1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Ranthamlor. 243 



flowed from the field. The huge carcases of horses and elephants, piled in 

 heaps, formed its hanks ; the wheels of war-chariots caused currents. The 

 hows driven hy a gentle wind looked like waves, the hands and legs like 

 serpents, and fingers with rings on them like shoals of shrimps, the heads 

 surmounted by red turbans like lotuses, the shady eye-brows like the 

 black-bee, and the hair like mosses. The bathing-places were where the 

 heroes were vaunting each of his might. The Yoginis, filling their basins 

 with the red liquid, looked like a troop of beautiful women filling their jars 

 and pitchers, and Bhairavs, Sambhu and Kalika, dancing with great glee, 

 like persons coming to bathe in the sacred months of Bysak and Kartika 

 (April and October). 



The living remainder of the troops of Ala-uddin withdrew in fear and 

 shame. Standing on the field, the mighty Hamir roared like a lion. Many 

 jackals, vultures and kites flew hither and thither, feasting on flesh and blood. 



The flashing sword of Hamir fell on the head of Shah Sikandar 

 Jahan. Down dropped his enormous head with a crash. 125,000 Kanda- 

 haris were put to the sword. Besides, 100,000 of Ala-uddin's own troops, 

 500 elephants and 10 Mirs fell. Here are the names of the last-named. 

 Shesh, Mahesh, Murad, Muhabbat, Muzaffar Ali, Nur, Askar AH, Nizam 

 Ali, Sikandar Shah, Niir-uddin. 



The wounded heroes raved here and there, quite furious and blood- 

 thirsty. The bright car of the sun stopped as if its majestic rider would 

 take a view of this dreadful spectacle. Even gods were taken aback. They 

 wondered at the military prowess of Hamir and looked with admiration at 

 the field of carnage. The gates of heaven were opened, and all the slain 

 were taken above, the Hindus by handsome Apsaras, and the Muham- 

 madaDs by black-eyed Houris. The loss of the Chohans was four heroes 

 only. 



" Hara, Hara, Hara" shouted the bold Hamir and, mounted on his 

 elephant, rushed at the emperor. His reeking sword flashed in his hand. 

 He exclaimed, " Come on, Ala-uddin, come and fight with me, draw your 

 sword, fight with me, come along." The emperor became greatly enraged. 

 Full of anger, he rushed to go in front of the Chohan prince. But his 

 troops would not advance a step. The mighty Rao was a lion in fight, 

 therefore they feared to come before him. Some Mirs and Vazirs only 

 were with Ala-uddin. 



" How is this, Vazir," said the emperor to Mihram Khan, " where 

 are my forces ? On whatever side I cast my eyes, I see none but the mass- 

 es of the Chohan army." 



Mihram KMn replied. — " The best counsel, I can offer your Majesty, 

 is to make friends with the Chohans and live in peace." 



