Tempo:
Consolidation of the Punjab
237
the Shah deprived of some more of the wealth he had with him. Thereafter the guard on the Afghan family was relaxed and the entourage given some freedom of movement. This relaxation of swveillance gave the Begam, and then the Shah himself, the opportunity to escape from Lahore and cross over into British territory.
you and discuss with you what was for the interest of both states. It was the pleasure of the most High Power that this scheme should be discovered by Ranjit Singh, who accordingly placed His Majesty under a guard.' It is clear that Shuja had opened negotiations both with Wazir Fateh Khan (who had decided to throw over Mahmud and back Shuja instead) and the English. The Wazir bad proposed an invasion of the Punjab from either end. In his letter, he had waxed poetic: I am prepared to dive to the bottom of the deep, Determined to seize the pearl of desire, or perish in the attempt. My resolution is fixed and I will execute my design. The crimson tide shall mantle my cheek with joy Or freeze in my lifeless veins.
237
the Shah deprived of some more of the wealth he had with him. Thereafter the guard on the Afghan family was relaxed and the entourage given some freedom of movement. This relaxation of swveillance gave the Begam, and then the Shah himself, the opportunity to escape from Lahore and cross over into British territory.
you and discuss with you what was for the interest of both states. It was the pleasure of the most High Power that this scheme should be discovered by Ranjit Singh, who accordingly placed His Majesty under a guard.' It is clear that Shuja had opened negotiations both with Wazir Fateh Khan (who had decided to throw over Mahmud and back Shuja instead) and the English. The Wazir bad proposed an invasion of the Punjab from either end. In his letter, he had waxed poetic: I am prepared to dive to the bottom of the deep, Determined to seize the pearl of desire, or perish in the attempt. My resolution is fixed and I will execute my design. The crimson tide shall mantle my cheek with joy Or freeze in my lifeless veins.
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