156 The Nineteenth Booh of the Gestes of Prithiraj. [No. 3, 



Taking the captive Shah with him : 



Towards Dilli he went, 



Crossing the passes, the mountains and the Ganges. 



With the fair Padmavati, 



And the Grhori Sultan. 



Reached the city of Dilli, 



The mighty-armed Chauhan. 



Verses. 



44. The Brahmins spoke and affixed the nuptial mark, 

 Selecting (32) a fortunate moment, 



Made a bower of green bamboos, 

 Adorned with clusters and garlands (of flowers). 

 The Brahmins recited the Vedas, 



The homa sacrifice [was performed] on a platform before the hero. 

 Padmavati was the peerless bride ; 

 The bridegroom, Prithiraj, king of men. 

 He fined Shah Shahabdi, 

 Eight thousand pieces of gold, 



Having conferred gifts and rewards and dresses of six pieces (33) 

 The king went up into his fort. 

 Verses. 



45. King Prithviraj went up, 



Having released the hero Shahabdin : 

 The King, his chiefs and warriors ; 

 With banners, and music, and shouting. 

 [Moon-faced, deer-eyed women, 

 Preparing golden dishes many 

 Binding on pearls, joyously, 

 Forming in a ring men and women all, 

 Sang with joyful throats ; 

 Waving chumris from hand to hand, 

 With coronets on their heads.] (35) 



46. The King ascended to the royal fort. 

 The virtuous King, Prithiraj 

 With very great and exceeding joy. 

 The crown of the head of the Hindus. 



