PENKONDA. 
15 
nable fort, surrounded with a difficult and thickly- 
populated country, there lives a Raja, by name 
Sanghir, whom I regard as my natural enemy, 
whose forefathers my forefathers, since the day of 
Abraham, have regarded as their natural enemy. 
Now if, for conscience’ sake, I shall become a disciple 
of the divine prophet, so long as my enemy Sanghir 
continues upon his musnud , he will not cease to 
point the finger of scorn and derision at my altered 
turban ; the blistering lash of his tongue will be 
extended and strengthened ; he will make the change 
of my faith, hearty and conscientious though it be, 
a handle for his evil influence ; he will not cease his 
clamorous mockery, until he has urged my family 
and subjects into open rebellion against me, until he 
has planted his cursed foot upon my prostrate neck, 
until his hated hand (may it wither !) has grasped 
the sceptre of my ancient kingdom, the heir-loom of 
a thousand generations. Had I not better secure to 
myself, while it is in my power, the privilege of 
having my head smitten from my shoulders, by the 
merciful right arm of the renowned Mallek-ul-Tija ?” 
Mallek-ul-Tija, blinded by the affected earnestness 
and humility of the Raja, replied : “ Good Sirkeh, if 
this trifle be the only impediment to your conversion, 
let it not harass your virtuous mind ; I will give 
orders immediately that with to-morrow’s dawn we 
march upon Sanghir’s territory. Although, as you 
say, it is a difficult country for most travellers, yet 
