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3D\'HNTUR1:S
OF THE
Punjab Hero
RA|A RASALU.
BY
THE
RE.V.
C.
gWYKNjeRTOM.
(ilartteU
Hntoetattg IQibrarjj
HENRY W. SAGE
1891
M^ WB
The
tine
original of
tliis
book
is in
restrictions in
text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924023641222
rAjA rasAlu.
THE PAEJaB
THE ADVENTUBES
Raw.i
OF RAJA RASALtr.
IVom
a Photograph
of
Tif^^t
THE ADVENTURES
OF THE
fanjAb hero
RAJA RASALU
AND OTHER FOLK-TALES OF THE
PANJAB.
Collated and Compiled from Original Sources.
BY THE
REV.
Member
CHARLES SWYNNERTON,
of the Royal Asiatic and Folk-lore Societies, and of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. author of
&*c.
"*'
Such
wake
or gossiping,
Biatr.
When
W,
NEWMAN &
Co.,
Calcutta
Printed by W. NtrwMAN and Printing Works,
Co.,
4,
Dalhousie Square.
Ail rights
reserved.
IN MEMOBIAM.
Ob.
Novemb. 8: i88s.
O day prolonged from ling' ring year to year, How oft I stand, within my heart debating,
Will sunset shadows never more appear?
So long I've waited for the restful night, Such tears I've shed for sorrow of the soul. Sighing and sobbing in the fevered light
That, burning, beats from out the brazen pole
I
Will day end nevermore ? And shall the sun Forever stand remorseless in the sky ? The swooning Hours of Time have ceased to run, And men are wrestling with eternity.
1 I
Within the
long
hills
And O
Some
cavern's depths shall be my drowsy pillow, Far from the wildering tumult of the world ; There let me listen to the surging billow, By windy currents hoarsely swayed and swirled
There, sheltered, on the veinfed shingle lying. Let me sleep out the remnant of my days, Drugged by sweet sloth, all sorrow past, and sighing, Past, all regard for censure or for praise
!
The crystal wave that shivers at my feet, The breaker foaming in the shadowy wild,
Will sing for love a lullaby as sweet As e'er allured the fancy of a child.
Come
then,- ye stately Hours of Even-song, Lead me far hence to some such dim recess, Then fold me, wearied out, to slumber long.
Fold
me
in
O laggard time of sadness and of grief O day prolonged from fardy year to year, When will the shadows, laden with relief,
Descend from starry kingdoms cold and clear
?
INTRODUCTION.
On the summit
;
Gandgarh by the
Upper Indus stands an old fortress which is known as Kafir Kdt or, the Fort of the Infidels. It is situated midway between Pir Than the highest point of the range, and the
lofty village
of Chenar
Kdt,
Hazard on the
fruits,
east,
for
its
floweis
and At Kafir Kdt, says tradition, the last stand was made by the " infidel" Hindus of the Chach plain, when the country succumbed to the exterminating inroads of barreposes
among
barian
years ago.
summit of the
on the south-eastern side upon the edge of a deep inaccessible cliff which descends for hunresting
Over the
INTRODUCTION.
verge of the
the
fort,
cliff,
tree,
existence
be suspected
This cave
is
known
as Kafir-K6t-kiIt
runs in a
lime-
downward
of access.
When
on
all sides, it is
arms
of
unarmed
suppliants, they
came
forth
One
clambering down into the depths of the cave where ashes and
potsherds existed in abundance to attest
I
its
ancient uses,
when
overheard some of
my
Cave of the
In-
fidels
tall
"
is
in Pir
Than.
To
this
all."
"
As no one has
should not be
it."
Cave uf
INTRODUCTION.
"
iii
How
enquired the
man
triumphantly, "
in
"
It
I first
made
ac'
As
we
started
five,
of
well
incautious
tigers, in
Through rough
a rugged track,
many
our
path
conducted
us
down
the
steep declivities
of
Mount Gandgarh,
revealing far
Valley,
affording us near at
hand
beautiful
fortress,
sun-
lofty
Sikh
and
away the
still
Peshawur
and the
more
distant hills of
where human life is cheap, and where men go armed to the High over our heads in the pure aether wheeled teeth.
a golden-crested eagle, and in the lower atmosphere floated
kites
and hawks.
partridges,
down
pair
spotted and rose-coloured, or some blue pigeons lingered to gaze at us, or a chatterbox peered from
of doves
the gloom of a
thicket,
or
flight
of
excited
starlings
air.
Among
few,
these
wild upland
scattered,
solitary
and
iv
INTRODUCTION.
hy-
dwell too the leopard, the wolf, and the red and gray
na, the fox
and the
fretful porcupine,'
a species of deer
gtiral. dell, all
down the
in
a deep, dark
for
enclosed by precipices, a
abode
the oracle
as the Kam'ild
flowers
and
re-
nowned
as a
remedy
for dyspepsia,
berries of
to
gum
its
and the
ber,
which
for
is
the
dhaman
glorious
fair
is
its fine
wood which
host,
Mr.
T. L. Barlow of Ghazi, we drew round the blazing log-fire, for the night air was bitterly cold, and spent the evening
listening to
one of
my
argumentative
guides,
who came
tures of
Raja Rasalu,
legend then told and translated viva wee was pub-
The
the
lished by
me
of
in
month
May
In the following: August and September a second and a very different version of Rasdlu's adventures was published
by subscription
in
Bombay.
INTRODUCTION.
These two
been made
versions,
so
far as I
am
The
is
following account
compilation
from three
first
different versions
now
in
my
possession.
The
I
version
that
obtained the
second from an
who
age.
lives
between
bard named Juma, professional Rawal Pindi and Mari, and who be-
lieved himself to
The
third
to
me
the
by the bard
borders
of
much
nearer to
these
three
some
points, serve to
in
many more.
in general
and
in
as the
and the
Swans.
giants
From Shuruf
and of the
too I learnt
the
of
names of
giants
at
the
giantess, the
name
Rasilu's horse,
tradition that
one of the
least,
a
ful
single
eye.
To him
I
is
am
lament which
" Strange
have rendered,
Thy
he,
nature always,
God most
dread,"
This
INTRODUCTION.
Thirra, following Jiima's version
that
it
was
he,
and not
Gandgarri,
I
who
me
to
villagers of
result.
class,
had
subdued
Subse-
Pathans "
but
bards
came
to us privately
and
said,
" Sahib,
the
matter.
these
The
whole
these
stories
of theirs are
own
heads.
How
and
his
at
Kheri-Murti,
when we
I
all
know
off ?
show
it
to you."
himself
down
tell
nothing but
How
they are?
Hours
as
after,
in
rear,
we
still
raging,
career
canvassed, the old bard finally getting the best of the argu-
hXTROnUCTIOiY.
ment by showing a bolder
critics
front,
and deluging
his village
dis-
amazement and
comfiture.
I
To
with
the lover
all
of
Raja Rasalu,
them
considerable
power
and
interest.
They contain
and they are
many
lands,
destitute of curious
mythology
there
and
'
in
the
Here and
have
'
class of
men
in
humble
who
utterly
unlettered,
we catch
'
in
its
to
i
as
battle
and
strife into
a region of a
exist-
ence, as if he
)
march of Time,
and was
Mancha enchanted
for
even to him
it
the
Golden Age
lies
not in the
visionary
past,
the hope
revealed,
INTRODUCTION.
The
the
stories of
and Prince
Pilran, Rasalu'shalf-brother,whichisahTiostexactly
counterpart of
the
tale
in
consequence
denounced by
the
toils
and
his
father Theseus, a
demigod
in
of
girl,
drives
him away
to exile
and death.
youth
while
the
conscience-stricken
is
Phsedra confesses
similarly
and
in
similarly
condemned.
For years he
as
a corpse
raises
Goraknath
him
The
parallel
is
In
the
tale of
Mirshikari, again,
we have
a charming
classi-
antiquity.
It is
Amphion, of
bin,"
The
PanjS,bi
word "
which
These
pipes,
frequently seen in
the
those which
were used
They
"
Lydian Pipes."
They
consist of two
tibia
the male
sinistra,
human
The Lodiana
Panjabi Dictionary.
INTRODUCTION.
voice,
at
the
same
furnished
a single
mouth-piece.
It is this
instrument
this too,
which
is
possessed
by
The whole
so
redolent of classical
have
stringed-instrument
the
lyra,
generic
than
to
"lyre,"
and
as
according
Henry
viii:
"Orpheus, with his lute, made trees. And the mountain tops that freeze,
Bow
themselves
when he did
sing."
Of Orpheus we
god Apollo.
from a
tutelary
read
that his
lyre
was the
gift
of the
In like manner
the
Mirshikari
god from
deity
immortal
Kwaja Khizar,
of the
prototype
still
uncertain,
survives,
but
actually
who is thoroughly
is
by the
Muhammadan
threatens to
undermine
their ancestral
fields
or
INTRODUCTION.
Then
glades,
is
so often pictured
in
on the domestic
of his lyre.
is
of
all
Pompeii,
sitting
woodland
and enchanting
the dulcet music of his magic lute the " poor dappled fools"
When we
sally.
turn
to the
them a version of
shape, demoniac
certain stories
human
in
who
and
men.
At
last (still
confining
comes the
slays
who
them
who
buries
mount Gandgarh,
the Gigantes
in classical
mythology, those Of
who escaped
the avenging
arm
of the destroyer
of
their race
is
Or,
again,
Rasalu
Ulysses
who invades
moun-
tain caves,
and at whom the one-eyed Akaldeo hurls an enormous rock, which the hero receives with calm indiffer.
This introduction would be rendered tediously long,
the
coincidences
of
common
traditional lore
which the
dragon,
which
is
may be detected
INTRODUCTION.
that
emblem of
all
the
creative principle in
nature, or that
manifestation of deity,
and worship
The manner
life-
in
the
Voluspa
A'^ain,
we have
distinct
references
to
charms
and
incantations, to witchcraft
human blood
warrior,
to
many
of
the traditions
thus
we may conclude
the
this part
of the introduction
subject of
enigmas and maledictions. The riddles or enigmas which occur in some of these
legends must strike the intelligent
quaint and curious.
*01d places
reader as exceedingly
revisited, or the
p, 206,
INTRODUCTION.
precisely like those
to us
from the
earliest
periods of history.
Book
He
to
kills a lion,
it
again, a
settled
hollow carcass.
So he propounds
the enemies
" Out of the eater came forth meat ; Out of the strong came forth sweetness."
He
all
the calamities
which
before
when arraigned
:
Two
killed and two died, were killed and four died Four were killed and six died ; Four were male and two were female."
;
If
we turn
to the
myths of
classical history,
we
find tha
Sphinx
17
pai/'uSos kihov,
Who
we
" The Sphinx, subtlest of fiends, ministered to Thebes heaven's poisoned wine, Unnatural love and more unnatural hate"
with
^
that
is
most calamitous,
that which walks
"What
on four
feet in the
morning, on two
feet at
noon, and on
But there
is
we
are tiow
considering.
It is
ascribed to Alexis
INTRODUCTION.
of Thurii, uncle of the famous Menander,
who
flourished
it
:
is
a translation of
[What is
the
that
which
is]
neither
of a
man
and
yet
known
to all
men
A.
Ever thou
delightest,
woman,
in
riddles.
?
Who
then can
B.
It is sleep,
mortals."*
curiosities
of the ancients
we discover a decided
There
is
similitude
com"
mon
simplicity,
amounting
almost to childishness,
them,
to bafHe
his
unwelcome
a blue
" What
e)(0)v
is
that
? "
which has
four
beards,
foot,
And,
if
we
* O^
/liijT
dW
Tivd.
a-vlKpacTiv,
&cm
/irjr'
ev dvOpdirov [lepei,
ev deov l^v, aAA,a <^vt(rda.i t aei, Katvius <j)diveLV re ttjv Trapowiav TrdXiv,
doparoi o^tv, yvwpi/tos S' aTracriv iiv, A. 'Aei crv T^atpets (3 yvvai p.' alvcypa(Tu; Tis oSv Toa-avTTjV iraTs t^wv eo-rai (j>vaiv. B. "yTTVOS, fipoTemv, & Koprj, Trava-rrfp ttoviov.
Ramage^s Selected Passages from the Creek.
INTRODUCTION.
antiquity,
we must admit
The
last point to
be observed
is
that
is
which
is
suggested
by Rasalu's curse.
How
universal
that habit or
custom
by which mankind, or
at least
human
again
family,
and
again
cursing
the innocent
of the
earth,
or
the
fruits thereof, in
consequence
occurrence of some
terrible
of
some devastating
let there
wickedness
"
Ye Mountains
in
of Gilboa,
be no
!" is
typical of maledictions
which frequently
not
only
all
Holy
Writ, but
is
throughout
history.
And what
is
true
of history
How
toll in
the
Agamemnon
Yet,
nor,
this respect
it
as
King Lear
itself
more
which exhibits the awful spectacle of the blind old king, pursued by a fate ever terrible and ever unrelenting,
uttering as he goes infallible
two sons, already so dismally unfortunate. In that wonderful tragedy there is one passage which may fitly compare
with a curse in our
both passages
own Shakespeare's Richard II, and may compare with the curse of Raja Rasalu
:
Toxra, Tois p) SpuKTiv ev)(opaL Oeow. aporov dvTOi'S yijs avLCvai Tiva.
TralSas,
INTRODUCTION.
"
And
for those
who
fail
to
pray
may
spring to
them
from
their land,
The
the idea
Queen.
Gardener, for
I
me
this
news of woe,
graft'st,
may
never grow.
Gardener.
I
state
might be no worse
would
my
skill
were subject
to thy curse !t
How
strikingly
happy Isabella
queen
when
the
for the
last
time he looks on
the
mangoe-trees of
lost, guilty
flushed with fruit or bare of bough, Fruit may ye never bear again ; Dead is Koklan, her place is void, And flaming red the fires remain !"
this
famous hero
flourish,
To
given.
Rasalu's
name
is
He lives
only.
life,
memory, and
in
the popular
memory
The
internal
269
271.
+ Act
iii,
scene
4.
xvi
INTRODUCTION.
is
of two kinds
at
We
must
once
reject as
Muhammadanism,
Panjabi bards,
It
was natural
for
the
native
who
in the eleventh
century were
compultheir
Musalman
But
fold, to
deck out
if
old
only to conciliate
the
legends
themselves
un-
Muhammad,
Giants,
while
some of them,
as
the legend
of the
world,
must be ascribed
to the heroic
ages
of the
and
to the very
dawn
are agreed
is,
that Rasalu, a
Now
it is
well
known
that
began
in or
was a very powerful monarch, and that his era about the year of Christ 7 7. * The belief that
is
evidently
It
C. 56.!
seems
certain,
kingdom of Ujein
Panjab.
The legend
the
represents
him
as reigning at Sialkot.
his proper king-
History on
other
hand
affirms that
INTRODUCTION.
dora was the Uakkan.*
Is
there
Dakkan
Yes
Rasalu
Dakkan,
It
where he encountered
Mirshikari.
history,
and
same
individual.
If
we assume
that
we may
safely
conclude that that sovereign expired about the year 130, so that Raja Rasalu, the hero of the legends, may be
asserted, with greater or less probability, to
in the middle, or towards the close, of the
have flourished
second century
of our
8ra.
From
river
this
evidence
it
Though
for
many
years of his
life
on
slaying
giants,
delivering
princesses, t
clear that his
and achieving
Indus in the
possessed,
exploits wherever
he went,
favourite place of
to the
Upper
dis-
territory of
whom
he had
t In the version which I published in the Folklore Journal there is a story of Rasdhi delivering a daughter of Sirikap from her captivity in a rock-hewn cell.
INTRODUCTIOS.
Taxila,*
and who had a summer residence mount Gandgarh, as well as a strong border
Bhitaur f
at
Sirikdt
at
on
whole of
small,
Kot on the Indus, about six miles below Atak. The this country abounded with game, both large and
castle
midsummer, was
Rawal Pindi
the
hills of
The
villagers
while
name of
site
the
district,
kos"
of
Kot
Bhitaur.
The people
are positive
Hodi, stood
at
Mohat on
Torbela.
am
strongly inclined
tradition of the
capital of
men
miles
Atak,
on the opposite bank of the an ancient ferry which might well have been
* Sirikap's fort
hill, in
+ Local % Local
tradition. tradition.
INTRODUCTION.
for the passage of cattle
vellers,
of tra-
and therefore
conveyance
Kala-
ki-Serai, at
site
same
handsome massive
which
Buddhism,, being exactly similar in this respect to the ancient ruins in the Jalalabad valley,
minute description
12th, 1879.
in this
of
which
I published in
it
In conclusion
availed
is fitting
add that
work
have
friends, as well as of
John
foY .Sic
2urk; of Riwal
photograph, which,
Piiidi
at
and Mari
am
indebted
my
^M
moment
age of puberty.
On
his release
the
same
was remarkable
for his
him,
fell
her
and death.
The
executioners to
far
whom
he was com-
mitted, carried
him
away
where
for
many
Guru Gorakhnath of Tillah, him sound and whole as before, and showed him kindness and protection. Prince Puran now determined to turn fakir, and concealing his identity, he temporarily took up his abode, by his director's advice, in a certain abandoned
rescued by the great saint
who
in
Sialk6t.
it
The fame
was reported to the King Sulwan that the very trees of the garden, which had- withered up to the roots and
died,
his
younger queen,
visit
As
himself
" Here
comes
my
;
father,
if
he,
but
my
stepmother as well
me
ill."
