1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Ranthambor. 223 
glorying in death. Their heroic contempt of life is the grand secret of their 
success.” 
Mihram Khin.—“ To not be sorry, Emperor, although you have come 
in spite of my prohibition. Be patient and do not lose heart. Press hard 
the siege. Hamir shall no more be able to hold out.” 
Cuartrer VIII. 
The imperial tents were removed from Alanpur and pitched on a hill 
at Rang. Having taken a view of the fort of Ranthambor through a 
telescope, the emperor consulted his vassals and ministers, and sent a herald 
to Hamir. He said, “Tell, herald, tell Hamir to deliver into my hands 
the exile Muhammad Shah and to come and fall down at my feet.” 
When the Rao heard this message his blood boiled. He replied, “I 
care not at all for your words, Emperor, I care not for them. Hamir is not 
a child, that threats and flatteries can move him even an inch from his 
resolution. So far from giving you back the Sheik Muhammad Shah, I 
will not give you even any of the birds and beasts of Ranthambor. The 
heads of such valiant heroes as Baldev, Ranjit and Randhir Singh have I 
sacrificed on the field. What! to give youback our refugee. Did you not 
feel ashamed to write me the firman ?” (To the herald.) ‘Go and give the 
emperor what I have written, and come no more even if you be ordered 
to do so by your master. Take as much gold as you wish for. Tell Ala- 
uddin that he is my enemy, and not a friend, and so where is the use of 
such a jfirman. ‘Tell him that I will never, never deliver into his hands his 
exile Muhammad Shah. Tell him that I have resolved never to meet him 
but on the bloody field of battle.” 
_ “ How foolish is Hamir,’”’ remarked Ala-uddin, when he was informed 
of all particulars by the herald. According to the advice of the Vazir 
Mehram Khan, he secured the possession of the hillof Rang. Large cannons 
were mounted upon it, and their mouths directed towards the fort. “Let 
us blow up the cannon which lies yonder on a bastion of the fort,” said the 
emperor to his Vazir. 
A monstrous cannon was fired, but the Raéo’s cannon could not be 
silenced. When Hamir heard this intelligence, he ran forward to the can- 
non. He saw it perfectly safe. “Is there any one among my cannoniers 
who can burst the largest cannon mounted on Rang! If any, I shall 
reward him amply and make him very rich.” One stepped forward, and, 
having bowed to the Rao, fired his cannon, and the next moment the imperial 
cannon was broken to pieces. 
Emperor.—* What means are to be taken now for the capture of the 
fort ?”’ 
