lna_ or
going bankrupt. When a merchant had had heavy losses and could not
meet his liabilities, he would place the lock of his door outside,
reversing it, and sit in the veranda with a piece of sackcloth over
him. Or he wrapped round him the floor-carpet of his room. When he
had displayed these signs of ruin and self-abasement his creditors
would not sue him, but he would never be able to borrow money again.

17. Bhat songs.

In conclusion a few specimens of Bhat songs may be given. The
following is an account of the last king of Nagpur, Raghuji III.,
commonly known as Baji Rao:

They made a picture of Baji Rao;
Baji Rao was the finest king to see;
The Brahmans told lies about him,
They sent a letter from Nagpur to Calcutta,
They made Baji Rao go on a pilgrimage.
Brothers! the great Sirdars who were with him,
They brought a troop of five hundred horse!
The Tuesday fair in Benares was held with fireworks,
They made the Ganges pink with rose-petals.
Baji Rao's gifts were splendid,
His turban and coat were of brocaded silk,
A pair of diamonds and emeralds
He gave to the Brahmans of Benares.
Oh brothers! the Raja sat in a covered howdah bound on an
elephant!
Many fans waved over his head;
How charitable a king he was!

In the above song a note of regret is manifest for the parade
and display of the old court of Nagpur, English rule being less
picturesque. The next is a song about the English:

The English have taken the throne of Nagpur,
The fear of the English is great.
In a moment's time they conquer countries.
The guns boomed, the English came strong and warlike,
They give wealth to all.
They ram the ramrods in the guns.
They conquered also Tippoo's dominions,
The English are ruling in the fort of Gawilgarh.

The following is another song about the English, not quite so
complimentary:

The English became our kings and have made current the _kaldar_
(milled) rupee.
The menials are favoured and the Bhats have lost their profession,
The mango has lost its taste, the milk has lost its sweetness,
The rose has lost its scent.
Baji Rao of Nagpur he also is gone,
No longer are the drums beaten at the palace gate.
Po