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of a very high order, he was able to perform
the most onerous functions with patience, serenity
and unerring judgment. He possessed the power
to remain unperturbed amidst the appalling
difficulties which he had to face. Suddenly
called to the highest office in the State—at the
age of 23 —he did not for a moment lose his self-
possession. His natural modesty may have made
him feel a little diffident at first, but when he had
once assumed the responsibilities of the Dewanship
of the First State in India, he proceeded on his
course with the cool courage and assurance of an
old experienced statesman. Out of his study into
the audience chamber—a sudden and startling
transition, which would have thrown an ordinary
man off his balance ; but this young man of Persian
features and steadfast gaze had that in the depths
of his eyes which revealed the master-mind that
could triumph over opposition of every kind.
When I wish to see Salar Jung's mind as it was
in repose, I have no need to consult records of his
deeds to see him in the history of India—and of
the British Empire ; I only look at his portrait
and read history in his eyes. """""""""
A friend once asked me —and he was an eminent
' imported' man —"Was Salar Jung really so great
as people think ? " My first feeling was that of
surprise—and annoyance. The question may
have been quite innocent, but my suspicion detect-
ed a slight tone of envious irony in it, and it
seemed like an insult to Hyderabad; which I felt