1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Ranthambor. 231 



songs, the defender of the glory of the Eajput power, very skilful in 

 the art of war,, benevolent, beautiful, strong-limbed and unwearied in 

 fighting, even though he should be engaged continuously both day and 

 night and wounded in every part of the body, for the sake of keeping Ihe 

 honour of the virtues of his illustrious fathers. His vassals went each to his 

 tent to put on armour. They were so many lions in battle, no danger could 

 daunt them : no obstacle, no difficulty, however great it might be, could 

 move them in the least from their deliberate resolution. Their foreheads 

 were smeared with streaks of the red sandal. "With the names of the great 

 Surya on their lips they began to prance and rush like athletes. All were 

 intent and resolved on doing something very terrible, they bathed, gave gifts 

 of cows and gold to the Brahmans, and worshipped the Sun, Siva and Vish- 

 nu. The honour of the virtues of the Kshatriyas occupied their minds and 

 made them glad and exulting. They were descended of noble ancestors 

 whose glorious actions are the subjects of many a minstrel's songs. Elated 

 with pride, with their heads erect, and energy beaming forth from their 

 countenances, they made themselves ready to march with Hamir. They 

 were steady in fight, regardless of life and interest, very charitable, brave, 

 noble-minded, immovable from their resolution, and devoted to the worship 

 of Hara. 



Very brisk, active, fleet horses, well- caparisoned and guarded from head 

 to foot from the weapons of enemies, were given each to his competent rider. 

 16,000 horses were equipped, of which 5000 were TurM, good at trotting, and 

 11,000 mild and well-trained Tdji. All were of noble breed and very beau- 

 tiful, catching the eyes of even a monarch. Their saddles were covered with 

 ornamental embroidery and brilliant diamonds. Bunches of lace were upon 

 their heads. Pairs of chamar hung by their sides, hiding the legs of the 

 riders. Their necks were adorned with garlands of pearls, their manes were 

 braided and their saddlery was made of rich silk and velvet. They seemed a 

 thick flight of locusts. They were swifter than the wind. When they pressed 

 their hoofs on the ground, fire came out instantly. They used to go through 

 water as easily and swiftly as on the dry land. Biding on a horse of such 

 mettle, a tolerable huntsman could put his bow around the neck of a deer 

 while running fast in a jungle, and shoot a bird while in rapid motion. 

 Each of these steeds was got for an equal weight of gold and diamonds. 



The Katclii horses fled after the birds, the Iraki were very patient and 

 and mild, the Kanddhdri very beautiful, the Kabuli very attractive, dressed 

 in silk and satin saddlery, the Kdtiwdri very fleet and nimble, and the Ara- 

 li could be compared with elephants. 



The horses were divided into various groups according to their colours. 

 500 elephants, whose bodies were like mountains and whose roar like the peal 



