That is generally our way--it was so at Mysore, it has been so in a dozen other places.

When we have done all the work, and have got them at our mercy, we give them comparatively easy terms.

As soon as they recover from the effects of their defeat, they set to work again to prepare for another tussle; and then we have all the expense and loss of life to incur, again, and then end by annexing their territory, which we might just as well have done in the first place.

It may be all very well to be lenient, when one is dealing with a European enemy; but magnanimity does not pay when you have to do with Orientals, who don't care a rap for treaty engagements, and who always regard concessions as being simply a proof of weakness.
"There would not be half the difficulty in annexing Burma that there would be, in the case of a large province in India; for all the towns, and most even of their villages, lie on rivers, and a couple of dozen gunboats would suffice to keep the whole country in order.

You will see that that is what we shall have to do, some day; but it will cost us two or three expeditions to do what might just as well be done, now." "Well, uncle, it is nearly twelve o'clock and, as I shall be on duty at six, I think I had better be going.