ion time spreads over the wrongs, wounds, and afflictions of
others, in the mind of the person who inflicts those wrongs and
oppressions! The oppressor soon forgets. This robbery took place in
17[81]; it was in the year 1783 when he asserted that the waters of
Lethe had been poured over all their wrongs and oppressions. Your
Lordships will mark this insulting language, when he says that both the
order of the Directors and the application of the Begums for redress
must be _solicitations to him_.

[Here Mr. Burke was interrupted by Mr. Hastings, who said, "My
Lords, there was no order. I find a man's patience may be
exhausted. I hear so many falsehoods, that I must declare there was
no order of the Court of Directors. Forgive me, my Lords. He may
say what he pleases; I will not again controvert it. But there is
no order; if there is, read it." Mr. Burke then proceeded.]

Judge you, my Lords, what the insolence, audacity, and cruelty of this
man must have been, from his want of patience in his present situation,
and when he dares to hold this language here. Your Lordships will reckon
with him for it, or the world will reckon with you.

[Mr. Hastings here again interrupted Mr. Burke, and said, "There
was no order for inquiry."]

_Mr. Burke._--Your Lordships have heard the letter read,--I mean the
letter from the Directors, which I read just now. You will judge whether
it is an order or not. I did hope within these two days to put an end to
this business; but when your Lordships hear us charged with direct
falsehood at your bar, when you hear this wicked wretch who is before
you--

[_From a Lord._--Order! order! order!]

_Mr. Burke._--Order, my Lords, we call for, in the name of the Commons!
Your Lordships have heard us accused at your bar of falsehood, after we
had read the order upon which our assertion was founded. This man, whom
we have described as the scourge and terror of India, this man gets up,
and charges us, not with a mistake, an error, a wrong construction, but
a direct falsehood,--and adds, that his patience is worn out with the
falsehood he hears. This is not an English court of justice, if such a
thing is permitted. We beg leave to retire, and take instructions from
our constituents. He ought to be sent to Bridewell for going on in this
manner.

[_Mr. Wyndham here read the letter again._]

_Mr. Burke._--With regard to the ravings of this unhappy man,