216 B. Bandyopadhyaya — Hamir Rasa, [No. 3, 



We promise that we will not only defend the fort, but with hearts un- 

 daunted meet the emperor, your enemy, in an open field. However great 

 may be the odds in his favour, we will cut his men to pieces and scatter 

 them in flight." 



Flames of fire burst forth from every hill-top, and illuminated the 

 country to a great distance. 



On the receipt of Hamir's letter, the two princes of Chitor, Khan and 

 Balansi, proclaimed the fact of their going to Banthambor, at wbich all 

 the citizens, male and female, came and fell down at their feet, beseeching 

 them to change their resolution, and not to sacrifice their interests for those 

 of their uncle — Hamir. The princes replied — " Listen, ye citizens, those who 

 are born must die, for it is so ordained by God. In this corrupt age none 

 are immortal, and none will ever be so. If we fall in battle, we shall die in 

 glory, and our praises will be sung by the immortal Urvasi, the fairy-queen 

 of heaven." The Banis, their mothers, looked pale, but they would not yield. 

 Having saluted their superiors, they, with 3,000 brave Battors, 5,000 

 Buaiirs and 8,000 Chohans, marched for Banthambor. When they arrived, 

 they encamped below the hills, Then they went to the fort. 



Hamir gave the princes a very warm reception, embracing them 

 tenderly. Great rejoicings were made in honour of their coming to Ban- 

 thambor. " I leave the burden of government upon you, princes," said 

 Hamir, " take it. I leave all in your charge." " Glory to you, uncle," re- 

 plied they, " for keeping the houseless under the shadow of your protec- 

 tion. You have thereby become famous in this world. None are to live 

 for ever here below, but deeds, glorious deeds, are lasting monuments of 

 men's lives. Our bodies are frail. As long as we, your slaves, are alive 

 you need not go yourself to the field. We must fight the imperial legion 

 and show you our skill in the art of war.'" 



Both the brothers stood up in great excitement. Bravery and courage 

 beamed forth from their faces, which looked like two rising suns. Their 

 helmets and breast-plates glittered, and the spirit-stirring peal of trumpets 

 made them restless. 



" Brother Khan," exclaimed Balansi, " let us take the Muhammadans 

 unawares, swoop down upon them at once, and cut them to pieces. We 

 are resolved to die gloriously on the field. Batan shall reign on the 

 thrones of Chitor, Narwal and Gwaliar. (To Hamir), If the provisions 

 of food fail, care not at all, uncle, for your life ; go, fight the Muham- 

 madans, commit a massacre and fall on the field of glory, but never break 

 your word." The bold words of the princes made the heroic Eao weep at 

 the thought of parting with them, alas ! for ever. 



Princes. — " Nothing is stable in the world, nay, not even the mouti- 



