The ill-conditioned Rajah, though he spoke English
perfectly, had insisted on bringing his own interpreter with him.
A long pause in conformity with Oriental etiquette follows, then
the Viceroy puts the first invariable question: "I trust that your
Highness is in the enjoyment of good health?" which is duly
repeated in Urdu by the official white interpreter. The sulky
Rajah grunts something that sounds like "Bhirrr Whirrr," which the
native interpreter renders, in clipped staccato English, as "His
Highness declares that by your Excellency's favour his health is
excellent. Lately, owing to attack of fever, it was with His
Highness what Immortal Bard has termed a case of 'to be or not to
be!' Now, danger happily averted, His Highness has seldom reposed
under the canopy of a sounder brain than at present." Another long
pause, and the second invariable question: "I trust that your
Highness' Army is in its usual efficient state?" The surly Rajah,
"Khirr Virr." The native interpreter, "Without doubt His Highness'
Army has never yet been so efficient. Should troubles arise, or a
pretty kettle of fish unfortunately occur, His Highness places his
entire Army at your Excellency's disposal; as Swan of Avon says,
'Come the three corners of the world in arms, and we shall shock
them.
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