But being a good man he considered once more, Never mind, I trust in God. Whatever she does she must account for hereafter; and so, whether they recog-
nize
me
or not,
still
out of respect
I will rise
and do
obeisance to them."
When
stood up and
bowed himself
you
humbly with
"
on the ground.
;
Ah !"
are a fakir,
and
it
is
who
you."
"
king,"
answered
I
he, "
once
had a
religious
remember, his face and form were not unlike those of your Highness this is the reason I rose and salaamed at your approach."
instructor, and, as
:
Then the queen Eiddressed him and said, have come to see you, for I have no children."
" I also
"You
be crying even as the mother of your stepson was always crying. And just as by reason of the fraud
upon
though as a mighty king vowed to chastity your son shall conquer his foes, yet he shall at last perish through the falsehood and guile
of a woman."
Scarcely
had he opened his eyes on the world, therefore, when he was banished to a solitary place, and, like his half-brother Puran before him, he was not permitted
to see his father
for
twelve
weary
years.
As he
advanced
in growth,
name
of war and
All
but most of
all
he
cheiss-
up his lighter hours. Thus passed the early boyhood of Prince Rasalu, until he was free to approach the capital and to set
RASALU'S EARLY
foot over his father's threshold.
LIFE.
He was
remarkably
man
than
a boy
and he was
skilled
in
in
complishment, and
Yet
others,
in,
He
used to
women
chatties
or
and shooting
his
released water
pouring down
in
At
made
One
son of mine
I
my
treasury,
let
take
money
sufficient
the
purpose, and
the
women
Moreover he
his
com-
mands on
them.
his
But
if
the
women imagined
make
for
brass would
soon undeceived,
steel.
of
arm
right
bullets
full
when
their
proposed
the
my
only son
women
of each
household
may draw
their
city,
and the
dis-
freedom and
quiet.
commanded every
homestead and walled enclosure within the gates, and from that vantage ground he continued to discharge his mimic artillery at the brazen pitchers to
the despair of the unfortunate owners.
time
son
and
he
answered,
"Would
born, or that
God Rasdlu had never been even now he were taken away Let
to
!
my
country, let
him go wheresoever he
said,
me
And
to his mother
Luna he
thine to quit
my kingdom and
never to enter
more."
my son, we
shall
be as strangers,
You must
and go into exile." " But why," asked the prince, " am I to leave you, mother, and why must I quit the country ? What crime have I committed ? Speak to the king, my father, and let him declare for what fault I am
deserving of exile."
but he,
when
man
in the
When
cable,
father's presence and insolently him " I will obey you in all things if on your side you will accept my two conditions. The first is, that you make me a Mussalman and the next is that you become a Mussalmdn yourself."
he sought his
said to
and
in a fury
same time he sent for his ministers and said to them, Set up a figure fashioned like a man with his hand behind his back, and let the face of the figure be blackened. By this symbol my son will understand
palace.
At
the
"
that he
is
doomed
to perpetual banishment."
One
"
This statue
is
kingdom.
my
father
King Vikrdmajit
hundred
himself away in
for a
charity three
and
mere
trifle
my
father decrees
my
banishment.
Nevertheless
I will
obey."
valiant
He
also pro-
fleet horses and ample treasure, and when all was ready, he mounted his famous mare Bhaunra-Iraki, which was born on the same day as himself, and, passing under the windows of his
from the city at the head of eagerly bent on foray and spoil.
set out
her
lattice,
and watched
away
into
eyes,
distant
she
stretched
out
:
her
hands,
and
cried
little, little
can
see of you,
Your
My
steel
riven,
burns
Whose
How
^ttSiaiSP^i^n^aSSai^
CHAPTER
His
visit
to
II.
Princes of Jhilam.
of Tilldh.
Tri.-T n
AVING turned
^f^
his back upon his native land, Rajd Rasdlu marched towards the kingdom of Gujerat. Wherever he encamped on his
was made aware that he bound on an expedition of adventure, and that was he would enroll all good men and true who would Thus, by the time he arrived at the join his standard.
route the whole country
capital of Gujerat he found himself in
command
eager to
of
all
do
The King
and friendly to Rdja Sulwan. Hearing that a foreign force had encamped within sight of his walls, he went
to
What Raja's son are you. And say what name you bear Where lies your fatherland, What city owns you there ?"
to
And
Rasdlu
Sidlkot is
am I, my name my fatherland,
;
My
city is the
same."
received and
festivities
welcomed with
cele-
and
were held to
"But," said the Gujar king, "you are heir to a kingdom why then do I see you at the head of an
;
army
"
so far
?"
Near
Jhi'lam,"
there
is
terri-
it
is
by
country
my
father
am now
on
my way
my
patrimony."
Then the Gujar king offered help to Rasalu, saying, Take with you a contingent of my troops, chosen
go.
When
fied
Ones he
besieging
forts,
off supplies.
his
weighing a hundred pounds, which never failed to hit, and which he never failed to recover.
After a short blockade the principal fortress was
by storm, and the city fell into the hands of Much spoil was taken, gold, and silver, and precious stones, and splendid raiment, and many a
carried
Rasalu.
fair
damsel,
all
of which was
divided
among
his
and master, the kingdom was reduced to order, laws were enforced, and under chosen governors prosperity once more smiled on the land. was during his halt at Jhi'lam that Raja Rasalu heard of the famous hermit, or saint, whose abode was at the village of Tillah, and as this man's reputation for working miracles and signs was in everyIt
visit.
The
13
power was so
on which he
said, "
great,
that he
knew
of the
the
ples
hill
lived,
and addressing
is
his disci-
he
Raja Rasalu
at
knowledge to the test. But, as he is the son of a Hindu, he ought to have known his duty better. However, I will anticipate him, and test him,
to put
my
and we
as
shall see
whether
his
own power
is
so great
rumour asserts."
His pupils answered him,
"
True,
master
it
they
is
will pierce
The hermit
hungry
tiger,
power of
!"
sternly, "
;
He
is
a wise
man who
they who
an enterprise
failure."
and admit
mighty
let
grown
tiger,
but
!"
You am a
-the
Rajput.
Come,
us do battle together
terrific
growl like
coming earthquake, and crouching down, he prepared to spring. But Rasalu fitted two of his
bow
of
steel,
whsn immefright
confounded with
to the
sitting
and
this
vanished away.
house of
calmly
in
whom
he found
the
who
at once arose
and
made
"Pretty hermit
this,"
?"
cried
the
"to stand
up to me or
to
any one
feeling
The
"
saint,
irritated
and ashamed,
the
said,
King,
It
this hill is
ites.
is
not Gandgarh,
which
is
home
of
giants.
you engaged the famous giants of Gandgarh, and if you slew them, you would achieve glory and renown but there can be no renown and no
If
;
glory in lording
"
it
over hermits."
"
Sir,"
as
I
am
vow never
have
"
my home
until
conquered
the giants
whose
praises
you
can
publish so loudly."
As
for
prophet,
" I
only pray for your success in an enterprise so fraught with hazard and adventure.
divination, I foretell that
Yet,
will
by
my
power of
you
come them,
if
you
will
15
First,
innocent
and next,
draw not your sword against the lift not your hand to shed the
left
blood of a woman."
CHAPTER
His
visit to
III.
His
reception by the
Hazrat.
He
becomes a
fallen
Muhammadan. News from Sidlkdt. The ivatls, and the human sacrifice. ZabMs
Hazrat. Invasion of Sidlkot.
Capture
succes-
appeal
to the
city.
of the
sion.
STiTAVING
(^^J-
in the
borders
his
government of
at last
came
"
the Hazrat,
Amam
AH Lak." "Now is
the finger of
God made
manifest," said
EX.ILE.
ly
interview.
When
came
out,
and when
Who
are
you
"What Rdjd's son are you. And say what name you bear Where lies your fatherland. What city owns you there ?"
And
Rasilu
Siilkdt
is
is
am I, my name my fatherland.
;
My
Then asked
clubs
the Hazrat,
"
What
are those
enormous
your
Are those
weapons ?"
"They
Why
come
and how can I serve you ?" " I have come to your house," answered Rasdlu, " to ask you for two favours, nor do I think there is any one else in the whole world who can grant them
to see me,
"
-besides yourself."
What
are they
?"
replied
goodness you
Sialkot,
will join
me
and the next is, that you will admit me with your own hands to Muhammadanism,'' The Hazrat at once professed his readiness to
assist his visitor in
made him a
Mussalmdn, he
said, "
become a Mussalman." But Rasdlu said, "Sir, Raja Sulwan is a great king, possessed of unbounded power, and commanding a great army, and do you think so mighty
be subdued, and he also
a prince
"
is
Do
replied
the
Hazrat.
"The King
easily than
more
you imagine."
As
What news
One
of the
astrologer.
"
"
let
Let us abide
us see what will come to pass next." So Rasalu took up his abode at Mecca, and
for a sign
there
he remained, waiting
19
proved.
Sialk6t
and the king made proclamation that the work should be restored forthwith. Three times the builders essayed the task, laying stone upon stone both night and day, and
three times the work again collapsed in hopeless ruin.
sent for
all
the magicians of
and
" If the
and they answered, head of your son Rasalu, or the head of the son of the woman Zab^ro, be taken off, and laid beneath
will not the walls stand ?"
Why
the foundations, then the walls will surely abide." Having received their answer, the king said, "Rasalu
is
Would
that he were
But since
old
woman Zabero, and bring him before me." At once some soldiers were despatched to
throughout the
city,
search
and
in
due time he
was
and Raja Sulwan observed that on his arm he wore a gdnd, which is a nuptial bracelet composed of a betel-nut, an iron
He was
ring,
his
and a cowrie, tied with scarlet thread, and that head was adorned with a sehrd, or nuptial garland
said the king, "are
of flowers.
"Why,"
?"
me
his
!"
Then was the lad seized by the executioners, and led away to be beheaded. And vi hen his head was cut off, it was laid down before the feet of the king, who ordered it to be embedded in the foundations of the new walls. The king's orders were at once carried
out, the
head was
and the
But Zab^ro, the old woman, when she witnessed fell to weeping aiid crying,
pull out her hair,
and
to
throw dust
on her head, and she left the country, and went lamenting and complaining towards Mecca. After a
long and
difficult
city,
ainci,
What
woman,
"
that you
My
Then
days
I shall
On
his forces in
21
dom
of Sialk6t.
As
the old
them remarked
is
woman Zab^'o conferred together, and one of to the other, "The Hazrat's army small one. What will he do against so very
a
great
think
he
will
Let us therefore
him
is
to turn back."
Now
ing
"
how they had been consulting, he said What are you talking about ? Do you
force than this ?"
" " Yes,"
more powerful
better."
answered they.
We
think
it
would be
Then
"
and they
closed them.
When
-all
about on every
and arrayed, were marching along with them to battle. And their minds being re-assured as to the power
of their leader, they dismissed their doubts, and continued their march in confidence and joy.
At
last
encamped without the walls. There the Hazrat took Mi'rza Nizdm Din, and sent him to Raja Sulwan
with a
letter,
Rdjd,
favour,
and
yourself
When the king read the letter he tore it to pieces, and lifting his sword he smote the envoy and hewed him into pieces. Then, closing the gates of the fortress, he manned the walls with his archers and slingers,
mighty men of war, and began to fight against the Hazrat, Amam Ali Lak. Many an assault was repelled successfully, and many a contest
and with
all his
was fought beneath the crowded towers of Sialkdt between the rival heroes on both sides. Seven days
the
battle
fury,
but the
were founded in human blood. At last the Hazrat took his sword, and shore off Then lifting aloft the his own head with it.
for the walls
it
now
led
them
in
Rushing among waving sword, the headless warrior a body to the gateway, where for a
terrific
Sulwan
made
captives of war,
and the
victors.
and
fortress
23
to his citadel
by some that Raja Sulwdn was tracked by his own son, who said to him, "Either
!"
for yourself, and your kingand that the old king spurned the conditions with scorn, when he was at once cut down.
accept
Muhammadanism
dom, or die
Others, however, deny this, and say that he perished by some unknown hand in the general massacre. In any case, the King of Sialk6t was found among the dead, and buried as became his rank, and he was succeeded by his son Rasalu, who ascended the throne and formed a government of his own. As for the old woman Zahiro, she was amply re-
compensed,
in free gift
for the
saying to her,
" I
is
cannot
God's
but
want.
Accept
!"
grant by
way
of consolation
live in plenty,
peace
After
this.
Bhaunra
and Shadi,
;
to
adventures
and
so,
leaving the
home
away
CHAPTER
IV.
the forest
Mirshikdri becomes
Mirshikdri and his
Rasdlu' s conditio7is.
The fate of the Buck and the Doe. The death of Mirshikdri. Rasdlu and Mirshikdris wife. He is accused of murder, and acquitted. The burial and epitaph of
violates his promises.
He
Mirshikdri.
had established a new government in Rajd Rasalu set out for the Dekhan, because he wished to meet and to see Mirshikdri, the renowned hunter. As he was riding along, his horse suddenly heard the sweet strains of distant music proceeding from the depths of the forest. " Sir," said she to her masSialk6t,
ter,
'HEN he
"what
is
is
it
that sweet
sound which
hear,
and
whence
coming ?"
25
is
named
lute,
Mirshikari,
who
sits in
which was
Khwa-
jah Khizar.
at
them with
Saying
this.
and
kills
whatever game he
favours,"
his horse,
and with
Shadi,
his
favorite parrot,
followed
the direction
was
sitting.
Now,
Mi'rshikari
who
in woodcraft.
So he was always expecting him and now, when he saw a mounted stranger approachhe enquired of him, " Who are you
?
ing,
What Rdj&'s son are you. And say what name you bear Where lies your fatherland. What city owns you there ?"
"
And
am
;
I,
Rasdlu
Si^lkot
is
is
my name my fatherland,
same.
"
My
city is the
26
"Are you
the Rasalu
that should
" Yes,"
"As I have heard about you," said Mi'rshikari, " so now have I seen yon." " What have you heard about me ?" enquired Rasalu. "The real Rasalu," answered Mfrshikari, "carries an arrow weighing one hundred pounds. By this token I know you are the real Rasalu, and to-day, by
the grace of God,
I
I
in the forest,
where
Then
" It
had scarcely hope of seeing you at all." said Rasalu,, " What are you doing ?
?"
Why
;
my
usual custom,"
answered
Mi'rshikari
"
Every day of
my
play on
me
to listen to
and then, watching my chance, I choose my sport, and shoot at them, and kill them, since I cannot live
without flesh-meat every day.
But,
O my
Master, as
you have come to the greenwood at last, I pray that you will make me your disciple." " So let it be," said Rasalu, " but first, if you will be
a follower of mine, there are
three conditions which
to accept."
shall
observe to do implicitly."
27
The
first
condition
is
this
my coming
me.
here,
and
is
tell
no one
The second
this
You
the
side
this
:
may go and
you
forest,
And
is
On
kill
deer, a
On no
them."
Then
of
all
How
shall I
know which
are?"
To him
"
On
the south
two deer
You
will
and you will never see them, unless you go there. But if you do go there, and if. you shoot them, you will
forfeit
your own
life."
him
his
weapons of war, and of the that place, and tarried in another part of the
eaten his
In the
condition
28
imposed upon him by Raja Rasalu, for he said to her " To-day I have seen Rasalu in the forest."
and
?
said,
"You
a wise
are
What,
in the
is
Rasalu a madman, to be
wandering about
are
woods
What
man
you
he took an oath of God before her, and have verily seen Rajd Rasalu to-day with my
own
to
eyes."
his wife believed not his words,
"
But
him,
much."
After a short time Mirshikari ordered his wife to prepare his breakfast overnight, " because," said he,
"
to-morrow
must be
in the forest
Hearing
" It
is
this
speech his
take so
wife
thought to herself
trouble at so late an
useless to
much
hour.
in the morning."
At
some food
for Mfrshikdri,
was no meat
the house.
Then
said she, " Mirshikdri will not eat anything but meat.
must go into the street to the stalls of the butchers, and bring two pounds of goat's flesh."
I
29
So she went to a butcher, and said, " Give me two pounds of goat's flesh, and to-morrow I will give you four pounds of venison instead of it."
"
At
this
cannot open
my
" I
door.
What you
are,
it
some
evil
spirit."
am
replied the
woman.
butcher, "If you are
Then
said the
the wife of
Mi'rshikari, bring
me
called
and looked,
was nowhere
to be found.
For some time he waited, but he waited in vain, for she Then, as it was growing late, and as
he was
tired of waiting,
he took up his
and
to his shooting.
When
any
broke the second condition, for he chose the side of the forest which had been forbidden to him by his
master Rasalu.
Having
beautiful
fixed
on a place he sat himself down, lute, and began to play. The floated on the morning air, and
forest, so that, as
30
heard the sweet woodland notes, and said to the King, " Sir, it is the sound of the lute we heard in the
woods yesterday."
