1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Rantliamoor. 229 



Sur Singh ? Where is the valiant Prithivraj who imprisoned Muhammad 

 Gori ? Think on all these things, Maha Rao ; none can undo the 

 decree of fate. Union and separation go hand in hand." Full of emotion 

 she cried out, " We must now part, dear husband, we must now part from 

 each other !" 



Hamir 's reply. — " Glory to you, jewel of women, and glory to your 

 ancestors. Is there any other woman on the face of the earth who can say 

 such free and stimulating words ? If I deliver the Sheik into the hands 

 of Ala-uddin, it will leave a foul stigma on my race. Keep your honour 

 inviolate, commit a massacre within the fort, and die if you see blue colours 

 come. I have tried you and found you equal to every emergency, and fit 

 to glorify the virtues of the Kshatriyas. You are very firm in your resolu- 

 tion, noble princess, and I have confidence in your words." 



" Why do you doubt, lord," said Asa angrily, "why do you doubt 

 our chastity ? Need I tell you that we do not look even at the face of 

 any other man ? Can we go with others and be living when your fort is 

 taken, and you killed ? Let us perish first, that you may have confidence 

 in our chastity in your dying moments." 



Hamir. — " I do not doubt your chastity, noble queen. I know you are 

 a flower of female virtues. Listen to my request. Wait till you see the 

 issue of the next battle." 



Hamir gave alms to all the Brahmans and minstrels of his town. To 

 do honour to the virtues of the Kshatriyas, he engrossed his mind and drove 

 away the thoughts of self-interest which bind us to the world. He felt 

 greatly affected. He bade adieu to his wife, went to the darbdr and called 

 a council of his officers, soldiers and ministers. 



" Listen, brave Chaturang," said he, " look after Ratan Singh, now 

 that he will be fatherless. You are wise and so I leave everything entirely 

 to your discretion. -Keep under your protection my servants and others 

 who will go to you, strengthen the fort of Chitor and rule over your raj 

 with a golden sceptre. The virtues of a king are specially four — for- 

 bearance, courage, scrutiny and justice. Follow them, because none can 

 be a good ruler without them." 



Chaturang. — " I will never leave you, Rao ; if you live, I will live ; 

 if you die the death of glory, why am I to be deprived of it ?" 



Hamir. — " Your life is specially necessary, Chaturang. See, where 

 will our subjects go to, when they shall be, as a matter of course, oppressed 

 by the Muhammadans ? To Chitor certainly. There will the inhabitants 

 of Ranthambor flee to live in peace and plenty." 



Chaturang Mori and the prince Ratan marched for Chitor, accom- 

 panied by a strong guard of 5000 Rajputs. 



