FORT OF AGRA. 
141 
the city, I have not taken repose before I seek the 
presence of King Sadrak. I am a Rajhpoot, my 
name is Behrid; admit me to the presence.” 
With permission, the traveller was shortly presented 
to the Raja, and with reverence spoke ; “ Behold, oh 
King, I am a stranger in these parts, hut in a far-off 
country, having heard of the fame of your mightiness’ 
wisdom and great virtues, and of the depredations of 
certain marauding ingrates who have abused your 
honor’s hospitality, I have travelled day and night 
to offer my services to your majesty.” 
Now King Sadrak, being a prudent as well as a 
generous prince, enquired, “ What salary dost thou 
expect ?” 
“ Be not wroth nor surprised, oh King, that I 
demand for my service four hundred pieces of gold 
daily.” 
" Truly,” replied the monarch, with a smile, “ it 
is evident that the most disinterested admiration of 
my many excellent qualities drew thee to my foot- 
stool. Thy excessive modesty is thy best fortune. 
Doubtless thy craft is one of great skill and inge- 
nuity ; with what tools dost thou exercise thy cun- 
ning ? *’ 
“ Most illustrious Raja, my tools are the best 
part of my calling ; they are three in number ; my 
two arms and my sabre.” 
“ And for such costly trade thou art content to 
demand so small a pittance as four hundred pieces 
of gold daily ; this over-diffident estimation of thy 
