1879. ] or a History of Hamir, prince of Ranthambor. 219 
human shape. It is written that the woman, who, having determined to be 
burned alive with the body of her husband, shrinks back in fear at the sight 
of fire, is condemned in this world and loses her place in heaven. You 
know that nothing is immortal but the soul. You are wise, and so I need 
not instruct you in these well known rules. Glorious are they who con- 
quer both this world and the world to come. Your mother bore in you a 
hero ; think of these things and fight. Go with all speed to the field and 
assist the young princes.” 
With a wild hurrah rode forth Saukhdhar as swiftly as an arrow. 
The troops of Zamal Khan were also reinforced by a body of 200,000 
Arabian soldiers. Cannons boomed, and balls rushed out, uplifting many 
a horse and elephant in the air. Swords clashed, and heroes hollood. Heads 
dropped on the muddy earth, muddy by the incessant shedding of blood. 
“ Ficht, fight my brave soldiers,” exclaimed Kanh at the top of his 
voice, “fight the Muhummadans, and be glorious ; fight to the last drop 
of your blood that your name may be noised here below, and salvation won 
there above. See, none is able to live for ever in this frail world.”’? The 
prince Balan spurred his elephant to meet Zamal Kanh. All of a sudden he 
struck the Mir with a sword, which cut off the helmet and wounded his head. 
Again a combat ensued. The dagger of Balan_went right through the 
heart of Zamal, who fell down dead on the ground. Then outrushed his 
attendants, and they succeeded in killing the prince. Kanh made a des- 
perate rush at the enemy’s line and killed all he could; but his days 
were also numbered. With wild fury sprang amidst the ranks the brave 
Saukhdhar. Many Arabians were put to the sword, and more were stabbed. 
From every wound blood issued in jets and flowed in torrents, The reek- 
ing weapons flashed fire, and heads rolled hither and thither on the 
ground, The beheaded rose with vehemence and rushed at any that 
chanced to fall within their grasp. The victory belonged to the Rajptits, and 
the remainder of the Arab forces fled away in confusion. Many handsome 
nymphs descended from heaven and carried above the two brave princes 
and the mighty warrior Saukhdhar. On the Rajput side the loss was 8000 
Chohans, 3000 Rattors, and 5000 Puafirs—16,000 in all, and three great 
heroes ; while that on the Muhammadan side was 70,000 foot, 5000 horse 
and elephant—75,000 in all, and Zamal Khan, the Mir of Arabia. 
Rao Randhir, with his sword drawn, spoke face to face with Ala-uddin. 
“O Emperor, the time has come when my fort shall be destroyed. Hear, 
with attention, Hamir will never break through his resolution. Know 
this as truth, and nothing but truth. Consider very maturely, and then 
aet. The fort of Ranthambor will never come into your possession. Leave 
your pride therefore, It behoves you to do so.” 
