Southern planter., 1832-10-20

The following particulars Of the visit Of a
married English lady to the Zananah. or Sc
raglio, Of the King Of Dude, were related 10
him by the lady herself, at Cawnporc. in the
year 1929, being shortly after the visit had ta
ken place.
Happening tobc az the military station
near Lucknow" said the lady referred 10. 81
was induced TO pay my devoirs, in company
with large number of friends, to his majesty
the King Of Dude, After had partakcn of
the usual presents and cKitics Of the court. Il
was whispered in my ear by the British Resi-
dent there, with smile, that he verify believ-
cd had made conquest Of his dingy Maies-
~, and he would recommend me 70 guard my
heart carefully against the influence Of his
personal charms and fascinating attractions.
IL has been frequently remarked, &. believe
with justice, that pretty women are never Of
Tended on discovering that their beauty at
tracts admiration in the other sex, even tho
such admiration proceed from persons in the
humbest stations Of life. II, therefore il, be
true, that the lovely Duchess Of Devonshire,
as is related Of her, considered il the highest
compliment ever paid to her beauty that a
coal-hcavier in the Strand asked permission
TO light his pipe by the fire Of her eyes, sure
ly may hope for pardon if ! confess that
was not dspleased at the Residents commu-
nication that his Majesty of Dude (who had
very choice, as well as numerous, assort-
ment Of wives, and who, moreover, was
considered no dcspicable Judge offemale beau
ty,) acknowledged the power of MY charms.
To be serious, however, really did put on
my best looks, and determined on making my
self as agreeable as possible. The King en-
tered into conversation with me In very live
ly strain, in the course of which he passed
several compliments ON the English ladies in
general, and on me in particular, in a very di-
rect, yet not Objectionable manner One of
these complimentary flourishes, however, APP
pcared to me TO be somewhat too pointed and
particular, and felt for the moment at a loss
in what way to receive IT, His Majesty, per-
ceiving, | suppose, something like agitation
in my looks, Immediately relieved me from
my confusion, by expressing a fear that he
had offended me. | assured his Majesty that
believed him to be incapable of INTENTION
ALLY attending any lady, whcreupon ho bow
cd his head almost to the ground, and said Il
trust am, Madam, when in my senses;--but
when intoxicated'--
Intoxicaiedl' said !, resuming an air Of
gaiety, surely your Majesty would not wish
me to believe that
His majesty means that he is intoxicated
by the splendor of the charms of the ladies
who surround him." said the British resident.
This stroke of the Residents delighted the
King surprisingly, val val Resident Saib,
val val khoabl khoabl (well donel bravol
wonderfully exclaimed he, and he indulged
himself in an mmoderate fit of laughter, in
which few who were present could refrain
from joining.
"To resume the thread Of my narrative,
however" continued the lady, "His Majesty
after most of the company, except myself 4.
nv own friends, had departed, bowed to me
and said, that, as he understood was beau-
tiful singer, he should feel highly pleased il |
would condcscend to favor him with song.
| replied, that had but slight pretensions tC
the character of a good singer, yet, that, if il
wouId ,,,S really contribute to his Maiesty's a.
muscment, would willingly do my best, and
| sang Broham's beautiful melody, rs THERE
A HEART THAT NEVER LOVED song which
Just at that period, was extremely popular a
Lucknow. His Majesty was so delighted
with my performance that he took a brillian
diamond ring from his finger, and placed /
on mine. In doing this he observed that
wore a plain gold ring on the third finger o
my lett MANU- WiiiCh lAoiu ITO hhiiS Niae'
dorned appearance he seemed disposed to re
move. explained to him that this was m,
wedding ring, which must not on any con
$, sideration part with, as il was virtues monl
tor, and continually reminded me that my al
fections were due exclusively to my husband
''rhcn,' said the King, with smile, so valu
able monitor should be securely protected
and he drew forth q small emerald ring, whic
he placed over my wedding ring by way {
4 guard. As it was usual for the ladies VIII
yisited.at his court TO receive presents froI
his Majesty, made no scruple Of acceptin
the rings whichhe offered me; indeed ! shoul
have given great offence if | had refuse
them. The party soon afterwards broke NJ
but, lust as | was about TO make my depa
tmc, his Majesty asked me if | should like
ride ON his state elephant with him, accomp
10 MED by the British resident. assented wi
" pleasure to the proposal, and we rode entire
round the cantonments In the course OF Il
ride the King asked me if it would not hig
ly crafty my curiosity to have peep at !
lZananah, in which his thousand wives re-
dedp (which was the exact number he pc
- sessed.) replied that st really would gr'
,.s ify me extremely, and that if might be
r;e llowed such prvledge in company with a