198 B. Bandyopadhy4ya—Hamir Rasa, [No. 3, 
“of the danger I would expose myself to by giving you refuge, and thereby 
provoke my anger. I have spoken my mind, and do you think I can retract 
the words which I have once said? The descendants of the Chohans are 
never false to their promise. My firmness in acting up to what I have 
determined to do can never be shaken by the love of life and self-interest. 
Be patient, Sheik, and live here without fear. The mountains may move, 
and the polar star leave its fixed place, yet be sure, Muhammad Shah, the 
honour of my resolution can never be violated It stands in unfaded glory 
for evermore.” 
The following presents were made to Muhammad Shah ; a bow, golden 
ornaments, a necklace of pearls, a turban set with diamonds, and a 
shawl. A jaghir worth five lacs of rupees was also given him, A 
noble palace was appointed for his residence. The Council broke up with 
great joy and excitement. Muhammad Shah went to his new mansion, riding 
on ahorse. His heart became easy at the sight of various comforts which 
were stored there for him. Then the Rao gave a grand feast to him and 
his companions. 
The imperial herald, who had followed the Sheik to the fort, addressed 
himself to .Hamir—“ Do not give shelter to Muhammad Shah, great 
Rao, because by doing so you will incur the displeasure of the most 
powerful emperor in the world. The mighty Ald-uddin is an inspired 
warrior. If the weak match with the strong, be sure, prince, they will 
come off thelosers. Listen to my words, attend to my advice. You area 
descendant of a family which has played an important part in the history of 
your country. Why leave an ocean big with invaluable pearls and rubies for 
a worthless tank full of mud and weeds? What qualities has this Sheik ? 
See, he has lert all his possessions for the vile enjoyment of a female. I 
know that you are familiar with all princely principles; one of them is, 
‘ Let a man die, if his death alone can ensure the safety of a family ; forsake 
a house, if its destruction can save a village ; let a city go to destruction, 
if by leaving it you can preserve the welfare of a country.’ Why do you 
push all souls to death for the safety of one, and that one an ungrateful 
wretch, having neither reason nor conscience. Your refugee is the vilest of 
all creatures. He had not even the slightest scruple to defile the bed of his 
master. Think, before it is too late. The anger of Ald-uddin is like a 
red flame of fire which burns all that come in contact with it. His power 
destroys all who have the rashness to incur his displeasure. See, even the 
gods have fled away, leaving their temples. On the other hand, if you do 
not give refuge to the Sheik, your friendship with the emperor will become 
stronger and stronger every day. Why drop poison in a pot full of nectar? 
You will have to pay very dearly for your folly. Consider, therefore, now 
