ortunate Rajah a written agreement to this effect; nor at
the time even desired a recompense, which was likely to bring with it
much more of difficulty and vexation than profit and power. He
respectfully declined an honour which he informed the Rajah it did not
become him to accept whilst his highness was in his hands. The war being
over, and Muda Hassim reinstated, the negotiation recommenced. No sooner
was it discussed, however, than Mr Brooke informed the rajah that Malay
institutions were so faulty, the high being allowed by them so much
license, and the poor so oppressed, that any attempt to govern without a
removal of abuses, was, on his part at least, impossible; and as a
condition of his acceptance, he insisted that the Rajah should use all
his exertions to establish the principle, that one man must not take
from another, and that all men were free to enjoy the produce of their
labour, save and except when they were working for the revenue. This
revenue, too, he submitted, it was necessary to fix at a certain amount
for three years, as well as the salaries of the government officers. The
same rights should be conceded to the Dyak and Malay, and the property
of the former must be protected, their taxes fixed, and labour free. The
rajah acquiesced in the propriety of these measures, and bargained only
for the maintenance of the national faith and customs. Mr Brooke
remained in Sar[=a]wak, but the office which had been offered with so
much eagerness and pressing love, was after all slow in being conferred.
Bad advisers, envious ministers, and weakness in Muda Hassim himself,
all prevented the conclusion of a business upon which Mr Brooke had
never entered of his own accord; but which, having entered upon it, had
rendered him liable for many engagements which his anticipated new
position had made essential.

"I found myself," writes Mr Brooke, "clipped like Samson, while delay
was heaped upon delay, excuse piled upon excuse. It was provoking beyond
sufferance. I remonstrated firmly but mildly on the waste of my money,
and on the impossibility of any good to the country whilst the rajah
conducted himself as he had done. I might as well have whistled to the
winds, or have talked reason to stones. I had trusted--my eyes gradually
opened--I feared I was betrayed and robbed, and had at length determined
to be observant and watchful." Upon the faith of the Rajah, Mr Brooke
had purchased in Singapore a schooner of ninety to