1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Sant7ia)nbor. 199 



in time and get rid of the Sheik as soon as you can. See, Ravana con- 

 quered the three worlds and had perfect control over the gods, men and 

 serpents ; but when he made Raghunath his enemy, the splendid and 

 strong fort of Lanka was sacked, burnt and pulled in the dust. Who can 

 subdue Ala-uddin ? If you think you can, you will certainly be destroyed." 



Hamir. — " O herald, I can never lie. See what will be the condition 

 of that poor, deserted man, if I deny him protection. I will draw my 

 sword in the teeth of all difficulties, fight with Ala-uddin and crush his 

 pride. Either I shall be transported to heaven a little early, or continue 

 reigning in my fort of Ranthambor. Go, thou messenger, and tell the 

 emperor that the Sheik is safe under the roof of Hamir Chohan, and that 

 preparations for war are being made within the fort." 



The herald went to Dehli and, having joined his hands and bowed down 

 to Ala-uddin, thus prayed, " Dreaded Majesty, the Sheik Muhammad Shah 

 wandered far and wide, over the northern, the eastern and the southern 

 parts of India, but nowhere did he find shelter. At last he went to Ran- 

 thambor and humbly prayed to the Rao of that place, who took pity on him 

 and promised him safe-keeping within the walls of his fort." 



Vazir Mihram Khan. — " Never has the Rao done so. How can he, a 

 vassal to his Majesty, afford house and shelter to one banished the domini- 

 ons of his lord and master ? Never say such words again." 



Herald. — " Vazir, my words are not false, but true to the letter." 



Ala-uddin. — Write a firman to Hamir, and then you shall be able to 

 know whether he speaks the truth or falsehood. 



Accordingly a firman was written and sent by the same herald to 

 Ranthambor. 



Airman. — " Hamir, be not obstinate ; yield ; do not give asylum to a 

 thief. I am called the master of Dehli, and you are a mere Rao. What 

 can you hope to gain by incurring my displeasure ? Why make yourself 

 culpable ? Take as much land and gold as you wish for. Send back the 

 criminal to me, the moment you read this firman.'" 



Hamir' 's reply. — " Attack me, fall upon me, but I will never send you 

 Muhammad Shah. I have promised him shelter, and for the monarchy of 

 all the world, I will never break my word." 



The emperor's blood boiled. He rebuked the Vazir for denying the 

 truth of the herald's statements. Another firman was written and sent to 

 the Rao. 



Firman. — " How many forts, have you, Hamir, and how strong are they, 

 that you are so proud and stubborn ? Consider, know that I am a gifted 

 nero. Send the Sheik. Be reasonable." 



Hamir 's reply. — " Your Majesty need not send me so many -firmans. 