"
You
has not
my
my man my
word, and
fate."
now we
shall
lute,
open glade, and there stood still to As they felt themselves drawn towards the
wait here and
see.
spot where the lute was playing, the doe said to the buck,
"
Let us
Perhaps
it
is
Rajd Mi'rshikari playing on his lute. I am afraid, he will kill us dead, because by lest, seeing us,
means of his treacherous lute he has already done much to empty the woods."
On
all round him he saw a chichra tree, covered with large green leaves. Then moving softly to it, he plucked some of the foliage, and having fastened it all over his body he made himself leafy and green like the tree, and taking up his lute be began to play on it once more,
31
When
for
some-
"
Do
not
move
:
a step further,"
" In the forest I was bred, In the forest I was fed, And the forest is my
home
Then
husband
"In
the forest I was bred, In the forest I was fed, And the forest is my home Such a thing could never be For a little leafy tree,
On two
little feet
to
roam.
said
And,
We may
"
"
be well advised
was bred,
In the forest I was fed, In the forest I abide ; By his acting I can see He would capture you and me. And our flesh he would divide."
32
O my husband," continued
this,
she, "
go
nearer."
Saying
and,
nearer and
nearer, listening
dulcet
music,
when Mirshikari
he took
his
saw-
him
his arrow,
his
lute
drawing
bow, he shot at
ground.
to the
Then ran
swiftly
But
all
was watching
his pro-
He
has disregarded
my
counsel
upon him."
Mi'rshikari
victim,
now lifted his knife to despatch his when the deer addressed him in reproachful
and said
:
plaintive words,
Thine edgeless knife, O lay it by But take the lute, the lute that pierced my heart,
;
O
Then by my
And strike some chords before I die ; tyrant, sweep the trembling strings again, I fain would hear one fleeting dying strain and
I
!"
His death has been caused must therefore play for him
I
something more.
Yet
am
he
may
me
with his
horns."
33
upon him
his
astride, pressing
him down
lute
When
it
let
life-
blood.
"
For,"
will
washed,
my game
not be
fit
for eating."
round about
upon the
in
earth.
between
same manner. But it so happened that no sooner had he put his hands into the wet grass than he was stung by a viper. Uttering a loud cry he dropped the knife from his mouth,
blood from his hands
which
falling
it
so that
upon the serpent cut it into two pieces died, and presently Mfrshikari himself, as
well.
and expired as
Seeing
this,
all
Now
what
will
come
to pass next."
34
the
She
also
saw
Mi'rshikari
lying
still
upon the
ground.
to herself,
"
The hunternow
venturing
pieces,
But
had been killed by the snake, and that snake had been killed by the knife. the Having looked upon this dismal spectacle, she said
to herself,
useless, for
"
Now
may
for
me
is
me, or what
sufferings
it
my
lot to
endure."
And
" I
she
began to wonder how she should destroy After thinking and considering she said,
husband's horns, they are sharp as spears
put straight his head and
points will pierce
!
herself.
O my
shall
jump upon them, and their through my body and kill me."
and going
So
to a
little
and
killed
her.
mo-
35
And
now
all
circumstance, and he
what
will
come
to
pass next."
In a few
forest,
to-day!
I'll
eat
my
and
sleep,
But Mi'rshikdri
if
is
a strong
man and
he wakes up he
will
certainly
string
plan will be to steal his bowand throw it away, because then, if he should awake, he would never without it be able to harm me, and meanwhile I should have time to escape."
So
my best
Saying
kiri,
this,
the jackal
came
silently
towards Mi'rshi-
and taking aWay his bow and skipping into the jungle, he endeavoured to break it. But the string was made of twisted steel wire which proved too tough
for his teeth.
At last,
bow on
his
ceeded
weapon was
in two,
so sharp
tore
him
body went
fate
flying
When
and
said,
he laughed,
Coming
36
to the spot,
his
horse,
do
What arrangement
Lay
it it
shall
of Mirshikdri
"
on
his
own
will carry
Then Rasalu
it
the
lay
ing, "
As he
refused
to obey
will
At
least," said
Rasalu, "'guide
me to your
master's
from the
them on through
As
of a
city,
woman
standing at the
of a butcher
who
was weighing out some meat, and he overheard her saying, "Do not longer delay. My husband Mfrshikdri
is
waiting."
Then Rasdlu
"
O woman
the flesh within the scale, whom the flesh you weigh The flesh you weigh will ne'er avail The man who looked his last to-day."
for
Who
are
my
husband
?"
RAJA RASALU
" I
AND
MIRSHIKARI.
37
am
"A
another
man
needlessly.
It is
you do." But Rasalu enquired of her, " Would you recognize your husband's things if they were shown to you?" ' " Yes," answered she, looking up in wonder.
Then
his lute,
laid
see
if
Examine and
As
and
soon as
fell
When
she
came
who was
the overlord of
that
followed
her.
cried
aloud,
" Sir,
this
Mi'rshikari."
cries,
her distressful
ordered a
and
at the
were despatched to bring Rdja Rasdlu to the court. But Rasdlu collecting them all in one place, covered
the whole of them under the broad
shield,
"
expanse of
his
and then sent a message to the king, saying, Come and take your men from under my shield."
how
his shield,
38
gers, saying to
Do
As soon
come before
king's
"
humbly beeseching him. when he entered the " presence, he said, " Why do you want me ?
have you
said
if
Why
slain
Mi'rshikari
? "
replied
the
king.
Then
riddle,
and
Raja Rasalu, "I also will ask you a you can answer it, you will know of the
:
death of Mi'rshikdri
"
;
;
Two
killed and two died were killed and four died Four were killed and six died Four were males and two were females."
;
One was
to his ministers,
is,
Go
with this
the truth."
whoever he
and see
if
he
tells
So Rasdlu conducted them to the forest, where they came and saw all the six bodies lying lifeless Taking up the corpse of together on the ground.
Mfrshikiri they took
it
looked upon
it
and said
disciple
laid
it
This man is telling the truth." Then Raja Rasalu carried the body of his
Mi'rshikari
forest,
it
and there he
for
39
own
it
trees.
And
over the
city, visit
him
last
first
go
of
the
Whosotomb
to
of Mi'rshikari, and do
homage
this
at his grave."
Having performed
act
piety
the
As
* It seems safe to assume that Rasalu, before leaving the Dekhan, revealed himself to the people as their new suzerain, the son and heir of the deceased Sulwan.
41
Then they wove for him a turban thirty miles long and 4)roclaimed him as the real Rasalu throughout
the city
;
honour of
men.
entered on his travels again, and,
river-side,
by a
mate
Please take
me up
to the sky.''
"
No
bird.
But she
"
and
said,
Take me
Saying
this she
bird
-
were out of
sight,
come of this adventure, continued his wanderings. The two birds flew up so high, that at last they came to a region of rain, hail, and snow, which kept
falling continually,
terrified, cried,
bird,
drenched and
"
my
life,
and take F
me
to
42
What
is
can be done
fault,
" It
your own
now ?" said her companion. why did you not obey me
worn
With
on to a certain island
said the female crow,
in. the
middle of the
"
sea.
Then
shelter."
saw a swan
the middle of a
to the
"What do you
"
want, O crow?" the sake of GOD," answered the crow, " be For
to give us
good enough
save our
" there is
lives."
a corner to shelter in to
"Although between you and me," said the swan, no relationship, still, come in and take rest." On hearing this, the female swan protested, and
I
said,
"
is
my
will
house.
He
a
"
mean
reproach us."
of GOD,'
He
is
name
am
therefore
bound
to
rest."
The crow and his mate then crawled into the nest, and the swan offered them to eat whatsoever his
house afforded.
RAJA RASALU
The
swan,
"
43
next
morning,
forth,
being
over,
the
crows stepped
Dear
be on your guard."
"
He who
will
do
the swan.
" True,"
evil
said
the crow,
" but
whether a man do
unworthy
the swan.
"
Do you
I
that in a
single night
whom
you have robbed me of my swan-wife have tenderly reared for twelve years ?
your return
for all
You had
the swan.
" I
" Is this
my
me
back
my
wife
Other-
you must
go to the king's
have no desire to
"
the swan.
Come,
let us
came
to the
When
44
Why
me
first."
officers before
the
and they
said,
we have come
listen."
is it
to
you
descend to
"
What
you want
"
" "
anything whatever
Then
snow.
With
In
came
We
God's great name he gave him all we had our place of rest ; when morning dawned, good turned to But lo He sat and mocked us, and he mocks us still."
ill,
stated his
own
the river-side
chanced to take a stroll. And there I found some creature's egg Within a sandy hole.
" This egg I carried in my bill, And cherished it with care,
I
hatched
Till
all
it
underneath
my
breast.
my breast
was bare.
" At
the young one burst the shell. useless cock was he. Or else he might have wandered forth, And roamed the jungle free.
last,
No
45
said,
preserve her life, When twelve years' old she'll doubtless prove most deserving wife.'
will
"
this swan, struck down by By storm and driving snow. And begged me for the love of GOD To mitigate his woe.
Then came
rain,
"
took him in without a word. But, lo when morning came, He cottoned with my pretty wife,
I
!
And
swan,
vilified
my
name."
stories, said to
the
This crow appears to me to be in the right, so hand him over his wife." The poor swan made no reply, but gave up his wife at once to the crow, and then he went crying and sobbing to a distant place, where he lived in a certain
solitary garden.
The triumphant
to himself,
wife
is
so handsome, no doubt, if
house,
my
to
kinsfolk will
come and
to
It is better therefore
me
some
distance."
it came to pass that all the four more found themselves together.
46
happened
to
in
the
To
let
us look for
some
friend
and
he
making
for him,
why have you caught me ?" said the jackal. Merely to make you talk," answered Rasalu, "and
the jackal
seated
Then
on Rasalu's saddle-bow
began to tickle them with hundreds of lying stories, which amused them excessively. While thus employed they approached the city of Raja Bhoj, when Rasalu told the jackal to be off.
" But,"
"
it
would be cruel to
leave
me
on
me and
me.
You had
me with you."
and
the
Rasalu consenting,
"
entered
the
city,
Who
" I
are
you
his
?"
am
Hearing
filled
name,
all
the inhabitants
"
came and
has
ful-
This day
GOD
to
the
court of Raja
Bhoj,
whom
47
and
in-
Rasdlu,
little
him
First
to sit close to
him
Raja Bhoj, on
by the
Rasalu won.
" Pray, sir,
my
offence.
touched your
laid
and began
to play,
Then
cried
Rajd Bhoj
" Is there
Ho
some one
night,''
cut this
jackal to pieces
" I
said the
I
forgive me, as
have
not committed this fault wilfully." "What is this talk' about your being awake the
whole
"
by
that ?"
" I will tell
Bh6j only."
48
me
then,
jackal," said
Raja Bh6j,
?"
"
what
it
to the
whole night
ing none
it
But findgrew angry, and taking up a stone I threw against another stone, and from the two stones
to the river-side to look for food.
I
so
much
the jackal
came
to a stop,
said, "
caught the
fire
in
some
fell
when
I,
at once the
whole
river
was
in
a blaze.
Then
being afraid of
my
best,
life
on account
with
of you, endeavoured to
grass, but,
quench the
fire
I
dry
though
tried
my
am
sorry to
Hearing
say,
"
this tale,
What
fib
it
fire,
grass quench
" Sirs," said
how can
wife ?"
Hearing
" Jackal,
this.
Raja Rasalu
in
said,
what
the
world
are
you
talking
about
?"
49
answered
the
jackal,
nounced a judgment
in this court
made
all
her over to
listened to myself.
And
the
now
let
.
the wretched
swan
is
crying
round
or fean"
"
Can
:
this
replied
"
tells
was undoubtbirds,
in
edly wrong."
Then Raja Rasalu sent for those four when they came he ordered them to sit
and
a row
on the branch of a tree, and to close their eyes. The birds did so, and Rasalu, taking a bow and
pellets,
This
is
female swan
" All other kings are geese, but you The falcon wise and strong
;
A judgment just
O
CHAPTER
Rasdlu prolongs
his visit.
VI.
Bhoj
accompanies him.
Their conversation.
Their adven-
Rani Sobhdn.
They encamp
His .verses.
friends, Rasdlu
and
BhSj.
But
his
As you have
blessed
my palace
a
still
me
greater
you
and make
"
I
me your
destiny
disciple."
"
my
forbids
me
to tarry long.
Nevertheless
will
I
accept
know
51
that
city
some time
longer,
his
friend,
and teaching
him
At last Rasalu set out once more on his travels, and many of the inhabitants out of love and admiration for
their
borders
but
some few
attendants, accompanied
him
As
"
to Rasalu,
Pray,
tell
me, what
in
five"
in the world."
A thriftless wife who ruins house and home A daughter grown whose head is bare and bald A daughter-in-law of sour forbidding face A crooked axle to the garden well A field that lies across the village road A man may search the world where'er he please,
; ;
And
Hearing
ceedingly,
two
kings,
and praised Rasalu's wisdom. And so the engaged in pleasant converse, continued
their way.
At
last
laying aside their arms, they reclined along the margin of a natural fountain of cool delicious water.
52
when they
saw approaching them, from the midst of the shrubs and trees, one hundred beautiful damsels, all armed with drawn swords. Rasalu with a smile then said
to Bhoj,
"
These
fair ladies
expense."'
Having thus spoken, he looked at the girls and said, " O ladies, why have you come out against us with drawn swords in your hands ?"
"
"
bounds of
out of the fountain forfeits his ears and his hands, and
is
Alas,"
said
!"
Rasalu,
"
what
girls
dire
mishap
has
brought us here
then said,
Have any
tain ? If
in
order that
is
we may
the order
we have
who who
"
presumed to drink.
farers,
let
we
do not hinder
Suffer us to drink,
us depart in peace."
53
Who
As
are
"
men
call
me
Rasalu."
Hearing
" If
us.
name
all
he
will catch us
and
kill
We
had better
him
go,
others."
" If
their thoughts,
beauteous Ones,
also release
we
:
are
wayfarers
together
Then
" Wayfarers number three, they say The bi-ook, the moon, the shining day Of all these three,
Pray
tell
Who
" It
is
is
is
your mother
?"
true
we
are
wayfarers,"
replied
Rasalu,
" but
we
are
not so
much
wayfarers as world-tra-
vellers."
"
But
tell
me
have
fain
54
"We
make
"
ladies,
relenting, "to
you
off.
shall
we
to our mistress?" to
"
Go
your
tell
hard-hearted mistress,"
her this
:
answered
Rasalu,
and
" Beside your spring three men reclined, Your father's family priests were they ; They saw our swords, and, vexed in mind, They rose at once and walked away ; God knows their route we greatly fear They've gone to Kdbul or Kashmir.
Accordingly,
these
simple damsels
left
Rasalu
and
his friends,
ed to the
Rani Sobhdn
that
had
been
told
them.
"
beginning to grieve,
" it is
And
distance
to visit me,
my
foolishness
has driven
will ever re-
them away.
turn again to
Who
me
or not ?"
So speaking, the queen began to sob, and rising from her seat she prepared to descend into the garden with her
train of belted maidens.
sufficiently,
gone on
their
way.
55
some
and a
sat
fair
babbling brook.
down under
Rasalu drawing
a
fire
bow brought it down, after which, having been kindled, the game was dressed and
his
served,
took of the
happened that about the same time Raja had been routed in a great battle by another Raja, and that abandoning his capital he had fled away with only a few of his attendants. Coming to the mangoe-trees under which Rasalu
it
Now
Horn
of Delhi
were sleeping the fugitives there pitched their tents, and, having eaten a frugal supper
and
his
friends
they
all retired
to rest.
The
Raji sat
by her
As he was
himself,
he began to gaze with a certain tender melancholy, now at ,the slumbering lady, and now
When some time had thus moon. elapsed, he called up his wazi'r, and said to him, " I have just made some verses."
at the shining
" Pray, Sir, tell
them
56
"No No No
water's like the Ganges, river dear moon, serenely clear sleep is like the sleep that fondly lies,
;
So calm and
Of every fruit that hangs upon the tree. The luscious mangoe is the fruit for me."
"
Bravo
"
"
Excellently good,
Suddenly the
silence
heard every word of this pretty interlude, and who now mischievously interrupted the conversation
with hese sarcastic words:
'
In lonely woods I walk, Rdjd, I walk, a poor recluse However wise your talk, Rdjd, Your friend's a learned goose."
;
"
Who
"
is
that
" cried
Raja
H6m
ger.
What means
fellow,
this
One
"
of the
and
said with
some
?"
interfere
with our
"
Raja's talk
" If
answered Rasalu,
return
57
Why ?"
?"
said the
man,
"
Who
whence
come you
" I
am
"and my home
are not
the
blessed
you
of kings, and
you
will request
me
civilly to visit
your Raja,
may
possibly go to him.
But
never
yield to compulsion."
The
"
his adventure.
"
Go
to
him
again," said
Raja H6m,
I
and entreat
wish to speak
Then went
" Sir,
Raja
H6m
his
comhe
So Rasalu
"
arose, and,
approaching the
?"
tent,
Are you
did not
really
Rasalu
verses
enquired the
latter.
"
Why
"
my
commend
themselves to
you ?"
However
well
So
ventured to in-
may
H6m
"but
if
so,
58
replied
Rasalu
this
:
" the
idea in
my
No No
That
by
beam
;
That sparkles from the eye Of all the sleep that mortals know,
The
Of
"
all
sleep of health's the best the fruit the gods bestow, son exceeds the rest."
