160 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
while the wretched mortal who lay slumbering be- 
neath the influence of her gentle effulgence saw no- 
thing hut the gloom within — was awake to nothing 
but the darkness of his own blighted spirit. 
Meanwhile, at the Rahtore’s dwelling all was har- 
mony and rejoicing. The bridal feast was prepared; 
the bride and bridegroom had ratified the compact to 
which their hearts had been mutually pledged. They 
looked abroad into the clear calm sky, and hailed the 
celestial presence which seemed, to their glowing 
fancies, to smile upon their union. Their hearts were 
buoyant ; the sounds of mirth and congratulation were 
in their ears. The neighbours had assembled : the 
tomtom,* the sittar,f the sarinda, J the kurtaul,§ 
the saringee, || were uniting their harmonies in order 
to animate the guests. The voice of joy was in the 
feast, when it was interrupted by intelligence that the 
Kara chief was approaching to avenge the rape of his 
daughter. The banquet was abruptly suspended, and 
without a moment’s delay the Rahtore mustered his 
followers. These were few, but resolute ; they did 
not amount to more than a hundred and fifty men : 
nevertheless, their brave leader shrank not from the 
encounter, as a true Rajpoot never declines a contest, 
whatever the odds against him ; — with him death is 
always preferable to disgrace. 
The young bridegroom did not give the enemy time 
to take him by surprise, but, sallying forth, accompa- 
nied by his small yet determined band, resolved to 
fight to the last in defence of his honour and of his 
* Drum. f Guitar. t Violin. § Cymbals. 
|| An instrument played at weddings. 
