But now, it is true, that, after seeing the power and profits of these men,--that there is neither power, profession, nor occupation to be had, which a reputable person can exercise, but through that channel,--men of higher castes, and born to better things, have thrown themselves into that disgraceful servitude, have become menial servants to Englishmen, that they might rise by their degradation.

But whoever they are, or of whatever birth, they have equally prostituted their integrity, they have equally lost their character; and, once entered into that course of life, there is no difference between the best castes and the worst.

That system Mr.Hastings confirmed, established, increased, and made the instrument of the most austere tyranny, of the basest peculations, and the most scandalous and iniquitous extortions.
In the description I have given of banians a distinction is to be made.
Your Lordships must distinguish the banians of the British servants in subordinate situations and the banians who are such to persons in higher authority.

In the latter case the banian is in strict subordination, because he may always be ruined by his superior; whereas in the former it is always in his power to ruin his nominal superior.

It was not through fear, but voluntarily, and not for the banian's purposes, but his own, Mr.Hastings has brought forward his banian.