"The history of the British Empire in India has not, at least in the last
thirty years, produced a hero like Your Lordship, whose soldier-like
qualities are fully known to the world. The country which has been the
cradle of Indian invasions came to realize the extent of your power and
recognized your generalship. . . . The occupation of Kabul and the
glorious battle of Kandahar are amongst the brightest jewels in the
diadem of Your Lordship's Baronage. . . . Terrible in war and merciful
in peace, Your Excellency's name has become a dread to the enemies of
England and lovely to your friends."
That last phrase, "lovely to your friends," is a true though Oriental
summing-up of one great secret of Roberts' renown. He has been called
the "best-loved soldier of England." And he possessed in an especial
degree the power of attracting and holding the love and respect of the
East Indians. They felt that he would always deal fairly by them.
When he went to Mandalay, in 1886, he saw that if he wished to win the
confidence of the people of Upper Burmah, he must win over the Buddhist
priests. This he did, and even persuaded his Government to pension the
three head priests.
"They showed their gratitude," he says, "by doing all they could to help
me, and when I was leaving the country, the old Thathana bain accompanied
me as far as Rangoon.
Pages:
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157