1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Ranthambor. 229 
Sur Singh? Where is the valiant Prithivraj who imprisoned Muhammad 
Gori? Think on all these things, Maha Rao; none can undo the 
decree of fate. Union and separation go hand in hand.” Full of emotion 
she cried out, “ We must now part, dear husband, we must now part from 
each other !” 
Hamir’s reply.— Glory to you, jewel of women, and glory to your 
ancestors. Is there any other woman on the face of the earth who can say 
such free and stimulating words? If I deliver the Sheik into the hands 
of Ald-uddin, it will leave a foul stigma on my race. Keep your honour 
inviolate, commit a massacre within the fort, and die if you see blue colours 
come. .I have tried you and found you equal to every emergency, and fit 
to glorify the virtues of the Kshatriyas. You are very firm in your resolu- 
tion, noble princess, and I have confidence in your words.” 
“Why do you doubt, lord,” said Asa angrily, “why do you doubt 
our chastity? Need I tell you that we do not look even at the face of 
any other man? Can we go with others and be living when your fort is 
taken, and you killed? Let us perish first, that you may have confidence 
in our chastity in your dying moments.” 
Hamir.—* I do not doubt your chastity, noble queen. I know you are 
a flower of female virtues. Listen to my request. Wait till you see the 
issue of the next battle.” 
Hamir gave alms to all the Brahmans and minstrels of his town. To 
do honour to the virtues of the Kshatriyas, he engrossed his mind and drove 
away the thoughts of self-interest which bind us to the world. He felt 
greatly affected. He bade adieu to his wife, went to the darbdr and called 
a council of his officers, soldiers and ministers. 
“Listen, brave Chaturang,” said he, “look after Ratan Singh, now 
that he will be fatherless: You are wise and so I leave everything entirely 
to your discretion. Keep under your protection my servants and others 
who will go to you, strengthen the fort of Chitor and rule over your raj 
with a golden sceptre. The virtues of a king are specially four—for- 
bearance, courage, scrutiny and justice. Follow them, because none can 
be a good ruler without them.” 
Chaturang.—<1 will never leave you, Rao; if you live, I will live ; 
if you die the death of glory, why am I to be deprived of it ?” 
Hamir.—“ Your life is specially necessary, Chaturang. See, where 
will our subjects go to, when they shall be, as a matter of course, oppressed 
by the Muhammadans? ‘To Chitor certainly. There will the inhabitants 
of Ranthambor flee to live in peace and plenty.” 
Chaturang Mori and the prince Ratan marched for Chitor, accom. 
panied by a strong guard of 5000 Rajputs. 
FE 
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