A.D 1739
him the victory when the struggle which he contemplated should come to be decided. Meanwhile, Shujah Khan ceased to fulfil the early promise of his government, and exchanged its cares for indolence and luxury. He was thus governor only in name, and left all important affairs to be managed chiefly by the influence of Haji Ahmed. The two brothers were thus enabled to play into each others hands, and make all necessary arrangements for an emergency which was expected soon to arise. They saw that Shujah Khan's life was fast drawing to a close, and they deemed it unnecessary to disturb him in his possession. Towards his son, however, their feelings were very different, and they had already set on foot a course of intrigue, by which they hoped to gain over the court of Delhi to their interest, and set the claims of Serferaz aside. Before their schemes were matured, Delhi itself was in the hands of the Persian conqueror, Nadir Shah, and Shujah Khan died. Ali Verdy Khan had previously Death of Shujah Khan secured his nomination to the government of Behar, free from any dependence Khan. on Bengal ; but the higher objects to which his ambition pointed had not been secured, and Serferaz Khan took undisputed possession of the government in accordance with his father's will, which, while it ajipointed him heir, bound him to act in all affairs of moment by the advice of Haji Ahmed, Roy Alum Chund, and Juggut Seat. Serferaz, though he promised compliance with this condition, could not have been sincere, for he had already become aware that Haji Ahmed was leagued with his brother Ali Verdy in plotting his overthrow. So far, therefore, was he from intending to take him into his council, that he was bent on destroying him, and only waited for an opportunity. It was necessary, however, to proceed with caution. The person of Haji might easily have been seized, as he resided in Moorshedabad ; but Ali Verdy being at Patna, could not be reached, and would certainly break out in open revolt the moment any hostile proceedings were adopted against his brother. Had His successor, Serferaz Khan Serferaz Khan possessed common prudence and discretion, he would have Khan. secured himself against the designs of the brothers, by committing the esteem and attachment of the other two members of his council. Instead of this course, which good feeling as well as sound policy dictated, he insulted both, and converted them into implacable enemies. When Alum Chund, after obtaining a private interview, ventured to use the freedom of an ancient counsellor, and to remonstrate with his new master on the notorious licentiousness of his private life, and his total neglect of all serious public business, his counsel was scorned, and he only called forth a volley of ignominious abuse and invective. The treatment of Juggut Seat was still more outrageous. The fame of a lady of exquisite beauty, whom the banker's son had married, excited the nabob's curiosity, and he insisted on seeing her. According to oriental ideas there could not be a grosser insult ; but Serferaz Khan, accustomed to listen only to his passions, which had been indulged to such an extent as to impair his intellect,
was not to be dissuaded, and the lady, after Juggut Seat had implored in vain