1879. ] or a History of Hamir, prince of Ranthambor. 227 
length, is but frail and transient. Glorious actions outlive their doers. I 
have drawn my sword against Ald-uddin for the honour of my promise. Let 
me die a glorious death. There are many friends in prosperity, but in 
adversity very few. Know that the firmness of Hamir, the pride and 
stubbornness of Ravana, the truth of Raja Harischandra, and the skilful 
archery of Arjin are unequalled in their potency, superior to the fear of 
death, to the love of life and kingdom. Is death to be feared when it brings 
an endless glory both here and hereafter? Shall I break through my resolu- 
tion and thereby be meaner than the tiny chakar which picks up fire and 
never refrains, although its bill is burnt to ashes ?” 
At night-fall, Sarjan Shah went in haste to the emperor’s camp, his 
countenance beaming with joy. Having joined his hands and bowed down, 
he informed his Majesty of the success of his device. He said “ The supply 
of grain is still large enough to lasttwelve years more. Now the fort is 
yours, its strength of position and Rajput bravery will avail it nothing. It 
is yours, now, emphatically yours. May it please you to demand of Hamir 
(1) Chandrakala the dancing-girl, (2) Dewal Kimari (the virgin daughter 
of Hamir), (3) Paresh the philosopher’s stone, (4) Muhammad Shah the 
exile. 
_ A firman containing the above demands was instantly written and 
sent to the Rao with an order for prompt execution. 
The emperor’s firman made Hamir’s blood boil. He wrote, “I care 
not at all for you, Alé-uddin. As long as Hamir’s head is on his shoulders, 
he will never allow you to get any of your demands. ‘Take care, villain, 
take care, beware of your life, otherwise you are a dead man, and the throne 
of Dehli is without its emperor. Send me without delay (1) Begum Chim- 
na (the favourite queen of Ald-uddin), (2) Chintémani (a philosopher’s 
stone), and (3) the four devils who are at your command. Send them, for 
so the great Hamir demands of you.” 
“Where lies the truth, knave,” said Ala-uddin to Sarjan Shah on 
receiving Hamir’s reply, “where lies the truth of thy abject flatteries ?” 
Sarjan.—“ Wait, and you will see how things go on within the fort.” 
CHAPTER X. 
Sorry and crest-fallen, Hamir went to the zenana. The princess Asd 
stood up, bowed down her head, joined her hands and anxiously inquired, 
“What ails you, lord?” “Noble queen,” said he with a heavy sigh, “ our 
provision has fallen short. What is to be done now? what means to be 
taken in this dire extremity ? Shall I give the Sheikh back and break my 
word? Alas! the very thought stings me todeath.” ‘Never do so,” replied 
the Rani in a firm and decided tone. “ With heroism unequalled, you the 
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