146 On the Ballads and Legends of the Punjab. [No. 2. 



Russaloo's might would easeful price and o'er the entrance throw 

 A marble rock of mass immane, with age and lichens grey 

 Might foil the strength of fifty men of our degenerate day. 

 And still with awe the peasant views that relic ag'd and worn, 

 And o'er the hero's might will muse and sigh for his return. 



Notes to the Legend of Russaloo. 



(1). On Sialkot's embattled steep. 



Sialkot one of the most ancient of Forts and cities of the Pun- 

 jaub was founded by Rajah Sala Byne or Salivahanna, father of 

 Russaloo. The Fort, which adjoins the city to westward is a high, 

 oblong mound, with rectangular defences of curtains and round 

 towers, massively built of brick and mortar. Not many Baktro or 

 Indo- Greek coins are found in the ruins. The commonest perhaps 

 is the copper coin of Apollodotos. 



Sala Byne of the Pooroowar family of Chundrabunse Rajpootres, 

 flourished in the first century of our era. Sialkot was probably the 

 capital of that Poros (-n-oipos) Pooroo, who was surnamed the coward 

 by Alexander's soldiers. 



(2). His daily woodcraft done. 



The character of Russaloo as preserved by tradition, resembles the 

 model proposed to themselves by Knights of the chivalrous age. 

 Self-denial formed an essential part of the system. All sensual 

 enjoyment was forbidden. His life was spent in the chase when not 

 occupied in war, and it is said that he daily rode from his dwelling 

 at mount Moorut to Dumtour in Huzara to hunt, a distance of 

 eighty miles, returning at night upon his wonderful steed Bhori 

 Rakhi* to Moorut. A similar tradition exists in Khorasaun relating 

 to Roostum. A sculptured rock is there shown which is said to 

 have been his palace. And from thence to the Furrah Rood and 

 back he is said to have galloped daily to water Roq his steed. The 

 interval, if I recollect right, being upwards of twenty miles. 



* Bhori Rakhi, black and long-breathed. The steed on which he assailed the 

 Rakuss was a dappled grey. 



