1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Banthambor. 245 



to kill an emperor because he gives food to thousands of souls. Besides, 

 Ala-uddin calls himself ' master of the world.' " 



Then was the emperor taken into the presence of Hamir, who said 

 " Emperor, return to Dehli safe." 



The next moment Ala-uddin, with the remainder of his forces, encamp- 

 ed four miles behind his former camp, in the direction of his capital. Con- 

 siderable booty fell to the hands of the Chohan troops — tents, furniture, 

 ensigns, weapons and money. All the wounded, irrespective of their caste> 

 were taken special care of, and their wounds dressed. They were then sent 

 each to his own country. 



The sweet peals of Dundhavi sounded the march. Full of joy Hamir 

 started to return to his fort. He was too glad to remember what he had said 

 to the princess Asa, his favourite wife. Some soldiers in the front line had 

 the imperial colours in their hands. The eager princess saw them from the 

 fort, and, thinking that victory had gone to the Musalmans, committed a 

 dreadful massacre and killed one and all, preferring death to ignominy. 



When the Rao entered the fort, he heard of the massacre, and the next 

 moment he saw before him the lifeless body of his dear queen, that of his 

 daughter Dewal, and those of the maids lying on the ground, with streams 

 of blood gushing out from the wounds. Then he called to mind the words 

 of Siva. He resolved to cut off his own head and offer it at the feet of 

 the god. He informed his Vazirs, officers and Mdwats of his determina- 

 tion. 



" Patience, patience, royal master" prayed a hero. " Do not shorten 

 your life. What was fated to be, has come to pass. Long live you in 

 glory under the protection of Mahadeva. Grant our prayer and request. 

 All your warriors join their hands and entreat you. Do not, mighty Rao, 

 behead yourself." 



Hamir exclaimed. — " Hear, my brave heroes, partners of my labours 

 and pains, hear with attention. The lion enjoys carnal pleasures but for 

 once. The word which has once come out of the mouth of a virtuous 

 man can never be withdrawn. The plantain yields its fruit only once. The 

 oil which is rubbed over the head of a woman on the occasion of her mar- 

 riage can never be rubbed again in her life. And the firm resolution of 

 Hamir of doing what he has once said can never be shaken."* 



Hamir bade adieu to all present, ordering them to go to Chitor to the 

 service of the prince Ratan. All alone the great Rao stood before Maha- 

 deva and offered his own head to the god. The apsaras descended from 



* f^fe fcrvq, ^r<g^ "sr^, ^ "qr% wsrc i 



H H 



