any money were to be given to save the lives of the children, either to those whom they had robbed, or to redeem them from the law, I was ready to give it, both out of respect for the king’s command, and for charity; but I would not buy them as slaves, only meaning to pay their ransom, and set them free; and, if he would let me know the king’s pleasure, that I might give them their lives and liberties without offence, I was very willing to do it.

Asaph Khan agreed to accept the money, making many commendations of my extraordinary goodness, and said I might dispose of the boys as I thought fit, desiring me to send the money to the cutwall, yet made no offer of informing the king, which was one chief purpose of my liberality.  I had no inclination to be cheated, yet resolved to pay the money in such a way that the king should learn I had more mercy than he, and that a Christian valued the life of a Mahomedan beyond money.  I sent therefore a factor and my interpreter to the cutwall, to acquaint him with my communication to Asaph Khan, and that, if he informed the king of my offer to redeem the prisoners for charity, and his majesty consented to give them their pardon and liberty, I was ready to send the money; but that I would not buy them as slaves, even for an hour.  Thus I put them to the test as to their base offer.  This sum did not exceed ten pounds, a poor affair for which to impose upon a stranger, or to be gained by so great a king.  The cutwall answered that he would enquire the king’s pleasure, and let me know the result.  Some would have me believe, that this was, a signal favour of the king, chusing out any great man to do this good and honourable work of redeeming prisoners, as the money is given in satisfaction to the person robbed, and that those who are thus appointed to ransom them, make sizeda to the king, as for a mighty benefit.  But I see no honour in a king thus to impose upon a stranger, to whom he gives neither maintenance nor liberality.  I went to the durbar, to see if the king would himself speak to me, that I might declare my own offer.  The cutwall made many motions, and brought in his executioner, who received some commands, but I understood them not.

I this day sent my secretary with a message to the Persian ambassador, to say I would visit him, if he gave his word to return my visit.  He sent me for answer, with much respect, that it was not the custom of the country for ambassadors to visit each, other without leave of the king, which he would ask; and which given, he would thankfully accept my visit, and repay it with all manner of pleasure.