498 Translation of the Vichitra Natak. [No. 6. 



matchlocks thundering, trumpets shrieking, elephants screaming, and 

 all the savage din of desperate war. 



Bodies charged bodies, and the mens* eyes were red with fury and 

 hatred. Kripal led the van ; one spirit animated all, the spirit of 

 destruction ; one continued shout rent the air, the shout of " Death, 

 death." 



The Katoch Raja of Kangra rushed to the fray, as a lion springs 

 upon its prey. Whenever the Chettris discharged their arrows, horses 

 with empty saddles scoured the plain. 



Kripal and Gopal met, and tore each other to pieces. One Hari Smb. 

 though mortally wounded, killed several before he died. 



Himmat-Kimmat, and Julal Khan, with his terrible battle-axe, stood 

 their ground and fought with desperate valor. At this juncture the 

 Raja of Jaswal putting his horse into a gallop, rode at Hussein Khan, 

 and stabbed him with a spear, but like a wounded boar, he only fought 

 the fiercer. 



If a soldier were struck, he thought it a compliment, and strove to 

 return it. The disputed field was soon covered with the carcases of 

 the dead, and groans filled the air. A river of blood flowed, and the 

 jackals slaked their thirst in it. 



Hussein Khan faint with the loss of blood dismounted from his 

 horse, and the Pathans surrounded him, they contended with fierce 

 but hopeless energy. Mahadev, Brahm, and all the gods must have 

 been roused from their contemplations, the heavenly minstrels sung 

 dirges for the departed warriors, and the celestial dancers jumped with 

 excitement. 



Hussein still tried to hold his own, but the soldiers of Jaswal sur- 

 rounded him, the most skilful attacked him. God willed it, and this 

 brave warrior fell to rise no more ; his soul was received in paradise. 



When their leader was no more, the confidence of the enemy gave 

 way, and his spirit was broken. Hari Sinh slew many of their prin- 

 cipal chiefs ; Chandala's Raja too, plied the work of destruction but 

 Sangat Rai was killed, and his adherents failed not to revenge his 

 death. 



Baz Khan and Himmat Khan fled and the followers of Kripal fought 

 hand to hand for their chieftain's body. When Hussein was slain, the 

 Musalman army sullenly retreated. This mighty host vanished, as 



