opeans, who required more
nourishment than the natives of Asia. The thin gruel, they said, which
was strained away from the rice would suffice for themselves. History
contains no more touching instance of military fidelity, or of the
influence of a commanding mind. An attempt made by the governor of
Madras to relieve the place had failed; but there was hope from
another quarter. A body of 3000 Mahrattas, half soldiers, half
robbers, under the command of a chief named Murari Rao had been hired
to assist Mahommed Ali; but thinking the French power irresistible,
and the triumph of Chanda Sahib certain, they had hitherto remained
inactive on the frontiers of the Carnatic. The fame of the defence of
Arcot roused them from their torpor; Murari Rao declared that he had
never before believed that Englishmen could fight, but that he would
willingly help them since he saw that they had spirit to help
themselves. Raja Sahib learned that the Mahrattas were in motion, and
it was necessary for him to be expeditious. He first tried
negotiations--he offered large bribes to Clive, which were rejected
with scorn; he vowed that if his proposals were not accepted, he would
instantly storm the fort, and put every man in it to the sword. Clive
told him, in reply, with characteristic haughtiness, that his father
was a usurper, that his army was a rabble, and that he would do well
to think twice before he sent such poltroons into a breach defended by
English soldiers. Raja Sahib determined to storm the fort. The day was
well suited to a bold military enterprise. It was the great Mahommedan
festival, the Muharram, which is sacred to the memory of Husain, the
son of Ali. Clive had received secret intelligence of the design, had
made his arrangements, and, exhausted by fatigue, had thrown himself
on his bed. He was awakened by the alarm, and was instantly at his
post. The enemy advanced, driving before them elephants whose
foreheads were armed with iron plates. It was expected that the gates
would yield to the shock of these living battering-rams. But the huge
beasts no sooner felt the English musket balls than they turned round
and rushed furiously away, trampling on the multitude which had urged
them forward. A raft was launched on the water which filled one part
of the ditch. Clive perceiving that his gunners at that post did not
understand their business, took the management