This example had its use in the way in which it was intended to operate, and in which alone it could operate.  It did not discourage forgeries:  they went on at their usual rate, neither more nor less:  but it put an end to all accusations against all persons in power for any corrupt practice.  Mr. Hastings observes, that no man in India complains of him.  It is generally true.  The voice of all India is stopped.  All complaint was strangled with the same cord that strangled Nundcomar.  This murdered not only that accuser, but all future accusation; and not only defeated, but totally vitiated and reversed all the ends for which this country, to its eternal and indelible dishonor, had sent out a pompous embassy of justice to the remotest parts of the globe.

But though Nundcomar was put out of the way by the means by which he was removed, a part of the charge was not strangled with him.  Whilst the process against Nundcomar was carrying on before Sir Elijah Impey, the process was continuing against Mr. Hastings in other modes; the receipt of a part of those bribes from Munny Begum, to the amount of 15,000_l._, was proved against him, and that a sum to the same amount was to be paid to his associate, Mr. Middleton.  As it was proved at Calcutta, so it will be proved at your Lordships’ bar to your entire satisfaction by records and living testimony now in England.  It was, indeed, obliquely admitted by Mr. Hastings himself.

The excuse for this bribe, fabricated by Mr. Hastings, and taught to Munny Begum, when he found that she was obliged to prove it against him, was, that it was given to him for his entertainment, according to some pretended custom, at the rate of 200_l._ sterling a day, whilst he remained at Moorshedabad.  My Lords, this leads me to a few reflections on the apology or defence of this bribe.  We shall certainly, I hope, render it clear to your Lordships that it was not paid in this manner as a daily allowance, but given in a gross sum.  But take it in his own way, it was no less illegal, and no less contrary to his covenant; but if true under the circumstances, it was an horrible aggravation of his crime.  The first thing that strikes is, that visits from Mr. Hastings are pretty severe things, and hospitality at Moorshedabad is an expensive virtue, though for provision it is one of the cheapest countries in the universe.  No wonder that Mr. Hastings lengthened his visit, and made it extend near three months.  Such hosts and such guests cannot be soon parted.  Two hundred pounds a day for a visit!  It is at the rate of 78,000_l._ a year for himself; and as I find his companion was put on the same allowance, it will be 146,000_l._ a year for hospitality to two English gentlemen.  I believe that there is not a prince in Europe who goes to such expensive hospitality of splendor.