How
is
H6m.
"
Let
me
hear
your explanation."
were born into the world," answered who gave you Ganges water then ? And Rasdlu, when, a thirsty fugitive, you fled away before your foes, what good was Ganges water to you then ? If you had not eyes you might look for the moonlight
"
When you
"
in
vain
if
;
you too
and,
you were
to die fruitless,
you would
perpetuate^you."
Rasalu's
Having heard this answer, Raja H6m admiring wisdom praised him greatly, and said to
you are undoubtedly
right,
him,
I was wrong." embraced his friend Rajd Bh6j, and bade him adieu, after which he continued his journey alone, ever seeking for
" Sir,
and
fresh adventures.
CHAPTER
He
and
VII.
sets out
on the adventure.
The
The woman's distress. The giants' tribute. Rasdlu and the woman's son. Rasdlu and Tkirrd. Flight of Thirrd and Bhiiin. His encounter with the other giants.
the
old
woman.
His adventure with the giantess. Fate of the chief, Bdikalbath, and of Bhiiin and Thirrd. Thirrd's lament. His imptisonment under Mount Gandgarh. The bellowing of Gandgarh. Rasdlu's arrows.
AjA RASAlU
forest
was once out hunting in the when overcome with fatigue he lay
a tree and went to sleep.
down under
In his
saw approaching
him five holy men who addressed him, saying, "Getup, Rdjd, and root out the race of the giants." Disturbed in mind, he arose and instantly set
off"
without
Many
a league rode
hardy
king
on
his
renowijed
war-horse
6o
Bhaunrd-Irdki,
now
now through gloomy forests, intent on his arduous quest. One day, in the depths of a lonely wood, he
reached a large city which was as silent as the grave.
He
less.
he
gazed
all
tenant-
Amazed
sight of some smoke issuing from a distant corner, and making his way to it, he saw there a miserable old woman kneading and baking quantities of bread and preparing abundance of sweetmeats, but all the
Surprised
said,
who
is
to eat all
why
ing
"
?'
You
are a stranger
;"
"
it is
better for
tion me."
"
you
to pursue
" I
"The king
of this place,"
woman,
"is
Kashudeo, and he has ordered that a human being, a buffalo, and four hundred pounds of bread, shall be
sent daily to a certain place for the giants.
Once
it is
makes me
my
This is my trouble and But I am laughing- because to-day seventh son was to have been married, and be-
fell
to crying
more
"Weep
"
not," said
Rajd Rasdlu
If
Good wife, your tears no longer shed, God will keep the youngster's head, I swear my own shall fall instead."
woman had not so learnt her lessons of and replying through her tears, " Alas what man
!
his
task.
head
But Rasalu
for
tirpate the
"
is
Who
The
kingdom of the giants." you then ?" enquired the woman, "What
name, and where
is
is
your
"
father's
your birthplace
Rasalu."
?"
blessed Sidlkot
" I
am
my birthplace," my name is
considering,
rephed he,
Then
thought
I
woman began
yet he
and
she
to herself, "
Whether he be the
be,
real
Rasalu
know not;
shall
may
because
it is
written,
'One
Rasalu
be born and he
dom
of the giants.'
62
Why
is
there
no one
in
"
the city
Here temple domes and palace towers, Baz4rs and lowly shops abound,
;
But, silent as the passing hours, Idly they lift themselves around What luckless hap hath chanced the world, that all Deserted are the doors of house and mart and hall
?"
"
"
Let not
Rasalu
tied
and having
him under shelter he stretched himself on a small low bedstead and at once fell into a deep slumber. Meanwhile, the young lad arrived with the buffalo which was laden with the bread and the sweetmeats^ and when all was ready he drove it before him through the empty streets and went out into the
forest.
woman came
close to
the sleeping king and began to cry piteously, so that the king started up from his sleep and enquired the
rider of the dark-grey mare, Rasdlu, bearded, turban ed stranger, for some saviour to repair, champion, to the field of danger 1 weep because those tyrants come to-day, To lead my one surviving son away."
Thou
Then Rasdlu arose, and with a word of comfort to the mother he mounted and rode off in pursuit of her son. Having overtaken him, he said,
How
shall
we know when
" First,"
wind with
come."
named Thirra came down to fetch some water. So huge of body and mighty of limb was he that his water-skin was composed of the hides of twentyseven buffaloes,
all
sewn together so as
buffaloes.
to form
one
of
his
made up
he
filled
When
gazed at
it
in
wonder.
full
Glad
am
good
things."
Then
seizing
some of the
boy
loaves, he
shuffled into
By and by Rasalu
come and has taken will soon come
said to him,
One of
away
and others
buffalo.
What
is
the use
Who
is
loav.es
asked Rasalu.
64
He is
is
name
"
Thirra,
first,
"
his bread
is
allowed him."
Where
he
asked Rasalu.
"
There he
is,"
the loaves."
loaves.
their sleep or
his
threatening aspect,
What man, what demon, are you ?" am Rasilu," answered the king. And when he heard the name, the disabled monster
"
" I
fled
brothers, saying,
"
With
many
others
of like
import he continued his career at his utmost speed, and went and hid himself in the Cave of Gandgarh.
6;
A second
tidings,
giant
named
and knowing, as did they all, that in their sacred books the advent of Rasalu had been foretold, rushed off to Kheri-murti, where he entered a forest, and having dug therein a deep pit, he got into it, and crouching down, there remained in fear and dread But the other giants, namely, Tundid, Mundid, and Akaldas of the one eye, remained with their chief Baikalbhath to engage in combat with Rajd Rasalu.
And
"
How
will
Bdikalbhath?"
Meanwhile Rasdlu approached them, and when they saw him with the boy, the buffalo, and the loaves, they rejoiced greatly to think how rich and abundant But Rasdlu cried, their feast would be.
"
Take
care of yourselves,
am
here to destroy
you!"
"Who
are
you?" demanded
your
father's
they.
"What
is is
your
your
name, what
birthplace
"
is
?"
What Rdjd's son are you. And say what name you bear Where lies your fatherland, What city owns you there ?"
And
to
66
Blessed Sidlk6t
is is
my
birthplace,
Sulwan
is
my
father,
and
my name
Rasdiu
Sidlkot
is is
Rasalu
am I, my name my fatherland,
;
My
"
city
is
the same."
One
snort
of mine,"
cried
Bdikalbhath,
" will
At once
nostril
over the
a sudden
filled
and a
thick
darkness,
Then beat
the rain
for
and the hailstones smote^ the thunders roared, and the lightnings flashed, and the very earth was shaken. " Now keep your feet, good steed," cried Rdjd, Rasdlu and to the lad he said, " Here, boy, grip and forty
nights,
;
well
my stirrup and fear them not." And while the wind swept by with
and undaunted
in the
the force of a
When
"
Now
see
if
Rasdlu
is
there
!"
67
as the light
in the
same
Then Baikalbhath,
nostrils,
no stone, or
tree, or
left
within a
And when
!"
this
was over
Now
see
if
Rasalu
is
there
still
And
ing in the same position calm and unmoved as the Angel of Death. Then fear and consternation filled
their hearts,
in
a mind to
flee,
when
one of them
"
But
if
for so
is
written
Bring them
And
them up
row one behind another, they challenged Drawing his bow, Rasalu
at the seven griddles, so that
fixed itself
!"
68
never missed in
my
life,
"
returned
RasAlu.
"
They went
pierced,
and saw the griddles really and the arrow stuck in the ground beyond.
to the spot,
!"
Then They
could
"
them
stir it,
it
forth himself.
Of a
truth this
man
is
try
iron gram.
he
will eat
it,
we
shall
know
that he
mons."
Then the
and gave
ing
it it
hands
for the
bag, began
finished
"
it,
he
Now
Then chanting a
stone,
and
Drawing
fell
his
bow he
struck
at Tundict
who went
flying with
and
died.
flying
abroad to
fell
stand
pillars of granite,
69
labour,
Rasalu ascended Gandgarh, and entering the fortress of the giants he began to look about him, when
his glance lighted
giant,
on which
oil,
simmered a capacious
she
caldron
of
boiling
for
who were
to bring
home
man, so that she might boil him and eat him. As soon as she saw Rajd Rasdlu, she leered at him and exclaimed
"
Ah,
friend, I
I
am charmed
to see you.
For a long
I
time have
been waiting
thing,
for
you, because
But,
first
have
all,
of
if
it
would be
better."
What
is
is it
" It
round
" I "
this caldron
marry you,
you
custom of our
religion."
to
do
have to teach me." Then the giantess arose, and began to caper and frisk it round the smoking caldron, but, when she had
compassed
it
twice,
when her
70
shock thereof,
brought on an earthquake
which lasted
After
this,
and found the lad clinging to the stump of a tree, trembUng and quivering in every limb, not knowing, so great was his fear,
forth,
Rasalu went
said Rasalu.
"
come
just
now and
next to
"
"They have
feel
all
been
the earthquake
killed, "
?
or
" Yes,"
of Gandgarri's head."
Right pleased was the youth to hear the good news, and forthwith he came to his senses.
Then
Throw
off those
fort,
loaves,
load
from the
home
"
to your mother."
There is abundance of treasure in the deserted " I do not wish for anycity," answered the lad. thing from the fort."
So he went back to
his mother,
and arrived
at his
enemy
yi
kill
yards,
and
him but Rasalu's horse made a leap Then the his master was saved.
;
up an enormous rock, he hurled it at Rasalu, who received it on his shield and sustained no harm.
lifting
"
be
at a
me
bound
to the mountain-top."
At once
adversary's
the
horse drew
air,
when
smote
hard
off,
and
fiercely, so that
fell
and he
and
died.
the giants.*
Never flagging
Rasalu now
set
out
There for Kheri-miirti to hunt up the giant Bhiiin. he discovered that he was hidden in a hole in the forest, and he cried, saying, " Are you there Bhiiin ?" " Yes," answered he. " Why have you hidden yourself?" enquired Rasdlu. " Because I was afraid of you," said Bhidn. Entering the forest, Rasdlu challenged him, and
having gathered together vast heaps of dry boughs, and having thrown them into the pit, he piled them
* The footprints of Bhaunr4-Iriki in the limestone rocks are pointed out by the vill^ers.
still
72
up, and set fire to them, and thus the giant Bhiun was miserably burnt to powder. Thence Rasalu proceeded to search for Thirrd, but he was unable to track him. So he sent forth
who
he
hills,
him hidden
back to
in the
Cave of Gandgarh.
said,, "
his master,
The
giant
hidden
in
Going to the place, Rasdlu saw Thirrd crouching in the gloom of Gandgarri-ki-ghdr, and he cried,
"
Are you
"
inside,
Thirrd ?"
"
Why
I
?"
asked Rasdlu.
and
was
afraid
of you, and
my
in
hand,
hither
to hide."
and
said
To Thee
Thy nature always, God most dread, the poor and needy cry for bread ; Thou givest life where life lived not before, And those who live Thou biddest live no more. My bark is drifting o^er the stormy deep, While all her crew, are wrapt in deadly sleep ; Azrael, the Angel, graspeth th' guiding oar. And, through the waves that hoarsely round her roar. His shuddering freight he hurrieth to the shore. how can I foreknow what words of doom Against my soul proclaim beyond the shadowy tomb !"
73
and
not,
him
come
!"
forth !"
No, no, no roared the giant as he rushed further and further into the depths of the mountain, while
the echoes of his voice, reverberating through the
vast cha,mbers, resounded far and wide.
became so black and so confusing, that for him in vain. Therefore, at last, he gave up the hopeless task and came out. But havness then
Rasalu searched
mouth of
it,
his
bow and
pends a
arrow.
At
full stretch,
fitted
up the entrance he
giant,
" Thirra,
cried
remember
if
you dare
!"
to stir forth
you
will
in
when
in
King Rasalu's
pic-
tured
and sees the threatening arrow, and the tuft of hair, he rushes back dismayed and nodding
face, J
74
baffled,
dread.*
the country
* Gandgarh is subject to frequent earthquakes. Even when there is no perceptible quaking, the internal roaring of the earth can be heard, and this probably is the noise which seems to proceed from the hilland which is ascribed to the imprisoned Thirra. The villagers how-
ever assert that the bellowing of the giant is quite a distinct sound from the roar of an earthquake ; and that, as this peculiar bellowing has not been heard for eight years, the giant Thirra must have at last expired. Rasalu's arrows" often seen^by the writer are granite megaliths Maksudabagh and Alikhan. Most of them stand eight or ten feet out of the ground.
like those at
t"
CHAPTER
VIIL
He
takes
with him.
He
The
pool.
four watches. The hedgehog falls into the The king's life is imperilled. The hedgehog's
test
con-
tory.
Rasdlu awakes.
His
gratitude.
hog's advice.
AjA RASALU
river,
away by the
the
little
creature implored
him
death, saying,
"
rider of the dark-grey mare, Rasilu bearded, turbaned stranger, drowning hedgehog craves your care, For God's sake save his life from danger."
"You are a hedgehog," answered Rasalu, " apd am a man. What connection there is between you
76
and me I know not. But as you have abjured me by the name of God, I will take you out of the river.'' As he spoke these words he lowered down one end of his bow to the water, and by that means saved the hedgehog from his peril. Then landing him safely on the bank, he bade him go whithersoever he
pleased.
To
be
left
alone, however,
" It is
was
in
far
from the
now abandon me
place.
To-morrow another flood will come, and it will carry me away. If you will take me with you, it may chance that I shall be able to do you a service in return for
" I
all
do not think your assistance will be needed," answered Rasalu. But the hedgehog pleaded hard for the favour. " I
beg," said he, " that as
my
life,
my
request."
But where
?"
put you
"
your
horse's nose-bag."
Rasalu then took up the little beast, and laying him in the feeding-bag, he continued his wanderings.
As
sides
was
entirely deserted.
There
77
sat
down under
a bahera
water.
a running fountain
of pellucid
At that moment the parrot began to say something, when the hedgehog exclaimed from the nose-bag, " Take me out, take me out !" The king lifted him out, and then, addressing his
parrot,
he
me,
Shadi, what
you were
going to say."
" Sir,"
" it
seems to
lying
me
that
this
I
men
all
about
leave
It is better that
we should
have no wish to do
in brief I intend to
is
answered Rasalu,
"and
remain here.
But
tell
me,
these
what monster
that which
has killed
all
men
them
?"
what do
know about
Ask
one who belongs to these parts." Then said the king to the hedgehog, " O Friend, what monster is it which has destroyed all these
animals and
" Sire,"
all
these
men ?"
his hands,
and
Kag
the sea-raven.
They
are confederate
in villainy, and,
78
What do
they do
?"
enquired Rasalu.
if
at his prayers,
travellers
hedgehog meekly
replied,
" Sire,
who
come to this fountain, being overcome with lie down here and rest. Then this Tilliar,
pent, in the middle of the night, steals out
fatigue,
the ser-
upon them
lie
asleep, after
who comes
in
his
turn
their
"
Yes,
Then
because
"
"
my
will
tent,
cer-
tainly remain.
We
God
But you shall all act as I bid you." await you orders," said the hedgehog.
is
master over
all,"
said Rasalu.
"
He
has
power
do.
to kill
and
He
But one
good sooth, you people should not omit to we number four persons. Let us therefore wake and sleep by turns, and thus let us
thing, in
Altogether
pass the four watches of the night in safety." Having so ordained, Rasalu again spoke
said, "
and
The
first
shall
be taken
79
by me, the second by Bhaunra-Iraki my horse, the third by Shadi my parrot, and the fourth by the
hedgehog."
Thus
and began
When
turn
was up he
went to
his bed.
When
he woke the hedgehog, and retired himself to sleep. The hedgehog got up, and began to walk to and fro,
intent
upon
it
his duty.
intolerable,
he found
fire
But the cold was so bitter that and so he went near to the
There, however, the warmth
to
to
warm
himself.
sleepy,
made him
" I
and he began
doze.
Then
by
kill
thought he to himself,
must not
I
sleep,
no,
must not
sit
sleep, lest
evil
my
by the pool of
the fountain."
So
to the fountain
down he
was he able to get out again, though he struggled hard and tried his utmost. While the hedgehog was thus endeavouring to regain the bank, the serpent, having watched his
opportunity glided softly to the side of Raja Rasalu,
8o
He
Kag, saying,
have done
my
duty.
Now
were
yours."
These dreadful
hedgehog, who
has happened
?
words
by the
in
an agony exclaimed,
God, what
caused by
my
foolishness."
of
his
this time
ran swiftly from that spot and approached the side of the king, where he began to watch in the greatest
silence,
even stopping his very breath. In a few minutes the raven hopped up, and perched himself
breast.
on Raja Rasalu's
Just as he was about to beak into the king's eyes, the hedgehog having quietly risen, caught him by the leg, and began to crunch it into pieces with his sharp little
strike his powerful
teeth.
his
leg he seized
on
his
The
raven finding himself clutched, uttered piercing notes of distress, and cried out most lamentably. At last
his friend Tilliar heard him,
to observe,
"Who
Kag?"
is
that,"
said he,
my
brother
repiy.
6r=
KAG.
8i
Who
is
that unlucky
wretch
who
is
giving
my
friend so
Still
"
much
trouble
?"
