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AMANULLAH

Eastern monarch, ruler of a wild people, descendant,
so it was said, of a line of savage rulers in a forbidden
land* The public lapped it up.

Let us, however, look at Amanullah ealmly at this
epoch in his career, lie is still a young man, looking
younger than he actually is. This is due to his dynamic
energy, his intelligent and fearless eyes, and his nervous
impulsiveness. He might at first sight be considered
stout, but this is largely due to his build. He is nervous
because of the homage suddenly offered to him. He is
self-conscious because he is untutored in the ways of
the West, and is afraid of making a gaffe.

He is ruler of a backward land which is hardly solvent.
Without his guidance, his country would soon slide
back into ignorance and sloth,

He is not yet certain in his heart that he was not rash
to leave his capital at this critical time* Having, how-
ever, scraped together a considerable sum of money, he
has ventured. The result has been better than any of
his wildest hopes*

He knows the value of the promises given to him by
his lieutenants* He may at any moment be left without
a throne* He is in an ideal position for the usurper and
the traitor. Sometimes the thought comes to him,
even among this present splendour and triumph. But
he thrusts it from his mind. There can be no turning
back.

He goes now to be fSted in the midst of the country
which he fought nine years ago. He goes to meet the
English, those whom he always called ** usurpers in the
East/* Fine men they arc, but nevertheless usurpers.
No Amir before him has dared to do this thing. For
an Amir to leave his country was synonymous with his
leaving his throne. Amanullah, Peace of God, has
dared,

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