DELHI. 
47 
priority; and being afraid of losing his former 
renown, he thus addressed the three champions, 
in presence of the emperor. “To attack a poor 
defenceless animal with weapons, although single- 
handed, is both unmanly and unfair. God has 
given to man, no less than to tigers, limbs and 
sinews ; and he has added reason to the former, in 
order that he may wisely employ his strength.” The 
three chiefs objected, in vain, that all men were 
inferior to tigers in strength, and that therefore they 
must be given the aid of steel. “ I will convince 
you of your mistake,” replied the hero; and throw- 
ing down his sword and shield, he dismounted his 
elephant, and advanced, unarmed, to meet the enraged 
tiger. 
Though the emperor was in secret pleased with a 
proposal so much in accordance with his barbarous 
design, he made a show of dissuading him from the 
trial. Shere Afghan s spirit of adventure, however, 
was excited, and he determined to enter upon the 
struggle. The monarch, feigning reluctance, at last 
yielded, and gave permission for him to advance. 
The assembled chiefs knew not whether they ought 
most to admire the courage of the man, or to exclaim 
against the folly of the deed. Astonishment was 
painted in every face. Every tongue was silent. 
Various writers have given minute but incredible 
details of the encounter. Thus much however is 
certain, that after a long and desperate fight, the 
