Whole assemblies would be in raptures at the recital of his compositions; and his insincere and hypocritical essay on repentance was, he thought, as good as an order for the money payable on demand. But how was he to find a messenger? He had struck up an acquaintance with one of the gaolers, who was a dabbler in the art of poetry; and, after much persuasion, this man promised to convey the missive on condition that the renowned Kulleem should write an ode, introducing his own and his son's names. These names were so uncouth that it was a never-ending puzzle to fit them into the rhythm, and the man was a block-head, and therefore difficult to please; but after a week's labour Kulleem succeeded in carrying out the gaoler's orders, and Nussooh received his son's communication.

He had no sooner read it than he generously counted out the money, and Kulleem was again set free. Yet even in this emergency he had imposed upon his father, for five hundred rupees would have sufficed for his release. With the two hundred rupees he had thus obtained, Kulleem set off to try his fortunes at Daulatabad.

CHAPTER XII.

DAULATABAD.

DAULATABAD is a petty native state with a revenue of five or six lacs. At the time of Kulleem's visit a young and inexperienced prince, surrounded by flatterers and adventurers, was on the throne, and the place had become a miniature Lucknow. Kulleem looked forward to it as a Paradise. During the journey he had composed an ode in praise of the Prince; and when he had made himself comfortable in the Serai, all he had to do was to add an account of himself and his claims, and present himself at the palace doors.

Unfortunately for his plans, a revolution had just been effected. The British Resident had interfered to check the progress of disorder, the Prince had been deprived of independent authority, and the Government placed in the hands of a Committee of Management, with the Prince's uncle, a man of tried capacity and

influence, as President. The useless crowd of rakes and sycophants had been dismissed.

Kulleem, knowing nothing of all this, presently found himself in the presence of a council of grave and reverend Maulvis, instead of the gay revellers he had expected to receive him with open arms. The lines occured to him: "I went in search of temple and idol, and blundered into the Haram "*; and his first idea was to beat a retreat. But he told himself that, after "under the shadow of the mosque there should be a tavern," something in his own line might perhaps turn up; and, accordingly, approaching one of the Maulvis, he said with a bow: "I beg to pay my homage." At the word "homage," the venerable councillor regarded him with attention, and asked him in Arabic whence he

all,

came.

Kulleem did not understand a word, and when the question was explained to him, he answered that he came from Dehli. After a brief colloquy he was referred to the President and directed where to find him. Kulleem was again doomed to disappointment. Instead of being surrounded with grandeur and magnificence, the President was a common-looking person engaged in hearing law-suits; but, being courteously requested to take a seat, the visitor gradually came to understand his worth, as he witnessed his skill in argument and his powers of discernment. When the case

* The haram is the sacred enclosure of the Kaaba at Mecca.

he was engaged in hearing was disposed of, the President turned to Kulleem, and politely bade him say the reason of his visit.

"Having

"Your slave is in exile," replied Kulleem. heard of the munificence of the Prince of this country, he is desirous of an interview."

"Munificence conditioned by moderation is a laudable quality," gravely observed the President; "the Prince's extravagance has emptied the treasury, and the English have interfered in the interests of the State."

"I am not looking for a treasury," was the flippant reply, and he quoted the lines: "What wants the pearl but a drop of ocean, a bud but a drop of dew?"

To hear a man, in defiance of etiquette, thus impudently quote poetry in such a presence amazed the listeners. But Kulleem's habit was inveterate. He thought so much of linguistic skill and repartee, that he had a verse of poetry ready for every occasion, and if he was found fault with, laughingly quoted in reply: My role is to roll out verse."

The President was too dignified to betray annoyance. He replied: "Expectations from the Prince are vain; but, if you are found capable, perhaps some employment may be found for you in the border police."

"I would rather take personal service under your Excellency; but, if that is not possible, I am willing to fight under the banner of the police, though the pen is the pennon

for me."

"I am not likely to require your services," coldly replied the President, "but I shall be glad to hear what your qualifications are."

Kulleem rejoined-" As Galib says, 'I am an unrivalled poet."

"Under the present administration, I fear, there is no berth for a gentleman of your profession."

"If there is no eloquence, what is there?" said Kulleem. 'Your kingdom is like a bride without her jewels.' But surely, as Chief Minister, you can do what you please. After God, your Royal Highness !' as they say."

The President here uttered an aside in Arabic"God save us from the wiles of such a tongue," and replied aloud: "I am but an insignificant person, Regent of the State in name only."

"That is your want of spirit," said Kulleem, encouraged by the President's forbearance; and, he added, "As Zuhuri says, 'The head on the threshold, the feet in the sky. You want a poet to sing your praises, confirm your friends in their allegiance, and scare your foes."

"I had rather have my defects pointed out," rejoined the President. "I am sorry I cannot appreciate your talents, which are no doubt unrivalled; but, to tell you the truth, though my heart is full of evil, thank God there is no room in it for poetry!"

Kulleem could only marvel, and exclaim: "It is my