Say,
why
are
you tormenting
my
dear
Then answered the small voice, " I am a hedgehog, and it is I who am tormenting your friend I, the
hedgehog."
The moment
name
of his
silence,
and
"O
"
why
"
now
have to
Let
snake.
"
my
friend
You
had
better
my
and
then perchance
"
may
Give
me
"
and
if
after
my
your friend
his breath."
made and
settled be^
tween them.
over-reach
,
But the cunning snake, anxious to was minded to deal with subtilty. " I
he, " to listen to
my
friend's pitiful
82
cries. Therefore first let him go, and then I will come and restore to your friend his breath." The hedgehog, perceiving his craft, answered, "I
my
power,
any more." " Very well," replied the snake. The hedgehog then snapped off the raven's head, and laying him on one side he cried with a loud voice, " Now call your friend, and see if he will give you
an answer."
The snake
"
called to
Kag,
and again,
in reply.
"
I
in
moment
him go he was
Do
not there-
He
has certain-
my
friend go."
He
therefore
approached the
pulseless
As he was returning home to his den, the hedgehog, who had crept away into the darkness to waylay
him, suddenly
seized
sprang out
from
his
ambush, and
to crunch
as
&
KAG.
"
83
his
wretched victim,
the
do
vow
!"
"
retorted
hedgehog.
?
faith or with
vows
My
duty
to slay
my
enemy."
:
Then
" In former ages, write the sages, Snakes and hedgehogs were akin Then cease your strife and spare my
life,
will win."
Snakes and hedgehogs burned in hate O foolish one, your work is done. Your own's the axe that cuts your fate
"
!
With
enemy
to
into pieces,
laid his
body
close
asleep.
slept long
and soundly, and hehe awoke he began to scold and abuse every one about him, saying, " Why
was
When
me
;
earlier ?"
?"
place, " I
Rasalu, gazing towards his restingsee a dead raven and a dead snake crushed
to pieces."
had been rendered to him, and he was glad and said to the hedgehog: " O hedgehog, this favour which you have done to me is past recompense, since you have saved my life But you will be rewarded of God." The parrot and the horse also commended him highly, saying, " O friend, you have saved our master's life. May God preserve you in happiness !" " Sire," said the hedgehog to Rasdlu, " I have merely
!
And
now,
you will allow me, I will go my way." Very reluctantly Raja Rasalu consented to part with him, but at last, leaving him at that very spot, he mounted and rode off. Hardly had he turned
his
after
him and
see Raja
said,
" I
Where
now ?"
" to
am
going,"
Sirikap."
"
be warned by
me
"
Go
is
a magician, and
he
" Nevertheless, to
go," replied
Rasalu.
" If you
are
"
really
hedgehog,
take advice
and
act
bid
you.
capital
you
ADVENTURE WITH
will find the
TILLIAR
&-
KAG.
85
body of Raja
left
Go
to
to him,
Then
away
own country.
CHAPTER
Rasdlu and
journey.
boys.
IX.
His
The weaver and his cat. The two villageThe old soldier and the goat. Rasdlu' s arrival at Sirikot. Sirikap's magic storms. Rasdlu and the castle-gong. Rasdlu and Princess JJiudhdl. Meeting of the Kin^s, Their enigmas. Their play.
Rasdlu' s
losses.
Rasdlu' s cat
and
Sirikap's
rat<t,
His
flight
and
re-capture
The magicians.
departure with
C^^AVING
pjPj_
departed thence, Raja Rasalu journeyed on towards Sirikot, the Fort of Skulls.
the close of the day he halted, and having
At
body of
his
Sirisuk, the
innplies,
brother of
name
was surnamed
S/R/A'AP-
87
The
Beheader.'
He
stiff
to his parrot, he
This
man
is
dead.
Who now
will advise us
about
Raja Sirikap
" Offer
?"
parrot, "
is
up your prayers to God," answered the and I think the body will sit up, because it
it
lies
of Sirikap's magic."
Then
words
:
Rasalu,
when he had
first
washed
his
in
face,
his hands,
and
and prayed
these
forest lonely
;
Night hath fallen o'er the dead Grant him life a moment only, Light within his eyelids shed
;
Then
Four words
to
speak
will
lift
his head."
The
king's prayer
life,
Sirisuk his
for at
was heard and God granted once the dead man awoke
"
"Who has
me
" Here you have been lying asleep for twelve years," answered Rasalu, " What kind of sleep is this ?" "
Who
am
are
you
?"
asked Sirisuk.
" I
"
"
Sirikap, to
wage
Then
"
" I
he
What are you laughing at?" enquired Rasalu. am his own brother," replied Sirisuk, " and yet Do you think he will killed me without pity.
?
spare you
while his
Besides,
to cope with
"
How
do you intend
" I
Then
the
city,
said Sirisuk,
"
draw near
he
some other country. And if you evade bury you under a storm of magical snow. And if you escape that, then, when you strike the gong which hangs before the castle-gate, and when the noise of the gong shall sound in your ears, you will lose your senses, and becoming crazed you
away
to
that,
he
will
will
And
if
peradven-
ture
fifty
swing
is
it
goes raving
mad.
And
AND RAJA
SIRIKAP.
89
you overcome that danger, Raja Sirikap will then play choupat with you, and his wife and daughters will sit before you to divert your eyes, and in the meantime you will lose the game, and Sirikap will win it, after which he will cut off your head. But if he cannot prevail over you in that way, he will call forth
his rats,
Harbans and Harbansi, who are kept for that who will come and take away the wick out of the lamp, and there will be confusion, and Sirikap will make you the loser and himself the winner, after which he will take your head from off your shoulders. It is better for you to turn back, and not to go to Rajd Sirikap." " I will certainly go to him," answered Rasalu. "If you insist upon going," said Sirisuk, "you
must endeavour to avoid all the perils of which I have warned you. Therefore do you now take out of me two of my ribs. On your way you will meet a cat which you must carry with you, and which you must
feed from time to time with
my
ribs.
are
'
Harbans let loose your cat, so the rat and the game will be yours."
Saying these words,
Sirisiik
drew out of
to Raja
his
side
two of
his ribs,
Rasalu,
who
90
Having started afresh, he came to a village where a cat was busy assisting an old weaver in his work. " O weaver," said Rasalu, " have you no son, nor any servant, that this wretched cat is helping you ?"
" I
am
a poor
"
and
no other creature
I,
excepting
my
cat."
man twenty
rupees,
bought
along she sucked at the ribs of Sirisuk. Rasalu came next to a certain place where he
One
of them
made
pool of water, and called it the river and the other made a similar pool and called the river Chena.' Just then up came a third
'
dl'ank
Resuming
soldier
his
journey, Rasalu
bank
of
river.
He was
service,
and who had received as his reward the grant His vouchers or penof a horse and sixty villages. sion-papers were tied up in his turban, which was
lying at
some distance from him upon the ground. When his back was turned a stray goat came by and ate up both his turban and his vouchers, ^nd on discovering his loss the poor soldier, who was on
SIR/A'AP,
91
way
to
things,
Rasalu continued
and
at last
When
this in
which many trees and houses were swept away. The next morning he enquired of his daughter, saying, " See if that man is still there !" The girl looked out of the window and said,
"
He
and
Then
Sirikap proclaimed
fall
the city
"
To-night
care of
of snow.
Take
As
snow
night,
continued falling
all
See
the
man
is still
there
!"
" Sir,"
out,
"
he
is
standing
there
still,
When
city,
and the snow has not touched him." the storm was over Raja Rasalu entered the
terrific
mallet,
mallet and
smashed
into pieces.
92
Then
horse, " If
venture to pass
my
will
answered the horse " bound, and the moment reach her at a single
firmly in your seat,"
into the air
and
archway, when
Rasalu
down
fell
the witch to
the ground.
Alarmed and
ning
in to
"
to-day,
king.
Who
The
kills
and
kills
He smote my ropes, and spoilt my swing. And I, Jhudhdl, came tumbling down;
mallet flew in fragments eight, In fragments nine down fell the gong;
flee,
my
Sire,
and
bafile fate,
Your
final
hour
you'll scarce
prolong
!"
"Daughter," said
yourself,
distress
and do not
Soon
I shall
kill
him, and
I
you
have
built of the
As he spoke Rasalu
" I
"
ask
you
couches,"
said
he.
Give
me
93
woven
in
is
fair
and
candid."
" So shall it be," answered Sirikap, " but first you must correctly guess the answer to an enigma which I shall set you, and then a white covered couch shall
be
"
at
your
service."
Say
on," said
Raja Rasalu.
:
Who
"This
arrow.
riddle of yours,"
it,
regard well
four-bearded head,
shaft.
and
give
its
ruddy
And now
if
you are
me to sit upon the white-covered couch." "My riddle you have rightly guessed,"
"But now put one
to me,
replied
Sirikap.
and
if I
cannot
give
shall
Then
" Within your city boundary A wonder I did note A horse and sixty villages Were swallowed by a goat Then came a bald-head urchin Of most capacious maw, Who stooped him down and guzzled up
: ;
94
adversary to
divine
the
At
and Rasalu said " You have not discovered the answer grant tb him, me therefore the white-covered couch," and without another word Sirikap gave it to him. But the queen,
he was compelled to give
it
up,
listening,
began to tremble
Do
not grieve
head
many
es-
others have
come
in like
caped
my
hands
at last."
to Rasdlu, "
reported," answered
he,
"
that
you are a
tyrant,
innocent men.
castle, to
and that you have slaughtered thousands of Therefore have I come to your
challenge you to arms."
so, " replied Sirikap.
"
"
Be
it
Everything shall of
course be
again, "
ordered
as
you
desire."
Then
said he
in
to fight together
creditable.
public
is
it
Far better
off
me
the loser's
95
To
this
willingly
agreed,
lamp was
lighted,
and
down
to play.
ing
As the game :
"
Beneath
Two kings
O
Hearing
contend in rival play changeful Game, change thou for me. What Sirikap wills the same should be !"
this
charm,
Rasalu
observed,
"That
which you have now repeated is essentially wrong, since in your verse you have not mentioned the sacred name of God. What you should have said
was
this
this lamp's uncertain ray kings contend in rival play O changeful Game, change thou for me, What God decrees the same shall be."
"Beneath
Two
With
Rasalu
game
began.
Raja Sirikap
wrath,
Sialk6t.
Then
all
Rasalu waxed
and
in his
anger he wagered
all his
and
his
whole kingdom,
won
by Sirikap.
also
The
third time
his
he
Bhaunra-Iraki and
parrot
Shadi,
which were
he
lost
won by
;
Sirikap: the
fifth
fourth time
his
life.
arms
and the
and
last
time he
lost his
own
96
and drawing
his
sword he
Rasalu
" It
But
said,
is
true
act
have
lost
my
right to
as
you
please.
would
Suffer
look towards
my own kingdom
once more.
me
of your palace."
Sirikap consenting,
roof,
gazed
and began to gaze towards Sialkot, and as he in sorrow he smote his hands upon his thighs
sigh.
was concealed in his clothing, and when Rasalu smote himself she cried out, upon which the king remembered her, and rethe
cat
joiced.
and uttered a
Now
"
beast,"
at
all,
you have
but
now
let
me
try
my
''
Co Jiing down into the palace, he said to By whom were you created ?" " By Him who created you," answered he.
" If
you
me
"
to try
His name."
Certainly,"
again sat
down
In the
name
of God,"
Sialk6t.
In the second
RAJA RASALU
game he won back
his
AND RAJA
SI RIKA P.
97
kingdom and all his subjects. In the third he recovered his horse and his parrot, in the fourth his arms, and in the fifth game he regained
his
own
head.
The two
for
kings were
trial
now
quits,
and the play proceeded. Fortune however had deserted him, and in the first game he
another
lost his capital city Sirik6t, in the
second
all his
king-
dom,
and army, and in the third his wife and children. Fiercely and warily he now contended for the fourth game upon which he had wagered
his furniture
his head,
out, "
and finding that he made no way he cried Harbansa, Harbansa 1" when at once his male He stole in and ran torat appeared on the scene. wards his master in response to the summons, but
his sleeve,
meanwhile Raja Rasalu had brought out his cat from and set her down in the shadow of the lamp. Then as the rat aipproached to meddle with
the lamp, the cat pounced upon
him
"
up.
now
But the female rat which had witnessed the her mate replied from a safe distance,
"
I
fate of
98
The next moment the fourth game came to an end and Rasalu was again the victor. Drawing his sword he approached Sirikap to smite off his head, but his opponent besought him saying, " You begged my
permission to look towards your country and
it.
gave
You
will
allow
me
as
go
and see
in the
my
family, but
name
of
God
you
did."
Rasalu accepted
" I
his offer,
more resumed, but again Sirikap lost. Then said he, would now, if you will permit me, go and bid adieu
to
my
I will
shortly return."
king going to
jewels,
and daughters said to them, " Put on your attire yourselves royally, and presenting yoursubdue him with
your beauty."
So
his wife
in their best
and daughters apparelled themselves and adorned themselves with rich orna
them
Where
is
Sirikap
"
?"
"In
away."
" It
fear of hi*
life,"
answered they,
"
he has
fled
Wherever he
goes
him
out."
99
Going to the council of ministers he enquired where their master generally sat. Some said, " He
"
may be in his chamber of mirrors." Others said, He may be in his subterranean dwelling." But the rest said, " He is a king, and he must have gone
whithersoever
it
pleased him."
Then Rasalu began to search the court and the palace. From chamber to chamber he passed in some places he found miserable captives, in others the bodies of dead men and women, and in others
;
went
litter
and looked
iilled
in
with
which seemed to be
is
it
alive.
"
What
that
the matter," said he, " with this horseswells and sinks
to
litter
Going up
and
"
and swells again ?" the manger, he tossed out the litter,
it,
there,
was found
Raja Sirikap.
Ah," said Rasalu,
doubtless you are
some mean
in this filthy
fellow, since
place."
he caught him by the neck and dragged him along to the chamber in which they had played,
exclaiming as he went,
"
And
off in
for pastime,
shed a tear. And now when the same fate is to be your own you sneak away and bury yourself in
horse-dung
1"
Now an
Rasdlu was not aware. One of the favourite wives had given birth to a daughter, and the magicians and wizards had met Sirikap and had told him, saying,
we have sought for the interpretation of this why ruin should have fallen on your house, and we divine that calamity has been brought by
" Sire,
mystery
sacrificed,
river
She has come in an evil hour. Let her now and let her head be thrown into the and your crown and head will be secure." And
my
life
depend on
her, go,
may haply
served."
So a
slave-girl
was despatched
And
its
as she carried
along
it."
It
was
just at this
moment
Where
are
said he.
loi
This
is
"
The Brahmin
all
is
soothsayers
the cause of
her father's
to be taken off
and and
thrown
When
it,
he said to the
Follow me."
his victim,
who
" 1
"
said,
" Rasalu,
is
your purpose
?"
am
going," answered
he, " to
me and
grant
of
me my
life,
and
in lieu of
my
" I
daughters
in marriage."
" I
want none of your daughters," replied Rasalu, want only your head."
then humbled himself more
life
Sirikap
and more,
!"
and saying,
" Sir,
said,
have mercy
"
At
last
Rasalu relenting
You
first
shall
be
In the
place you
again.
your miserable
will
captives.
lines
And
you
draw
five
who
to
red
hot
griddle was
produced
he
began
I02
But Rasalu
down
let
him and
in
him
himself
such a state of
away
any more.
After this Raja Rasalu, having established a govern-
ment of his own, mourited his charger, and at the head of some chosen followers, whose lance-heads gleamed in the sunlight, and whose accoutrements clashed merrily, he rode proudly away. With him in a magnificent litter, accompanied by her ancient nurse, travelled the infant daughter of Sirikap, whose name was Kokal, or Koklan, the sweet-cooing Dove. She it was who in after years, when she grew to woman's estate, became
his beautiful,
but
ill-fated consort.
CHAPTER
Rasdlu
settles at Kheri-mi'irti.
X.
Death
Rani
Their
adventures.
Hird Haran
the
Bald-head and One-eye. Rdjd and his revenge. Hodi comes to Kheri-imhti. His amoiir with Kokld-n. The parrot and the mina. Hodi quits the palace in
alarm.
zvith the
queen.
Hodi's adventure
his tvife.
His arrival
at
Attak.
^RAVELLING
Rasdlu
near Bur-
mansion surrounded by a
"
iHj
fair
''
is
and here
resolve to remain."
I04
a palace which
It
is
looks to
to take
"
me
like the
house of a giant.
not wise
up your quarters
Let us abide," answered Rasdlu, " at least for a If we are molested we can then abandon it, night.
but
after
it."
if
not, I
mean
to
occupy
I
it,
because
it is
a place
my own
heart,
and
So there they slept in security, and no man, or demon, or any other creature, intruded upon them for twelve years, and Rasalu said, " Here there is no one
to cause us alarm."
And
in
that lofty
it
stronghold he
walls and
well with
bastions
all
steps, eighty-six in
When
ed,
little
every
Her education was intrusted to the ancient nurse who had accompanied her from Sirikot, and who was quite devoted to her. No other woman but
herself
was allowed
to attend her,
When
ill,
was
105
have
as
much
respect
and love
for
you
as
for
my own
that your
mother, and wherever it is your wish body should be burnt, there it shall be
done."
