"O royal master, at the gate there waits

A man of noble mien from the far north

Requesting audience on affairs of state."

"Conduct him to our presence," said the prince.

The stranger came,—upon the floor he knelt

And said—"Thou mighty prince of these fair lands,

I come from Arcot, and the Nabob sent

His humble servant to demand of thee

Thy dues which these five years thou hast not paid.

Know, then, if these are not now duly paid,