It is Indian soil; but the Indian may not walk on it; no, not though he were born next door.

Yet why should we grumble or complain?
We are the dirt beneath their feet.

We are dogs and sons of dogs, and a hireling will turn our Princes from the gate lest the soles of our shoes should defile their sacred places.

And are they not right, Huzoor ?" he asked cunningly.
"Since we submit to it, since we cringe at their indignities and fawn upon them for their insults, are they not right ?" "Why, that's true, Ahmed Ismail," replied Shere Ali bitterly.

He was in the mood to make much of any trifle.