"
Do
it
not burn
my
"
merely
throw
And when
Raja
Rejoicing
and
in
marksman, he indulged in the sport either wholly alone or attended only by Shadf, his parrot. In the
evening he returned with his spoil to the
castle,
when
the feast was spread, and his minstrels sang of his ex-
and of the exploits of Vikramajit, as he sat with his little princess on his divan, and fed her with venison. Her life was lonely with only a nurse to
ploits,
attend to her, but she had constant companions in eighty parrots, eighty-six minas, and eighty peacocks,
who guarded
who
like all
gift
of speech.
converse, and to
them she
The Father
of
io6
So passed
little girl had grown into a woman, and had become Rasalu's Queen. They were very happy together, for the king was always what
Mahummadans
choice,
in
the Panjab
name
a "good" man,
faithful to the
one lady of
his
Rasalu was
more, for
of
he ever guarded well that one principle, upon the preservation of which the whole of his
One
evening,
when he was
in
a merry mood, an
odd fancy came into the king's mind, which was, that his young wife should accompany him to the chase.
Said she to him,
" I
I
in
my
life,
that
if
follow me."
her,
she "
how do you
kill
the deer
?"
"
When
shoot
my
falls
when
dead before
my
horse's feet."
107
surprised to hear
tell
of
this,
and
How
And
can
so
it
be
should like so
much
to see
it.'^
you shall," said he, " for to-morrow. Sweetheart, you and I will go hunting together." In the morning they set out unattended, the queen
riding on
a pillion
came
loosed
to
forward half-a-mile,
Then
"
You have
"
Why
so
?"
asked Rasalu.
you had had no horse with you," replied the queen, " you could not have caught this deer at all."
"
" If
The
reason
is this,"
sitting
behind
me
my
body,
has
" I
my
force
me."
a
mocking laugh,
or daughter, but
if
mere touch has cost you one-third of youi; strength, how will it fare with you for descendants ? But now allow me, and I will catch all these animals alive with
my
hands."
io8
So the queen dismounted, and sat herself down among the rocks and the thickets, and she loosened
her beautiful raven hair, gazing
eyes at the deer.
all
full
saw
her,
came
running towards
"
And
Come
please."
" I
will catch
warmly,
none of them," answered the king they worth the killing, for they
approached
her
a
great blue
Just
then
there
Hi'ra
buck, by
of them
name
all.
he walked up to her with stately steps, and made an obeisance by stooping down his noble head at the
Rani's
feet.
filled
with amazement
power of
and
His passionate nature was not proof against the anger with which such a spectacle inspired him, so
109
his
sword he seized
Hi'rd
you
are a
mal of the
lopt off
only an ani-
you
have
my
ears
and
my
tail
but
know
that one
day you yourself will be so gashed and slashed, that until the day of judgment you never will heal you of your wounds again "
:
"
king
my
ears
and
my
tail
you have
lopt,
insulted
me
The
for if ever by doe I was spoiler shall visit your door !"
sore dropt,
The
pair to themselves.
instincts
had been
by the homage
offered
felt mortified
and vexed
to think that
forgotten himself.
Nor was he
angry
at
the
spoilt
the pleasure
his wife,
moment reproaching
and
another
moment
Haran, but
rashness.
And
but
fied,
it
and long before confidence was again restored. Meanwhile the Blue Buck was planning a bitter revenge. At the town of Attock on the banks of the
on the top of a
river.
cliff
which
rises
from the
"Now,
Hodi, and
will
betake
me
to the
palace of Raja
I will,
is
hue-and-cry
I will
set
So he made
all
way
it.
his
friends,
by garden be
of
utterly
destroyed
to
their
the gardeners
reported
when he heard
made, issued a
notice,
I will
shall kill
and
make him
the
commander
of
my
it
all
that country,
and
happened that the news of it reached the ears of two shepherd-boys named Bald-head and
so
One-eye,
who
"Let us go and
Buck."
in
They searched and searched until they found him, when Bald-head went privately to Rdja Hodi and
said to him,
" If
you
will
come with me
I will
Blue Buck."
Then
the king
and
a
accompanied him
who harboured
And when Rajd Hodi came and could not find anything, he said, " Where is the Blue Buck ?" Then spoke One-eye and said,
from that ravine into another.
"This boy
about him.
will take
is
silly,
He
but
if
you
away
his presents
I will
show you the Blue Buck." So the king transferred the presents from Baldhead to One-eye, who took him to the ravine and pointed out to him the game he was in search of. As soon as Hi'ra Haran perceived Raji Hodi, he
ran deliberately in front of him, and led his pursuer
in the direction of Kheri-murti, all the
time feigning
a lameness in order to entice him on more and more with the hope of eventual capture.
" Sir,"
said
the
wazir,
"
do not pursue
this
deer,
there
is
112
of
for
he went straight
shift
for
them-
es-
when
to be seen.
So Hodi drew
rein,
in
the
midst of a garden of mangoes, he stretched forth his hand to pluck some of the fruit. But as he did so
Do
mangoes.
This
garden
belongs
to
one who
will
punish intruders."
neath a
Raja Hodi then observed that the trees grew befortress, but he could perceive no means of
approach.
Looking
up, he
Then
aloft,
said
he to
mina
"
that splendid lustre, soft bright as golden leaves Say, Mina, say, what beauty passes there, Perchance some man, or is it maiden fair ?"
But
And
iij
him,
is
She is the wife of the king who the moors and woodlands."
See, a
away hunting
Then
"
man
is
is
spoiUng the
"
fruit
What
a
is
man
?"
" Is
is
he a he
wild beast, or
I
Where
want
to see
him
show me him
The queen looked down from and saw that some Raja was
in
on horseback
a bow,
and an
cried she
Then
him
my
palace walls.
? ?
Some
skulking robber, rife for brawls Or, are you champion true?"
And
to her
"
O
I
True men are clean and white For love of. you, o'er flats and crags,
kept
far
my game
in sight
And
kin,
He
led
me here
smile to win."
Then
said the
"
queen
What Rdjd's son are you. And say what name you bear. Where lies your fatherland. What city claims you there ?"
114
am
I
I,
Hodi
is
the
name
bear,
to himself, "
?
a witch or
said,
?
some goddess
"
must
find out."
So he
is
Who
is
your
father,
and who
?"
your husband
Where can
" I
who has
left
you
am
the daughter of
King
Sirikap,
Leaving
far
me
alone
in
my
lofty palace,
my
husband
away
name of Rasalu he began quake with fear, and would fain have turned back. But love stronger than fear urged him on, and he
heard the
to
When Hodi
Do you know
me,
who
am
?"
know you
well,
and
have
Then
said
Hodi
" Running and walking in breathless haste From scenes afar I hied me, Yet here the golden time I waste. For I know' no path to guide me ; O Rdni, say, where lies your palace'road Where are the steps that lead to your abode
'
'"
115
lost
your deer.
And where did your cattle go . Some traitor led you here To play Rasdlu's foe."
And
"
dear master
to
and we
to
shall be false to our salt if we do not report him the misconduct of this stranger." By this time Rani Koklan was growing impatient and she was saying to herself,
"
Why
?"
does he tarry,
why
my
Raja
So she passed out of her chamber to enquire, and, seeing that her favourite mina was the cause of the delay, she began to reprove her. But the mina replied,
you
walls?
doing,
admitting
strange
of
this
If the
king
hear
ii6
you
The queen
started
rage, but,
restraining herself,
Raja Rasalu had hewn out of the rock, and which was furnished with wheels and ropes and pitchers for drawing up water into the trough. There they
sat,
Then Koklan
king's
way
chamber,
she gained
the door-way,
Hear,
parrot, this
is
us,
nection.
that
a wretched
!"
grapes
The queen instantly turned upon the mina, but the parrot, anxious to allay her anger, said to his
companion,
you senseless one What harm is done if the eats and drinks and goes away ? What is Raji Rasdlu to us? Does not the queen our mistress tend us and feed us with her own hands." " She does indeed," answered the mina. " Still she has dishonoured her name, and done what she should
"
!
man merely
And we
117
still
much
so,
parrot, gazing
"Ah, you silly chatterer, you have just met your Then addressing his mistress, he said, " If you would but take me out of my cage, I should like to give the mina's dead body a couple of kicks." Said the queen, "Thank you, parrot, you are loyal and true," and she opened the cage, and let him out, when the parrot flew to the mina and kicked her. iVIeanwhile the queen had closed the door, and taken Hodi into Rasalu's chamber, and there both he and she sat down together on the couch. Then
deserts!"
a slender nose, graceful as the fawn, Two eyes as soft as opening rose When glistening with the dews of dawn. queen, how dainty thou so slim, so slight, One little touch would surely break you quite
A figure
!"
THE LEGEND OF RA SA L U.
Now,
all this
At
last
ments.
" Up and away !" cried the alarmed queen to Hodi " away, as you hope to save your life The news has gone to Rasalu !" " Alas !" said Hodi with a deep breath. " But O Rani," continued he, " if you will coax the parrot
to return,
think he will
come back to your house, and then we shall have no room for alarm and no cause for sorrow." So the queen looked out at a casement, and cried
through the
lattice in caressing tones
:
my
nails
have
cleaned
for
you
ever,
;
Boiled
it
in
Come
me. Pretty, return to me, Dear, You are my Rdnjhd, and I am your Hi'r !" *
to
Away
to the king
I'll
fly."
With
ng
and
hills
and
deserts, but
in
he
finally
stopped exhausted
one place.
in a fright, for,
when he saw
own
safety,
he hastened out of
the doors of the palace. But the queen threw her arms
Hodi
to soothe her
his
away from her, and then for his cowardice she regarded him with scorn, and said,
"
You
I
are leaving
me
it
all.
Had
known
come nigh
my
door."
her,
have eaten
;
main
fit
With these words he rushed from the place, and made his escape. Coming to the river-bank, he went down to drink water, for he was thirsty, and there, when he had put down his hands towards the water,
he saw on hi^ fingers the black stain of the collyrium, and he drew them back, saying,
This
is
my
love which
possess,
and
I must not lose it." Thus speaking to himself, he stooped down on his knees, and drank like a goat. Hard by, there was an old washerman, who observ-
"
Who
is
that
man
" I
?"
"
who he
is,"
"
"
He
is
fool,"
am
afraid," replied
of
"
it,
lest, if I did,
you should
me."
;
What
should
"
kill
you
for telling
!"
me
a good secret
!"
Take an oath
" I
not
antell
me why
Then
the Raj4
'
So, ox-like, stoops the king for water. For love to save love's piteous traces She wept to part, he wiped her tears away, The sable stains his finger-tips beray."
12
The washerman, hearing this horrid scandal, became angry, and said to his wife, " No doubt you, woman, have been at the
bottom of
wise
it
;
other-
how
could you
know anything
of the RAja's
doings ?"
Thus saying he took up his mallet and struck her on the back of the head, so that she fell senseless.
"
A nice man
!
"I told
return
you are," said she when she came to, you what you asked for, and this was your
had stopped drinking to listen to their colloquy, and, feeling ashamed, he had risen and was walking away without quenching his thirst. Then the washerman, perceiving his anger, thought to himself, "
Now Hodi
kill
me."
So he
"
go to that Rajd and bring him back to drink water otherwise he will never
Don't be offended
;
leave
"
me
alone."
That I will not," answered his wife. " By trusting you once I have already suffered enough, and if I bring the Raja back, you will say I was his friend,
as
" Call
" I will
not
touch you."
and
cried,
122
"
and
not
cover
you with
it
Churn
as water, neither
never can
be yours.
and come drink handfuls of water." Rdja Hodi, perceiving that she was a witch, took the woman's advice, and washing his hands he drank Then approaching the washerman he said, his fill.
"
washerman,
is
this
woman
is
because she
better
wise, while
you are a
You had
take a thousand
over to
children,
"
me.
will
one of
my
and with
my money
Sir,"
Your pardon.
Raji,
said the
So
at his
Hodi
left
own
palace.
ber, in
remember and
to
Rdni Koklan.
CHAPTER
XI.
The
duel.
Hodis
death.
Rasdlu
and Koklln.
ly
unfolding catastrophe.
all
T.f^THILE
J^^^r
coming to Jhulna Kangan in Hazara, he noticed some smoke rising up So he flew towards it, and there he to the skies.
resumed
his search,
and
at
last,
saw
and Shadi
pommel
Said he to Shadi,
"
Wake up
your Raja
!"
124
" I
answered Shddi,
"
wake him
since
senger."
bird,
the
face, and and he awoke, and seeing his wife's favourite sitting above him on the tree, he said, " Why have you left the house
upon him
alone
?"
:
The Rdni
Cold
it
killed
lies
my
mina-birdie,
floor,
upon the
reproaches, unavailing, Only vexed her more and more ; Arise, arise, O sleeping R4j, Thieves have forced your palace door
And my
1"
said
what thievish
?"
tricks
my
palace door
"
" If,"
self
on others, or
the fence
?
eat
"
Then Rasalu
wary and
house
smite
in a
" I will
and
true,
"Now be me to my
but never
"
me
with your
125
towards Kheripro-
but, in a
fit
and plunged
at
into
when
"
and was
Ah, you
you unworthy
friend,
is this
Touch me
"
and
shall
spare your whip, your rowel spare, Rasdlu, press me not at all If ever I was bred from mare,
;
I'll
set
castle-wall."
The
first
fast
asleep.
Leaving her
down again
to the garden,
and
Go
silently
and tenderly,
and bring me here the ring from off the Rani's hand," and the bird at once went away and brought it. Then the king, having tied it round his faithful
comrade's neck,
to Raja
in the
commanded
Tell
him, saying,
"Away now
Hodi
forest,
him that Rasalu has been killed and that Rani Koklan has sent you
126
go at once,
Sir,"
and
himself in
said to each
There he was seen by certain of the servants, who other, " See this parrot it is tam& it
!"
?"
and
he
if
you
go and
tell
am
here,
will
reward you."
servants
is
The
"
There
who
Koklan."
his feet,
Raja Hodi, hearing the name of Koklan sprang to and came out instantly, and, approaching the
,
faithful bird,
?"
you brought
"
for
me
Why
are
you crying
?"
" Doubtless,"
replied the
you are
an
it
utterly
!"
127
" This morning," answered the parrot, " the Rdni, on account of your absence, was going to kill herself. I, seeing the dagger in her hand, implored her, saying, O wait till I return Then she gave me
'
!'
me
But
But where
is
Shadi.
" I
have searched
him everywhere, but I was unable to find him. I think some demons or giants must have killed him and eaten him." ^ Raja Hodi then called for his horse, and mounted, and rode away on the spot. And when they sighted the towers of Kheri-murti, the parrot addressed him and said, " Let me fly in advance of you to inform
for
Pray do
so,"
answered
Hodi,
And
the parrot
his master,
!"
flew to
said to
coming.
Make
Then
and awaited
his
foeman
in patience.
When
will
to meet him,
and
?"
Good morrow.
Sir
you walk up
128
Hodi, seeing him, became as motionless as a picture, and began to maise hundreds of excuses, saying, "I have come here by mistake. I did not know whose
palace this might be, and
I
I
hope you
"
will
excuse me."
here.
use them
on me."
"Sir," answered Hodi, "I am not your enemy. I was unaware whose fortress this might be, so I was
it.
is
Let
"and use
'
your weapons
Otherwise you
will
say
Rasalu
smote
me treacherously.'"
it
to his bow, he
is
"Now
look out,
my poisoned
his horse,
arrow
coming!"
and shot
at Rasalu.
Then
little, little, bends the bow-string tight. But grandly bends the bow that bends to might The wise man bends to shun the barbdd bolt, Who never bends at all is worse than dolt."
129
in fear
little, little,
can
heart is riven. burns like flames within the furnace driven, O hear, Rasdlu !"
steel
my
Deaf
to prayers
fitted one;
pared to launch
nerve,
"
tree, are
you ? Look
out,
your
final
!"
to
its
utmost tension, he
let fly
and
felt
swiftly
Hodi never so
"
much
as
1"
You have
"
missed
my
life,"
a.nswered he.
Shake
yourself,
and
see."
himself, he
fell
down
130
Then
As
me
to drink
!"
And
filling
it
it
birds,
wheeling above
my Loved
One,
tell
at the
"
To-
day
shall
have brought
my
wife no venison.
Yet she
tasted
before."
The
of
its
feet.
Stripping
it
rich clothing,
and cutting open the body, he and took it with him into the
ponderous gate, and closing he went to the
still
Having made
his
preparations,
asleep.
131
Does he suspect anything ?" Turning from the threshold and looking
into the
court,
in the
heavy
suspended pitchers of the well by means of the which was too difficult for the slender
move.
his
hookah
air,
was bewith
a
fouled
with
spittle.
Regarding
Rani
sorrowful
he
said,
"Who has smoked my hookah, Rdni, Who his spittle here did throw Who the water lifted, Rdni,
;
Then
But
me.
in
Has
Then
"
that both
about him, and observed the favourite birds' cages were empty.
Ah !"
your parrot
and the mina greets not her master. " your friends ?
"
Where
are
"
still," answered she and the mina greets not her master, because they are
The
is
132
roving abroad.
out
my
and
her,
Now
come
Then
mittu
!
Mia-
Miamittu
!"
Here
I
but
my
fear.
