The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-08-21
ANECDOTE.

-s.--
ANECDOTE.
The following anecdote, strongly Illus
trative Of eastern superstition and eastern
tyranny, is related in the MS. Of Bishop
Heber's journal. Some circumstances
induced the editor to omit its publication,
the principal Of which was, that, as the
King of Dude was then living, and was
in the habit OF making his aides-de-camp
translate English books into Hindoostan-
ee, for his information, she apprehended
that the engineer whose history it relates,
might again fall under the power of the fa-
voIrite. That fear having been removed
by the kings death, and the immediate
dismissal from power Of Hukecm Mendee,
the prime minister, she no longer hesi-
tates to relate it. "Many whimsical sto-
ries are current in Lucknow, respecting
the foibles and blindness ofthe poor King,
and the rascaIIly Of his favourite. His
fondness for mechanics, has been already
mentioned. In trying some experiments
of this nature he fell in with Mussulman
engineer of pleasing address and ready
talent, as well as considerable though un-
improved, genius for such pursuts The
king took SO much delight In conversing
with this man, that the minister began to
fear rising competitor, as well knowing
that the meanness Of his own birth and
functions had been no obstacle to his ad-
vancement. He therefore sent the engi-
neer word, elf he were wise, to leave
Lucknow" The poor man did so; re-
moved to place about ten miles down
the river, and set upa shop there. The
king, oninquiring ater his humble friend,
was told that he was dead OF cholera; or
defed gratuity to be sent to his widow
and children--and no more was said
During these last rains, however, the
king sailed down the river in his brig OF
war as far as the placS where the. new
shop stood: he was struck with the differ
ent signs Of neatness and ingenuity which
he observed in passing-made his men
draw into shore--and, to his establishment
saw the deceased engineer, who stood
trembling, and with Joined hands to receive
him. After short explanation, he order
ed him to come on board returned in high
anger to Lucknow--and calling the minis
ter asked him again, if il were certain that
such man was dead. Undoubtedlyp
was the reply. 81 myself ascertained
the fact, and conveyed your majesty's
bounty to the widow and children. -
g tHurumzadap' said the king, bursting
into fury" Look there, and never see
inv face more" The vizier turned round
and saw how matters were circumstanced.
With terrible glance, which the king
could not see, but which spoke, volumes to
the poor engineer, he imposed silence on
the latter; then, turning rodnd again to
his master, stopping his nose, and with
many muttered exclamatlons of "God be
mercifal! Satan i'd strong! In the name
of God, keep the devil from meP' he said
-" hoye your majesty has not touched
the horrible objecti Touch him!" said
the King-"t the sight Of him is enough to
convince me H your rascality." !" lstu-
firullahp said the favorite; and does not
your mojesty perceive the strong smell of
a dead carcassw The king stormedJ bat
his voice fanltered, and curiosity and anx-
iety began to mingle with his Indignation.
" II is certain, refuge Of the worldp resl
sumed the minister, +" that your majesty'sl
late engineer, with whom be peace! is
dead and buried; but your slave knowethl
not who hath stolen his body from the
grave, or what vampire It is who inhabits
i, 10 the terror Of all good Mussplman.
Good were il that he were run through
with sword before your majesty's face,
if il we're not unlucky to shed blood N the
auspicious presence. pray your msjes-
ty, dismiss us; / will see him conducted
back to his grave; It may be that when
hat is opeAed he may enter It again peace
ably" The king, confused and agitatcd,
new not what to say or order. The at
endants led the terrified mechanic out Of