216 B. Bandyopaidhyaya—Hamir Rasd, [No. 3, 
We promise that we will not only defend the fort, but with hearts un- 
daunted meet the emperor, your enemy, in an open field. However great 
may be the odds in his favour, we will cut his men to pieces and scatter 
them in flight.” 
Flames of fire burst forth from every hill-top, and illuminated the 
country to a great distance. 
On the receipt of Hamir’s letter, the two princes of Chitor, Khan and 
Balansi, proclaimed the fact of their going to Ranthambor, at which all 
the citizens, male and female, came and fell down at their feet, beseeching 
them to change their resolution, and not to sacrifice their interests for those 
of their uncle—Hamir. The princes replied—* Listen, ye citizens, those who 
are born must die, for it is soordained by God. In this corrupt age none 
are immortal, and none will ever be so. If we fall in battle, we shall die in 
glory, and our praises will be sung by the immortal Urvasi, the fairy-queen 
of heaven.” The Ranis, their mothers, looked pale, but they would not yield. 
Having saluted their superiors, they, with 3,000 brave Rattors, 5,000 
Puafirs and 8,000 Chohans, marched for Ranthambor. When they arrived, 
they encamped below the hills. Then they went to the fort. 
Hamir gave the princes a very warm reception, embracing them 
tenderly. Great rejoicings were made in honour of their coming to Ran- 
thambor. ‘I leave the burden of government upon you, princes,” said 
Hamir, “take it. I leave all in your charge.” “ Glory to you, uncle,” re- 
plied they, “‘for keeping the houseless under the shadow of your protec- 
tion. You have thereby become famous in this world. None are to live 
for ever here below, but deeds, glorious deeds, are lasting monuments of 
men’s lives. Our bodies are frail. As long as we, your slaves, are alive 
you need not go yourself to the field. We must fight the imperial legion 
and show you our skill in the art of war.’ 
Both the brothers stood up in great excitement. Bravery and courage 
beamed forth from their faces, which looked like two rising suns. Their 
helmets and breast-plates glittered, and the spirit-stirring peal of trumpets 
made them restless. 
“ Brother Khan,” exclaimed Balansi, ‘let us take the Muhammadans ~ 
unawares, swoop down upon them at once, and cut them to pieces. We — 
are resolved to die gloriously on the field. Ratan shall reign on the 
thrones of Chitor, Narwal and Gwaliar. (To Hamir), If the provisions 
of food fail, care not at all, uncle, for your life; go, fight the Muham- 
madans, commit a massacre and fall on the field of glory, but never break 
your word.” The bold words of the princes made the heroic Réo weep at 
the thought of parting with them, alas! for ever. 
Princes.—* Nothing is stable in the world, nay, not even the moun- 