He held out his hand and the parrot flew on to it. And the king said, "You and the mina-bird were left by me to guard and protect the Queen. My confidence
has been
" I
abused.
tell
All
this
evil
me."
truth,"
answered the
parrot,
One
and
now
his
head
lies here,
body
there."
all
When
Queen.
"
ruffled
it
and
headless, he picked
to the
Look
is
left
what
she,
work
"
this?"
killed
He was
by the
parrot,"
it."
answered
"
ask him
he
And
as she
at the bird
a threatening
THE FA TE
OF.
RANI KOKLAN.
;
133
But the parrot said " Perhaps it was so I mayhave killed the mina but did the king ever hear of
;
such a thing
in the
world ?"
his
At
the
tress to
herself.
same time he pointed a claw at signify that the mina had been
his
mis-
killed
by
chamber, and as he
how
here
the
cushions and
there,
and
scattered about,
Then
mark my
;
floor,
Rdni,
Rdni,
Rini,
Who
And
made
answer,
died, Rdjd,
My
And
never ask me why, Rdjd, Your couch is all dispread. For none came here but I, Rdji, To rest upon your bed !"
what next
!"
134
Then the king, restraining his rage and grief, cried, "Enough! Go, Rani, and see to the venison which is
preparing in the cook-house, and bake
me my
bread."
And
by the
flesh
he went
well.
out,
and
sat
When
the
queen
Come,
she
spirits rose;
but
men
are
different,
they nurse
their
thoughts
their suspicions
warm.
to his
lips,
To-day
my
me
bread
"
is
tasteless."
"Ah!"
said
the queen,
What
here?
Methinks no venison
this."
rising
up
"What
dropped from the unhappy queen's mouth as she said to herself, " Ah, I am betrayed, I am bebit
The
trayed
he knows
all
all is
over
"
!
135
lord with
something of
me down, and O you flout me sore, me up, and still you mock me more Since then my suffering gaze nor help nor hope can spy. With him for whom you taunt me, Rdjd, will I die !"
get
;
Saying
far
this,
feet,
and rushed
Then with
but before
her,
false,
CHAPTER
Rasdlu recovers
to the
XII.
and
ing
his wife.
the bodies. He carries them down His adventure ivith the washerman The washerman's story. The king
powers.
brothers. The invasion of Kheri-miirti. The washerman's message and the prophecy. Siege of The battle. Rasdlu's Kheri-murti. Rasdlu' s curse.
Hodi's
death.
L'envoy.
TJ^THEN
J^vv
and
he hastened
in his
amazement
and,
steps,
and there, stretched by the very corse of Rajd Hodi, whose charger was still champing his
under the mangoe-trees, he found the shattered
Strange and wan
lingered
bit
still
on her
137
and full of pain and reproach the eyes which seemed to burn into his. Stooping over the dead body of the only woman whom he had ever cared for, while pangs of remorse griped his soul, the king felt what it was to have loved, and for ever to have lost. He then took her up tenderly, carried her into the palace, and laid her down. Both the bodies, his wife's and her lover's, he laid down side by side, and covered them with the same sheet. Then he
considered
within himself,
v/ill
"
But
if
burn them,
be known abroad.
No
carry
them
Your
Poor
is
mine.
to
We
shall
now have
amuse
each other."
After this the king being very weaj:y lay
down
not
and
slept,
wake till late in the night. It was almost dawn when he approached the river, bearing the corpses on
his shoulders.
washerman and his wife going down with a bundle of So he stepped aside behind a rock to escape clothes. their notice, and dropped the dead into the river. As he watched them drifting and sinking in the
dark deep waters of the
river,
he overheard the
woman
R
138
To
me
a story."
? "
What
is
the
use
answered
the
husband.
Part
"
We have to
life is
of our
We
have
tell
me
something."
said the
Then
story, or
washerman,
you a
true
"A
had another
times in
wife.
prayers
treasure.
five
thought her a
my
house
an hour, until
began to wondetermined to
I
followed
her, because,
said,
'
prayers, but
found
him
I
that
this,
could
Before
respects
she
is
To-morrow
shrine,
will
and she
shall
have an answer.'
139
The next night I hid myself in the shrine, and when my wife came and prayed as usual I answered her, O woman, for a long time you have prayed to
'
me,
this
is
answered.
Go home, and
feed your
husband with sweet pudding in the morning, and with roast fowl in the evening, and in a week he
will
be
blind.'
away home as fast as I could run, and when my wife returned I asked her, Where have you been ?'
" I
then got
'
" I
have been
she.
answered
"
The next morning my wife said to me, Husband, see, I have here some buttermilk and oil, let me wash
'
your head.
"I accordingly undressed.
my
you
'
wife
thin
saw you
have become
you are
all
must feed
Good. So my wife up.' To this I answered went and made me sweet pudding, which I enjoyed. And in the evening she gave me roast fowl, which
I
enjoyed too.
"
said to her,
'
Wife,
don't
know
my
quite dim.
Though she
to
affected to console
me I
I
could
was glad.
I
day
said
her 'Wife,
am
I40
see a thing.'
and offered up counterfeit prayers for my recovery. " I now took to a stick and acted the blind man
to
'
the
life.
my
This
may be
test.
; '
to
the
a-visiting
if I
a deceit I must put his blindness So she said to me, I am going out put some barley to dry, will you take
'
care of
"
'
it ?'
How
can
?'
replied
I.
'
Still, if
you
I
will
put
feel
it
it
my
reach so that
can
will try.'
I
sat
my
hand.
a short time
by it with my stick saw my wife slyly and when she got near
I I
fell
she
felt
it.
Lifting
my
stick,
violent
me
Wife, wife,' protested I, 'how could I tell it was you ? Did I not say I was blind ? I thought there was a bullock or a goat here.'
"
entirely
fore.
"
Now, the
risk,
truth
another man,
great
whom
though
at
whenever she
found
the
opportunity.
141
my
house.
me
Get
me
'Why
wood
!'
you do something?'
out,
she;
'you
and went
sitting in
out.
When
here
!'
returned
spied
the
'
man
my
Aha, my friend is when she saw me, told him to get into the great mat which was lying rolled up against the wall, and he did so. Going to the cow-house, where I knew there was some rope handy, I returned,
chamber, and said to myself,
My
wife,
groping
"
'
all
the
way
with
my
stick.
? "
said
my
wife.
Without answering, I felt my way to the mat, and tying it up first at one end and then at the other, I
"
shouldered
it,
and said to
my
is
wife
'
This trouble
me
serve
" I
to
me
entreating
me
"
my
mind.
'
Don't go
poor
little wife!'
implored she.
'
Let the poor man alone. But the neighbours said, ?' So I got away from her. What use is he to you now
142
had gone two or three miles, the man inside the mat began to struggle and shake. "' Shake away,' said I, 'you will have reason to
"
shake soon.
" I I
You
think
am
blind, but
am
not.'
now approached
village,
and the
first
thing
observed was a
bread of fine
it
flour.
When
it
inside
gave
to
him.
of
I
began
baking
to
bread
barley-meal.
Pretending
'
be a fakir
said,
Mother,
make me some wheaten bread with a little butter. She answered, Where am I to get wheaten flour ? Do you not see how poor I am ?' " Nay, but bake me some,' replied I. " As we were disputing her husband came up and
'
'
said,
'
fakirs.'
'
"'I
is
am
but this
man
begging
"
When
if
'
me, and
said,
you take
it.
But
"
not,
begone
Then
said
I,
They who
What's
this
sit
but
'
This
must be looked
into.'
143
So he went
in to the corn-bin
'
fakir,'
"
But he was
and would most certainly have cut the fellow's throat if I had not caught him by the arm and checked him, and brought him out of the place.
"
'Look
here,' said
is
I,
opening
my
my
prisoner, 'here
another of them.
Your
to
fate
is
Therefore do not
kill,
but
let
us both agree
if
make
Rdja Rasalu
has the same
is,
who are we should complain ?' " When the washerman had ended. Raja Rasalu who had overheard every word, came forward and
misfortune as we, and yet bears
patiently,
we
that
said,
am Raja Rasalu, the king of all this realm. Ask me for land and you shall have it, or if, you want money, take it, but tell me how knew you people that
" I
in
my
house
?"
"And are you not aware," answered the man, "that women are by nature witches and soothsayers? They know or they find out everything, and they have been
talking of the doings at Kheri-miirti for days."
144
Then
them both
to
"You
me
sent
and let us converse together." And he them away. He himself after this grew careless and morose,
often,
and he ceased to visit the field so often, his life being weary, and his heart broken, thinking of his dead wife, of her black ingratitude and of her
dismal
fate.
kingdom was
neglected,
his
many
of parrots,
the place,
and
he lived
like
a recluse.
Meanwhile, there were wise women at the town of Raja Hodi who had guessed or divined the secret of Kheri-murti. One day the Rajd's brothers were
riding past the
common
well
drawing water
heard one of them saying, " Men reckon their darling vices more than
"
life."
What
is
that
you
reining up.
145
" that a
man who
life
Rdja Hodi have any sense of their own," replied she, " they have no need to ask."
" If the brothers of
On
hearing
this,
"Where's Raja Hodi? Where's Raja Hodi?" " Ever since the day on which he left the
dants,
''
castle
visits across
the river in
of Rdja
Rasdlu.
Some
days ago,
of him."
it is
we know
When
sembled
from
all parts,
is
and addressing
them they
The king
a prisoner or else he
We
when we cross
houses
?"
Then answered they all with one voice, " Let our heads be forfeited if we do not stand by you to a man."
Now
the old
washerman used
quaint
146
stories
About
to
welcome.
to-day
Said the
king
him,
"What news
The washerman answered timorously, "Among the women of the village there is a strange rumour, but it may not be true." "Let me have it," said the king. " I overheard them talking among themselves, and
they were saying that as Raja Rasalu had cut
off the
his
also
When
out,
and
floor
he
said, "
Have
you
it
" Yes,"
so,
" I
but
women have know nothing about it." have seen the day when I could laugh my foes
answered the washerman,
I
" the
"and
still I
have troops,
if I
in time."
Then he summoned
out
all
his warder,
call
when they
left
to
man
"
the walls.
or losing a battle
is in
Winning
washerman.
"
like this
"
147
siege.
upon him
Something of his former spirit returned as he directed one of his men to gallop,
and to bring
in
supplies for
the de-
with his
own hands
when the hostile force appeared in sight. They were led by the brothers of Rija Hodi, and were fully armed with every implement of war. They swam the river or crossed it on inflated skins and like bees they swarmed up the hill, and sat down beneath the walls of Kheri-miirti. Then passed
;
mutual defiances between the opposing leaders, and the siege began in form. But Rajd Rasalu, though
re-inforced
by
fresh supplies of
not be far
Resolving, there-
not to be caught like a rat within his walls, but to sell his life as dearly as possible, he ordered his
That night he piled the chambers of Rani Koklan, and set the palace on fire, and, when the flames leaped up faggots
in
up
into
the
sky,
the
besiegers
saw them, and wondered what the unwonted beacon might portend.
148
followers
down
the
and, as he passed
Then with
met
his
There the
a
lion,
battle
like
and many
At
last his
line,
way
all
along the
wounds, and
slain
hemmed in by increasing numbers, was by an arrow nine yards long, which entered his neck. When the fight was over, his enemies smote off his head, and carried it back with them in
And
the
thus, according to
some of the
story-tellers of
Upper
* Some say Rasalu never died, that he crossed over or descended into the river Indus to lands unknown, and that, like King Arthur, he will one day return again.
L ENVOY.
149
ffttboaFor evermore, within the bower's recesses, No bulbul sits and sings melodious lore
;
No
monarch, robed in might and wrapt in splendour, Reigns not for aye from sounding shore to shore And love, her dear delights must all surrender,
;
For evermore.
^M
152
nights,
to hear
of giants and
fairies,
and the
sit
commands
self
by circumstantial accounts of most disastrous chances, of moving accidents of his own by flood and fell. It was at the little village of Ghazi on the
above Attak, that many of these stories were told to the compiler, and translated to him vivd voce from the Panjabi by his hospiriver Indus, thirty miles
table host
and attached
friend,
Thomas Lambert
in a district
Barlow, Esq.
majestic
river of history
and romance,
of
Gandghar,
in the
midst of
many
fortress of an
earlier
race and
ground
historical
and even
classical,
Exactly opposite
lies
On
this
spot
vast
and
home
of four
Hindu
brothers, all of
them
153
the
cliff.
This
its
that one of
ancient
site,
gates was close to Hiind, an equally which stands on the same bank about
What was
?
the
name
of
Possibly
it
may
survive
among
names of the peaks and ravines on which it was built, as Gallah, Pihiir, Gharri dhd Lar, Parri dha Kattha, Gadhi dha Kattha, Gangarianh dha Kassi, Bhoru dha Kattha. Hiind has been identified as the spot where " Sikander Badshah" crossed over with his conquering army of Greeks, and undoubtedly
it
hills
we
people in other parts are given to the consumption inof opium. Opposite Torbela stands the warlike
It is
here,
between
from Ghazi, that the Indus breaks through the gorge last spurs of the restraining peaks on either side, the
of the
154
How
beautiful
is
the
more and more into blue haze, crowned by the distant snows As one sits \x\
!
the
warm
winter sun,
among
directed
tawny
hills into
how all
was once in the hands of a dynasty of Greeks, of helmed Menander, or lightning-wielding Antialkidas, whose coins attest the excellency of the arts in these remote places when under their accomplished sway, but of whose influence every living trace seems
this land
in the
classical
designs
red and
nambdas
of
felt,
one
may
slight,
of Grecian taste
and western
refinement.
heights to the
left,
air,
and
it
still
reposes
SHORT HOUSEHOLD
TALES.
155
famous
it
for the
royal
fish,
above
hills
district of
house
gleams from a
as yet, that
the
"
speechless past,"
as
the
Haldi Dilli" or, great Rocking Stone, of which the people tell, and which, though of towering size, can be moved, say they, by a touch of a single finger.
It
a few only of the stories, long and short, which for six years I have been collecting in the Peshawar District.
The
F, S.
probably be issued
at
an early
Gomme
STORY
I.
A VILLAGE
"
one
of the
hew
My friend,"
you are
to the
his
will
both
fall
ground."
to
as the traveller had foretold. him the weaver cried, " Sir, you are God, you are God, Sir, you are God vvhat you prophesied has come to pass." " Tut, man, tut," answered the traveller, " I am not God." " Nay, but
Limping
after
157
''
pray,
me when
am
to die ?"
impor-
die
on the
and he pursued
elapsed
making some
by chance stuck
in
one of
Catching sight of
it
this in a glass,
and
his
hour was
at hand,
;
said,
in
moments
shall
!"
be
dead
lay
let
me
lie
my grave
So he
down on
his bed,
and turning
And
among
is
He, see"
"
what
Call
you
it
this
and taking
The
weaver, as a
man
58
STORY
II.
three weavers,
all
brothers,
who
lived
others
" I
So he
it
and took
home.
The second
of
it.
He
viewed
head,
its
horns,
and then
in
said, "
brother, allow
buffalo ?"
me
to be a partner
this
beautiful
you wish
then
to
we
shall
in her."
came in and said, "O you have allowed our brother to be a partner with you in this buffalo, won't you let me take a share
Shortly after the third brother
brother,
too ?"
"
Willingly,"
"
but
first
you must go to the farmer and pay him twenty-two rupees as we have done." So the third brother did so,
while the farmer chuckled, saying, "This
getting
all this
is
a fine thing
The
three
money for my skinny old buffalo !" brothers now agreed that each one
of
them should have a day's milk from the buffalo in turn, and that each should bring his own pot. The
SHORT HOUSEHOLD
TALES.
159
third
two elder brothers had their turns, but when the day came, the youngest said, " Alas what shall I do? I have no pot in my house !" In this perplexity
!
a most difficult business, you milk the buffalo without a pot, be spilt. You had better milk her into
if
" this is
your mouth."
was
at
Going home he was met by his wife who asked, where is the milk ?" " I had no pot, so I had Her husband answered, " O you did, did to milk the buffalo into my mouth." " and so your wife counts as no one ? you," cried she,
I
am
to have no milk? If
am
not to have
my share,
off
in this in
house
I refuse
to remain."
And
she went
Then
man
order the
woman
So the
wom.an; yoM
may have your share of the milk too, just the same as your husband. Let him visit the buffalo in the morning and drink the milk, and do you visit her in
the evening. "
Said she,
"
^lot
my
and
Now
all
is
all
right,
shall
be saved
i6o
STORY
III.
/^NCE
piled
"
visited a
of a bania's shop
Eggs of other birds there are, " he said, " and I have seen them but what bird's eggs are these eggs ? These must be mare's eggs !" So he asked the bania, " Are these eggs mare's eggs ?" The bania instantly
:
cocked his
"
ears,
eggs."
What
is
the price
?"
One hundred
a-piece,'' said
the bania.
bag of money and counting out the price, bought one of the melons and carried it off. As he went along the road, he began to say to himself, " When I get home I will put this egg in a warm corner of my house, and by-and-bye a foal will be born, and
his
when
ride
it
the foal
to
is
big enough, of
shall
mount
the house
!"
my
father-in-law.
it and Won't
he be astonished
As
he stopped at a pool of water to bathe. But first of all he deposited the melon most carefully in the
middle of a low bush, and then he proceeded to undress himself His garments were not half laid aside,
i6i
hung about
made
desperate
"
efforts to
Ah
wo
out of sight.
