558 Some Remarks on the Origin oftlie Afghan people. [No. 6. 



(Q-oliatli) and kill him, should receive the hand of the king's daught- 

 er in marriage, and be declared heir to the throne. 



When Taliit went out to meet Jahit his troops, being seized with 

 a sudden panic, fled from the field with the exception of 313 persons, 

 who, by the will of God, took courage and remained with their king.* 

 It was at this time that Daoud killed the infidel Jalut in single 

 fight, after which the small but brave band which had stood its 

 ground, fought with such determined courage that the enemy were 

 entirely defeated and put to the rout.f 



After this action on the part of Mehtar Daoud, it became incum- 

 bent on king Taliit to fulfil the terms of the covenant which he had 

 made, and accordingly he gave his daughter to Daoud in marriage, 

 and a patent of succession to the throne. 



During the life-time of king Talut, Daoud served him faithfully, 

 and at his death succeeded him. Armiah (Jeremiah) and Birkiya, 

 Talut's sons, were raised to the highest honors, became the captains 

 of his armies, and continued in his service during their life-time. 



In the common course of events, Daoud himself set out on that 

 journey from which no traveller returneth, and was succeeded by 

 his son Siiliman. Tie appointed Afghana the son of Armiah, to the 



* " And Talut said unto his soldiers, verily God will prove you by the river, for 

 he that drinketh- thereof shall not be on ray side (but he shall be on my side who 

 shall not taste thereof) except he who drinketh a draught of the water out of his 

 hand. And they drank thereof, except a few of them. And when they had passed 

 over the river, he and those who believed with him, said, We have no strength this 

 day against Jalut and his host. But they who considered that they should meet 

 God at the resurrection, said, How often hath a small army by the will of God, 

 defeated a greater one, and discomfited it, for God is with those who patiently 

 persevere. And when they went forth to battle against Jahit and his forces, they 

 said, Oh Lord, pour on us patience, confirm our feet, and help us against this un- 

 believing people. Therefore they discomfited them by the Almighty will, and 

 Daoud slew Jalut." Al Koran. Chap. II. 



f lt And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the 

 Philistines, until they came to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the 

 wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and 

 unto Ekron. 



And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they 

 spoiled their tents." 1st Samuel, Chap, xvii. verses 52, 53. 



