Stories and Songs About the Hastings Diamond

Some curious particulars are related in connection with the "HASTINGS" DIAMOND. While the impeachment of Warren Hastings in 1786 was pending, a circumstance occurred which told against him in the popular feeling, and the suspicions current that Queen Charlotte, who was generally believed to be avaricious, had sold her favour for Indian presents. The Nizam of the Deccan, anxious at this time to conciliate the friendship of England, had sent King George a valuable diamond of unusual dimensions, and, ignorant of what was going on in the English Parliament, had selected Hastings as the channel through which to deliver it. This peace-offering arrived in England on the 2nd of June, after the second charge had been decided against Hastings by the Commons. The diamond, with a rich purse containing the Nizam's letter, was presented by Lord Sydney at a levee when Hastings was present.

When the story of the diamond got wind, it was tortured into a thousand shapes, and was even spoken of in a serious manner in the House of Commons; and Major Scott, the intimate friend and zealous champion of Hastings in the House, was obliged to give an explanation in his defence. It was believed that the king had not only received one diamond, but a large quantity, and they were to be the price of Hastings' acquittal. Caricatures on the subject were to be seen in the windows of every print-seller. In one of these, Hastings was represented wheeling in a barrow the king, with his crown and sceptre, observing, "What a man buys, he may sell." In another, the king was exhibited on his knees, with his mouth wide open, and Warren Hastings throwing diamonds into it. At that time there was a quack who pretended to eat stones, and bills of his exhibition were placarded over the walls, headed in large letters, "The Great Stone-Eater." The caricaturists took the hint, and drew the king with a diamond between his teeth, and a heap of others before him, with the inscription, "The Greatest Stone-Eater."

Songs and epigrams on the diamond were passed about in all societies, and others, of a less refined character, were sung about the streets. One of these was entitled, "A True and Full Account of the Wonderful Diamond presented to the King's Majesty by Warren Hastings, Esq., on Wednesday, the 4th of June, 1786, being an excellent new song to the tune of 'Derry Down.'"

Mr. Thomas Wright, F.S.A., has reprinted the song from a copy in his possession (with a slight necessary alteration) in his "Caricature History of the Georges."

"I'll sing you a song of a diamond so fine,

That soon in the crown of our monarch will shine;

Of its size and its value the whole country rings,

By Hastings bestow'd on the best of all kings.

Derry down, etc.

"From India this jewel was lately brought o'er;

Though sunk in the sea, it was found on the shore,

And just in the nick to St. James's it got,

Convey'd in a bag by the brave Major Scott.

Derry down, etc.

"Lord Sydney stepp'd forth when the tidings were known--

It's his office to carry such news to the throne:

Though quite out of breath, to the closet he ran,

And stammer'd with joy ere his tale he began.

Derry down, etc.

"'Here's a jewel, my liege, there's none such in the land;

Major Scott, with three bows, put it into my hand,

And he swore, when he gave it, the wise ones were bit,

For it never was shown to Dundas or to Pitt.'

Derry down, etc.

"'For Dundas,' cried our sov'reign, 'unpolish'd and rough,

Give him a Scotch pebble--'tis more than enough--

And jewels to Pitt; Hastings justly refuses,

For he has already more gifts than he uses.

Derry down, etc.

"'But run, Jenky, run!" adds the king in delight,

'Bring the queen and the princesses here for a sight;

They never would pardon the negligence shown

If we kept from their knowledge so glorious a stone.

Derry down, etc.

"'But guard the door, Jenky! No credit we'll win

If the prince in a frolic should chance to step in;

The boy to such secrets of State we'll ne'er call,

Let him wait till he gets our crown, income, and all!'

Derry down, etc.

"In the princesses run, and surprised cry, 'O la!

'Tis as big as the egg of a pigeon, papa!'

'And a pigeon of plumage worth plucking is he,'

Replies our good monarch, 'who sent it to me!'

Derry down, etc.

"Madam Schwellenberg peep'd thro' the door at a chink,

And tipp'd on the diamond a sly German wink,

As much as to say, 'Can we ever be cruel

To him who has sent us so glorious a jewel?'

Derry down, etc.

"Now God save the queen! while the people I teach

How the king may grow rich while the Commons impeach.

Then let nabobs go plunder, and rob as they will,

And throw in their diamonds as grist to his mill.