1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of RantTiambor. 227 



length, is but frail and transient. Glorious actions outlive their doers. I 

 have drawn my sword against Ala-uddin for the honour of my promise. Let 

 me die a glorious death. There are many friends in prosperity, but in 

 adversity very few. Know that the firmness of Hamir, the pride and 

 stubbornness of Havana, the truth of Raja Harischandra, and the skilful 

 archery of Arjun are unequalled in their potency, superior to the fear of 

 death, to the love of life and kingdom. Is death to be feared when it brings 

 an endless glory both here and hereafter ? Shall I break through my resolu- 

 tion and thereby be meaner than the tiny cliakar which picks up fire and 

 never refrains, although its bill is burnt to ashes ?" 



At night-fall, Sarjan Shah went in haste to the emperor's camp, his 

 countenance beaming with joy. Having joined his hands and bowed down, 

 he informed his Majesty of the success of his device. He said " The supply 

 of grain is still large enough to last twelve years more. Now the fort is 

 yours, its strength of position and Rajput bravery will avail it nothing. It 

 is yours, now, emphatically yours. May it please you to demand of Hamir 

 (1) Chandrakala, the dancing-girl, (2) Dewal Kimari (the virgin daughter 

 of Hamir), (3) Paresh the philosopher's stone, (4) Muhammad Shah the 

 exile. 



A firman containing the above demands was instantly written and 

 sent to the Rao with an order for prompt execution. 



The emperor's firman made Hamir's blood boil. He wrote, " I care 

 not at all for you, Ala-uddin. As long as Hamir's head is on his shoulders, 

 he will never allow you to get any of your demands. Take care, villain, 

 take care, beware of your life, otherwise you are a dead man, and the throne 

 of Dehli is without its emperor. Send me without delay (1) Begum Chim- 

 na (the favourite queen of Ala-uddin), (2) Chintamani (a philosopher's 

 stone), and (3) the four devils who are at your command. Send them, for 

 so the great Hamir demands of you." 



" Where lies the truth, knave," said Ala-uddin to Sarjan Shah on 

 receiving Hamir's reply, "where lies the truth of thy abject flatteries ?" 



Sarjan. — " Wait, and you will see how things go on within the fort." 



Chapter X. 



Sorry and crest-fallen, Hamir went to the zenana. The princess Asa 

 stood up, bowed down her head, joined her hands and anxiously inquired, 

 " What ails you, lord ?" "Noble queen," said he with a heavy sigh, " our 

 provision has fallen short. What is to be done now ? what means to be 

 taken in this dire extremity ? Shall I give the Sheikh back and break my 

 word ? Alas ! the very thought stings me to death." " Never do so," replied 

 the Rani in a firm and decided tone. " With heroism unequalled, you the 



