_ 232 _ on the merchants came to an end. But no one complained against him, neither his factors nor his servants. There is no purpose in the practice of moderation on the part of the master if his servants and ministers are dissolute. There is no purpose in prejudicing one’s own interests in order to preserve one’s honour when this permits others to steal. This protection of the merchants also included acts of justice of a more minor order, and this was so important in the conduct of affairs in that city, that the customs houses were crowded, and their income increased greatly. The fame of his administration spread into Persia and encouraged many merchants from there to come with their caravans overland and much merchandise to come by sea. He made this last activity safe with fleets which were always on hand for this purpose, so that trade over all routes was free of taxes and easy to conduct. In this way, not only were the warehouses kept full of munitions and provisions but the State of India was always supplied in great abundance with money, saltpetre, sulphur, wheat and every other necessity during the residence of that Captain. This is certainly a matter of note, but we can quote Aristotle, who, when Themistocles said that a government of good repute had access to the enemies’ secrets, replied that this was highly necessary. However, what was more
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