With us, obligations under a treaty are regarded as sacred, and to be upheld at all sacrifices.
Later on, when affairs are more settled in India, he will gladly form an alliance with you.
"Here is a despatch, in your language, stating his reasons more fully but, in order to show his friendship, he has sent me down in this ship of war to explain matters to you, and to assure you that he appreciates your offer, and will later on accept it; but that he cannot enter into such a treaty now as, being engaged in war, he might not be able to protect you from all enemies, should you call upon him to do so.

I am the bearer of several presents from him, which he has sent as a proof of his friendship towards you." He touched a bell and, at the signal, some sailors brought in the presents; consisting of a handsome double-barrelled gun, a brace of pistols, some embroidered robes, and some bales of English cloth and other manufactures; also a dinner service of pottery, an ormulu clock, and other articles.

The rajah, whose face had at first expressed disappointment, was evidently much pleased with these presents and, after perusing the letter, expressed himself as well contented with its terms.
"I value them all the more," he said, "because they are a proof that the English do not make treaties, unless able to fulfil the conditions.

This is far better than accepting treaties, and then withdrawing from them.

You can assure the great lord of Calcutta, although I regret much that he cannot at present form an alliance with me, that I shall be ready to renew the negotiations with him, whenever he notifies me that he can do so." The champagne was then produced.