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" As a ruler he was jealous of the honour of
his hereditary station, though he knew that its
prerogatives could no longer be guarded by
power, but would have to be preserved by tactful
compliance with the increasing demands of the age.
He was fully conscious that he stood at the parting
of the ways, but he could scarcely be expected to
realise that the onrush of opposing forces in the
guise of reforms, true or false, might ultimately
deprive rulers of some of their traditional prero-
gatives. It must be said to his credit, however,
that he was determined to remain true to himself
in maintaining the elevation of his position while
admitting the need of such beneficial reforms as
would take his State along the line of progress and
facilitate the adjustment of its relations with all
the powers that it might have to deal with.

f* Reserve and dignity go together, and he
was always on his dignity, and always reserved.
All Hyderabad knew that he never allowed a
word relating to State affairs to escape his lips
even in free and intimate talk with his trusted
courtiers. None was ever able to guess his inten-
tions. The most momentous affairs were settled
by him and orders issued without any stir; and
it was generally admitted that his commands were
well-considered and just. Though his natural
reserve prevented him from consulting his
ministers personally, yet they had the fullest
opportunity of representing their views when