1879.1 or a History of Hamir, prince of RantJiambor. 219 



human shape. It is written that the woman, who, having determined to be 

 burned alive with the body of her husband, shrinks back in fear at the sight 

 of fire is condemned in this world and loses her place in heaven. You 

 know that nothing is immortal but the soul. You are wise, and so I need 

 not instruct you in these well known rules. Glorious are they who con- 

 quer both this • world and the world to come. Your mother bore in you a 

 hero ; think of these things and fight. Go with all speed to the field and 

 assist the young princes." 



With a wild hurrah rode forth Saukhdhar as swiftly as an arrow. 

 The troops of Zamal Khan were also reinforced by a body of 200,000 

 Arabian soldiers. Cannons boomed, and balls rushed out, uplifting many 

 a horse and elephant in the air. Swords clashed, and heroes hollood. Heads 

 dropped on the muddy earth, muddy by the incessant shedding of blood. 



" Fight, fight my brave soldiers," exclaimed Kanh at the top of his 

 voice, " fight the Muhummadans, and be glorious ; fight to the last drop 

 of your blood that your name may be noised here below, and salvation won 

 there above. See, none is able to live for ever in this frail world." The 

 prince Balan spurred his elephant to meet Zamal Kanh. All of a sudden he 

 struck the Mir with a sword, which cut off the helmet and wounded his head. 

 Again a combat ensued. The dagger of Balan went right through the 

 heart of Zamal, who fell down dead on the ground. Then outrushed his 

 attendants, and they succeeded in killing the prince. Kanh made a des- 

 perate rush at the enemy's line and killed all he could ; but his days 

 were also numbered. With wild fury sprang amidst the ranks the brave 

 Saukhdhar. Many Arabians were put to the sword, and more were stabbed. 

 From every wound blood issued in jets and flowed in torrents. The reek- 

 ing weapons flashed fire, and heads rolled hither and thither on the 

 ground. The beheaded rose with vehemence and rushed at any that 

 chanced to fall within their grasp. The victory belonged to the Rajputs,, and 

 the remainder of the Arab forces fled away in confusion. Many handsome 

 nymphs descended from heaven and carried above the two brave princes 

 and the mighty warrior Saukhdhar. On the Rajput side the loss was 8000 

 Chohans, 3000 Rattors, and 5000 Puanrs — 16,000 in all, and three great 

 heroes ; while that on the Muhammadan side was 70,000 foot, 5000 horse 

 and elephant — 75,000 in all, and Zamal Khan, the Mir of Arabia. 



Rao Randhir, with his sword drawn, spoke face to face with Ala-uddin. 

 " O Emperor, the time has come when my fort shall be destroyed. Hear, 

 with attention, Hamir will never break through his resolution. Know 

 this as truth, and nothing but truth. Consider very maturely, and then 

 act. The fort of Ranthambor will never come into your possession. Leave 

 your pride therefore. It behoves you to do so." 



