1879.] or a History of Hamir, prince of Ranthambor. 237 
“Victory to the Crescent’? was shouted by the Muhammadan ranks 
and “ Victory to Hamir” by those of the Chohan. “ Hear, Emperor,” cried 
Mir Saduki, “hear what a trifle is Hamir to me who have subdued 
‘Tatta Bhakar.’” With these words on his lips, he rushed out in wild 
fury, taking with him a detachment of 6000 picked Khordsanis. Some 
soldiers advanced with flying colours. Heroes met with heroes, all brave, 
stalwart and proud. They bent their bows, pulled the strings, adjusted 
arrows with joy and shot them, each boastful of his own skill. The great 
Shaik began to fight very furiously. Swords flashed fire, and a dreadful 
massacre ensued. Hands and feet, arms and legs, heads and bellies dropped 
down. Many warriors fell on the ground and rose again with redoubled 
rage. Their bellies were cut, and the bowels came out, full of wind. All 
was a confused mass of flesh and blood. The 6000 soldiers were put to the 
sword ; not a single man escaped. Their banners and drums were snatched 
away and presented to the Rao. 
A stronger body of Muhammadan heroes rushed to capture Muham- 
mad Shah. “Glory to you, valiant Chohan,” exclaimed the latter, “ your 
bravery, courage, truth and other manly virtues have won you a universal 
fame which will last for ever. You have staked your life and kingdom, 
wealth and property for the honour of your words. Glory to your decision 
of character, glory to your firmness. Your praises will be sung for ever- 
more.” The thought of parting with his noble patron crossed his heart 
and drew tears from his eyes. He continued, ‘‘ When my future mother 
will give me birth, then shall I meet you, my generous Rao.” 
Hamir replied.—“< Warriors do not display soft feelings on the field. 
They do not love life, thinking it frail and transient. Union and separation 
go hand in hand. That which grows must perish; so it is taught by the 
Vedas. Do not be sorry, hero, do not lose heart. If you be separated here 
by death, be sure that grim monarch cannot separate us there in heaven. 
We shall all meet with one another, you, I, your wife, children, brother and 
the emperor too, the moment we leave our bodies. Leave interest and love. 
Nothing have we brought with us, and it is certain we can carry nothing 
away. This frail body is turned to dust, while good deeds live for ever in 
glory. Hear, Shaik, nothing is stable on the earth. What is our flesh P 
It is but a compound of dust, perishable at a slight accident. Why then 
love it ? love virtue and glory and drain the last drop of your blood in 
order to have them.” 
Muhammad Shah rushed headlong to the fight. Mir Gabru ran out 
from the imperial ranks and bowed to him. 
Mir Gabru.—* TI eat the salt of Ald-uddin, brother, and you that of 
Hamir. Let not our relation make cowards of us. Let us stand by our 
virtues at the peril of our lives. Although we shall part here from each 
GG 
