1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Rantliamlor. 197 



had been tied, he took his meal. A carpet was spread in his tent, whereon 

 sat his heroes, ministers and friends. They were asked to go to the Eao 

 and inform him of all particulars. He said " First tell him my saldms, 

 next the events which have led to my banishment ; tell him that if it please 

 him to meet me, I shall wait on his royal presence. You shall be able to 

 know by these statements how virtuous and religious he is. Look at his 

 features and examine them with care." 



The heralds met with a warm reception. They informed the Rao of all 

 things as they had happened. The latter asked, " Is the Sheik safe, is he 

 well ?" He was delighted and sent his son to call the exile to the fort. 



Muhammad Shah started dressed in his best clothes to wait on Hamir. 

 He took with him five horses, one elephant, one bow of Multan, made of nine 

 pieces of buffalo horn, a sharp sword, a beautiful palanquin, two pieces of 

 ruby, a necklace of pearls, two hawks aud two hunting dogs. His escort 

 went on foot. The train stopped at the principal gate of the fort, awaiting 

 orders. Some nobles of the royal court were sent to receive the Sheik. 

 They took him to the audience chamber of the Eao, who, with all the mem- 

 bers of his council stood up, embraced him and enquired after his health. 

 The Sheik touched the Rao's feet with both his hands and stood up, having 

 joined them in submission. After having offered him the costly presents, he 

 said, " Grant me shelter, generous Eao, shelter me in my distress. I have 

 gone to the courts of the kings of Kandesh, Kabul, Multan, Kashmir, 

 Guzerat, Gandwana, and Bengal, but none has dared to receive me : they all 

 have tried to get rid of me, the sooner the better. I am at your mercy, 

 noble lord, save me in this extremity." 



Hamir replied, smiling, " So powerful is Ala-uddin that none has ven- 

 tured to shelter you from his anger. Live here safe, Sheik, live here within 

 the fort, under the shadow of my protection. I, Eao Hamir, will defend 

 you, even if my defending you should cost me my life. Need I tell you 

 more?" He accepted the presents and thus spoke out his mind — "I will 

 give up my body, wealth, fort and kingdom, but be sure, Sheik, the emperor 

 will never be able to get you." 



" May it please you, mighty Eao," said the Sheik, ' : to consider all 

 the consequences that will follow, before you promise me safe-keeping. I 

 have wandered far and wide over India and seen that almost all the Khans 

 and Sultans, Eajas, Eaos and Eanas fear the power of Ala-uddin. He said 

 at my parting, that if in any part of this wide world, supported by Shesh, any 

 one should give me protection, he will cut him in pieces. He who incurs his 

 displeasure must not hope for life. Promise me safety and have the glory of 

 keeping a houseless and helpless creature with you, after having fully con- 

 sidered all these particulars." " You need not warn me," replied Hamir, 



B B 