Kismet
cried he
"
And
as for the
is
of course
for,
of no use
now and
it.''
not worth
returning
his
left
So he made
wife, I
have
had a great loss this " what have you done ?"
for
day!"
" I paid
"Why,"
said she,
to
a mare's egg, but while I stopped on the road His bathe, the foal jumped out and ran away."
if you had only what a pity would have got on his I
!
brought
back and ridden him to my father's house !" Hearing this, the weaver fell into a rage, and, pulling a his wife, stick out of his loom began to belabour would break the back of a crying, "What, you
young
foal ?
Ah! you
slut, let
me break
yours."
After this
loss to his
all " If
he went out, and began to lament his friends and neighbours, warning them
foal,
don't
forget
to
me
know."
To
62
egg,
and ran
of the
away,
and would
lands some-
common
"
One
?
or two
farmers,
however, to
whom
repeated, said,
What
in
is
this
nonsense
Where
egg
did you
" I
put
my
a bush,"
the weaver,
"
town."
"
The farmers
way to the " Come and show us !" weaver, " come along."
"
When
cried
untouched
Here
it is," is
the weaver,
of which
my my
mare's egg.
foal
This
jumped."
foal
The
said,
this
jump out
So the weaver took the melon and began to examine it. " Out of this," cried one of the farmers, snatching back the melon, " no foal ever jumped. You are a simpleton and you have been cheated. We'll show you what the foals are." So he smashed the melon on a stone, and giving the seeds to the weaver, said, " Here are foals enough for you," while the farmers themselves, amid much laughter, sat down and ate up the fruit.
of
163
STORY IV.
The Weaver-girl.
A CERTAIN
girl
One day a fine young weaverwas sweeping out the house, and, as she swept she said to herself, " My father and mother and all^my relations belong to this village. It would be a good thing if I married in this village and settled here too,
so that
only by weavers.
tinued she,
if
my son were to sicken and die, oh how my aunts, my sisters, and my friends would come, and how they
all
would
bewail him
!"
Thinking of
her
broom
In
in
came
such
they
all
began to cry
too.
and her uncles and her brothers, and they also began to cry most bitterly, but not one of them had the wit to say, " What is the matter ? For whom is
father
this wailing ?"
At
last,
when the
What bad news have you had ? Who is dead here ?" One of the howling uncles answered " I don't know ask one of them !" At this these women know
;
;
point,
the
headman
arrived
at
cried,-
1 64
us find
art
out what
old
is
the
Addressinghimself to
is all
woman, he
I
said, "
?"
What
I
this disturbance in
" I
don't
know," answered
she,
when
came
here,
about something."
questioned, said,
" I
Then
if I
could not
a son, and
aunts,
if
my
my
my
sisters,
and
my
friends
me and bewail him. The thought of this made me cry." On hearing her answer, the head man and his
followers began to laugh, and the crowd dispersed.
STORY
V.
sport.
As
fields,
one
them espied an immense grasshopper sitting on a maddr plant, which, as they approached, flew on to
"
he shot his
165
STORY
VI.
Camel's
/^NE
village,
field
left
In the morning
in
the
corn.
The
and
old
cried.
man on
cry.
father,
you both
" I cry,"
laugh and
What
I
does
this
mean
'
?"
think to myself,
What
will these
poor children
to
do
I
for
some one
and
them when
am
dead,'
laugh,
because, as
!"
know
STORY
VII.
AT
It
the village of Bhuran lived an old weaver named Griba, who, for a wonder, was shrewd enough. happened that Habfb Khan, the lambardar, laid a
i66
for
tore
down
it
his
door,
carried
with a profound
door-ways, so
I
salaam,
also hear
you want the side-walls, and I am now going to fetch them too." Hearing this, the Khan laughed and said, "O Griba, the weaver, take back your door, your
tax
is
paid."
STORY vni.
The Silversmith and
Bangle.
his Mother's
in
the
silver-
smith, who, in a
his
So he cast a bangle for his mother out of unmixed silver, and when it was finished, he stored it up for her and went to bed. But he was quite unable to get a wink of sleep. He turned from side to side, and moaned and fretted
less."
much cannot do
167
bangle
What
!"
a simpleton was
make
it
a bangle
without alloy
At
last
he could stand
silver
no longer,
so he got up, lighted his lamp, and did not rest until,
Then with
an instant he was
and contentment
his
mind.
STORY
'X'HERE
IX.
Plums.*
plum grown
in
the
Hazard
One day
Pathan stopped in a bazar and bought some of them, laying them in a corner of his liinghf. As he went
chanced along he took out a handful in which there
little creature to be one of these beetles alive, and the feeling the pressure of the man's hand began buzzing
and squealing. But the Pathan determined to be deworth, said, prived of no portion of his money's
"The Pathan and the Ass" ridicule two of the to popular estimation. characteristics of the Pathans according principal
* This tale and
168
Saying which,
he clapt the
his
STORY
X.
As^.
PATHAN
sitting in a ferry-boat
down came
come
and
at a
blow smote
jackass
"
To
a Pathan,"
;
permissible
but to a
never
The people
by
their,
stupid of mankind,
not even
This fact
is
illustrated
169
STORY XL
The BanSyr Man and the
Mill.
say that
here
it
God
is
ways.
Now
is
walls, but
STORY
XII.
BANfiYRis.
" If
O'
the
trees
|NE
set
on
fire
fishes
go?" "They
would get on
first,
Then
said
"Are
to
climb up
? "
*
is
It * This tale was not a mere invention of the story-teller. Baneyris. quently told in ridicule of the dense stupidity of the
fre-
170
STORY
'T'HERE
field,
XIII.
sons.
They had
and
their
grain,
ancestral
two bullocks were treading out the when suddenly the sky became overcast, and a
silly
woman
instant-
man, and, running a needle and thread through it, hung it up to a neighbouring hix tree, as a charm to drive away the unwelcome shower. At the same lime she addressed God in the following words " O God,
insect, a friend to
:
my
boys are
but children,
art a
and
in
innocent.
But thou
white-bearded man.
Didst
this rain
for thrash-
my
wheat ?"
STORY
The
life in
XIV.
Boat.
BANfiYR
his
way
171
eight-oared
bank of the
"
he
cried to the
by-standers
!"
What
STORY XV.
The Banyri and
his
drowned
wife.
and among
Ban^yri. The distracted others, the wife of a certain along the banks of the river was wandering
countryman accosted looking for the dead body, when a " O friend, if, as I am informed, your wife has
him thus,
she must have floated been carried away in the flood poor creatures. down the stream with the rest of the stream." "Ah sir," answered Yet, you are going up the " you did not know that wife of the wretched Baneyri, an opposite course to everymine. She always took now that she is drowned, I one else. And even bodies have floated down full well that if other
;
know
!"
172
STORY
The Banyri and
XVI.
One
determined to
him.
So he went
his
to
the bazar,
former acquaintance.
Nawab
in the
though he winked and nodded and beckoned to him to step aside for a friendly greeting, and to receive his pound of sugar, his efforts to engage the great
man's attention were quite unsuccessful. At
ceiving that his
his
"
last,
per-
unwelcome
visitor
was about
to
open
mouth, the
Nawab
said to
Conduct
this
poor stranger to
my
store-room
where my bags of sugar are laid up, and there let him sit down and eat his fill." Then he caused
a letter to be written to his native village, sternly
forbidding any more of his poor ill-clad kinsmen
to trouble
him with
SHORT HOUSEHOLD
TALES.
i73
STORY
A
" "
XVII.
Banyri.
night, "
The Philosophic
BAN^YRI
Man
is
yesterday you were squatting on this side of the oven, and I was crouching on the other. And this is the state of man one day perched here, another day perched there,
How is that ?" asked the woman. Do you not see ?" answered he, "
always on the hop, never abiding in the one place. !" Truly, man is only a bird without wings
STORY
XVIII.
his
Mother.
O NE
assist
wrist.
of these eccentric Baneyris went out coursing on the hills, and he took his mother with him to
him
in the sport.
of
short the hound, but instead of simply holding the round her leash in her hand, she tied it in a fast knot
When
the
the dog
made
sudden bound, by reason of which the unfortunate woman was jerked forward over the animal's head,
174
and, as she
rock, she
sharp
son,
was unluckily
The
dutiful
with
carried his
mingled feelings of admiration and sorrow, mother home and buried her, and never
"
My
an excellent
left
STORY
XIX.
certain dark
object was seen floating down the stream. Thereupon a poor man, mistaking it for a log of wood, plunged into the water, and swimming with vigorous
strokes seized
late
it
hands.
When
too
he discovered that he was clasped in the shaggy embrace of a bear. " Ho " cried his friends from the
1
" let
the log go
let
"
what I am
me go
!"*
* Logs of deodar are frequently floated down the Indus from the Himalayas. During floods many of these logs are washed away from For every log rethe "timber-yards" far up in the mountains. covered the villagers along the banks receive a reward of four annas from the owners. Each log bears its owner^s mark.
SHORT HOUSEHOLD
TALES.
175
STORY XX.
A
Hunger having
by-
become
ed
"
its
!
destination and
to the
bottom of the
"
ravine.
Ah
what a
is
wheat
rock,
Whereupon he
down from
the
STORY
XXI.
Pice.
A MISER
bread.
once found his way into the bazar to buy The weather was unusually warm, and as
he trudged along, the perspiration gathered round the Arrestcoin, which was closely clutched in his hand. he gazed at the moist piece with a fond ing his steps, eye and said, "I won't spend you weep not, dear Friend we shall not separate after all I will starve his bag, and first!" So he restored the money to
begged
for scraps
176
STORY
The Two
/"^NCE upon
of ghee into
a time
XXII.
Misers.
two misers hobnobbed together One of them had a small vessel which he sparingly and grudgingly dip-
ped
this,
The
travagance.
"
Why
waste so
risk the
much ghee
?" said he
waste of so
much more
and become
immersed
take
my
vessel of ghee,
Then
my
as
and
assure you
make no
waste."*
no new thing under the sun." Many readers will be reminded of the Irish dish " Potatoes and point," consisting of a large supply of potatoes and of a very limited supply of meat, bacon, or even The potatoes are eaten, but the more solid fare is merely pointed fish. The following passage from Carlyle's " Count Cagliostro" refers at. " And so the catastrophe ends by bathing our to this singular custom poor half-dead Recipiendary first in blood, then, after some genuflexions, in water; and serving him a repast composed of roots,' we grieve to and^point J" say, mere potatoes
is
* This anecdote
is
'
177
STORY
XXIII.
The Elephant and his Keeper.* 'X'HERE was an elephant which was accustomed
suffer
to
knowing the sagacity of these animals, and being in fear of his life, used to sleep some little distance from the tree to which the elephant was
tied.
night the elephant, taking up a long, loose branch, chewed the end of it in order to separate the the fibres, and, having twisted them in the long hair of
One
sleeping
within
reach and
STORY XXIV.
The Gardener's
Wife, the Potter's Wife, and
THE Camel.
and a potter's wife once hired side a camel to carry their goods to market. One and the of the beast was well laden with vegetables, the road, other with pottery. As they went along
A ^ GARDENER'S
wife
neck to pilfer the camel kept stretching back his long the potter's the vegetables. Upon observing t his,
This anecdote,
diistin.
told
to
Hin-
178
nothing whatever to
sell !"
true
you are
wife,
!"
luckier
"
than
am,''
but
remember the
they arrived
When
at
the
greater, by this time, than the weight on the other, that the camel gave a lurch as he got on his foreknees, and crushed the pottery between
it was smashed, and what was not smashed was cracked. So it ended that the gardener's wife had something at least to sell, but the potter's wife had nothing.
STORY XXV.
The mule and the Traveller.
of him-
by at that moment, said to him, " O Sir, pray tell me what was the name of your mother ?" " My mother's name was Mare," answered the mule proudly. "And what was your father's name ?" continued the traveller.
SHORT HOUSEHOLD
"
TALES.
179
Be
be
off!
None
!"
of your jesting
with me.
You
are impertinent
STORY XXVI.
The Black Bee and the Black
Beetle.
A VILLAGER
thers.
once reared a black bee and a black beetle together, imagining them to be broIn looks they were not unlike, and the "boom"
he set them
seer, "
which they uttered seemed precisely the same. One day flying. The bee lighted on a rose, while the
"
only
worthy of
STORY
'X'IGERS
tigers
XXVII.
Cat.
king of the
for
were ignorant,
until the
lessons.
The
to crouch, to spring,
and
all
At
when he thought he
i8o
made
eat him.
ran
nimbly
"
!"
up a
"
tree
Come down!"
No, no
I
!"
come down,
"
instantly
for
Ho.w fortunate
!
me
that
did
me
even here."
STORY
TN
a certain
forest there
XXVIII.
which was
in the habit of
of the animals for mere sport, whether hunger impelled him thereto or not.
"
Let us agree,
be chosen by
tiger."
let
" said
lot
the jackal,
that
one of us
others
oflTer
shall
day by day
right,"
to devote
himself to the
;
"All
us
assented
the
let
"
but
first
and
us
him a petition." So they all marched together to the tiger's den, and humbly besought him to cease from indiscriminate
slaughter,
and to be
satisfied
should voluntarily
come
to
Do
not
" for
will
always
i8i
you trouble as
by you, and this plan will save No, no " said the tiger, " I shall
!
my
claws and
said the
my
teeth and
so eat
my
food."
" But,"
animals, "
God
has
said that
we
ought to
"
live in hope."
" True,"
answered the
tiger,
but
He
own
bread."
At
last, after
much argument, the tiger suffered made a solemn promise home in his den. Every day an animal,
lot,
went
shall
shall live
my life."
Twelve
o'clock,
the
tiger's
came
At
"
last the
started up,
and exclaiming
As she approached, she saw the famishfor the den. ed tiger tearing up the earth in fury, and heard him
bellowing,
to keep
"Who
is
me
waiting
?"
But
" What
excuse
" it
demanded the
tiger.
was not
my
turn to
is
my
fat.
brother's.
am
thin^-but
my
for
brother
come plump
and
the
My brother
fell in
had started
way he
eat him,
and
in fact
82
him
when
is
came up and
'
said to him,
tiger's,'
'
This
country
to which the
call that
Go you
I will
at
once and
fight.'
tiger out,
I
have a
So here
am,
sir,
Come and
kill
Lead
on, "
started
forth
to
seek
the rival
tiger.'
As they went
and made
in a bush.
as
"
What
is
the matter
?" " I
?"
asked the
afraid,"
is
tiger.
"Why
she,
us."
"
are
you returning
?
am
den
see
answered
tiger's
just in front of
for-
Where, where
"
eyes.
hare,
there
no way
you
to
me
the place?"
please carry
me
So the tiger lifted the hare under his arm, and, guided by her directions, he unexpectedly found himself close to
a large well.
"
This
"
is
other tiger,
"
Look
and you
Going
at the
to the brink
bottom the
reflection of himself
183
enemy
in
possession
and
many
was happily
STORY XXIX.
The Dog and the
Cock.
upon a time a dog and a- cock were sworn But a famine fell on the land, and the dog said to the cock, " There is no food for me here, so I am going away to another country. I tell you this that you may not blame me, and say, This dog was my friend, but he left me without a word " The cock answered, " O dog, we are both friends. If you Let us go together, and as you are a dog go, I go.
friends.
'
O NCE
!'
expose myself,
eat
on
"
me and
when
I
me
I
up."
Agreed,"
said
the
dog,
go
for food,
you
and whatever
find I
alike."
and share
said, "
So the two
going
to approach a village,
Now
am
forward
for
food, but
do you remain
here,
i84
Only,
of
all,
if
when
cock,
am
away,
how
know
it ?"
Said the
Whenever you hear me crow several times, So for some time they happily, the dog bringing in supplies every day,
"
roost.
One
to
came
"
uncle,
why
let
us say
our prayers
"
together
Most
join
willingly,"
but
first let
me
good Musalmans
to
come and
So
the cock crew most lustily three or four times, until the dog in
"Ah!
I
something
get back."
jackal,
about to happen to
my
friend
must
He at
once started
his
approach, began to
"
cock,
good nephew,
us
!"
"
Alas
would stop
it
with
pleasure,"
replied the
just occurs to
my mind
that
!
quite
forgot to perform
my
ablutions.
Farewell
"
And
The Musalman
cry to prayers
is
called the
bhangh.
So
also
is
185
STORY XXX.
The Jackal and the Voice of Fame.
A
JACKAL
which
instantly gave the alarm. At the same time some wayfarers began to point at him and cry, " See, there he goes there he goes 1" " This always strikes me as a most remarkable thing," said the jackal, as he cleared off "I haven't a single acquaintance out of my own set in the world, and yet, wherever I go, everyone
!
seems to know me
How
inconvenient
is
fame
!"
STORY XXXI.
The Painted
Jackal.
fell
A PROWLING jackal
full
once
of dye.
When
said, "
astonished friends
his
?"
He
ever anyanswered with a curl of his tail, "Was there Look at me Let thing in the world so fine as I am ?
!
no one ever presume to call me ?" asked they. then are you to be called
What
',
Peacock
86
you
henceforth call
me
jackal, strutting
up and down
magnificently.
I
"Well,
no
"And
make
a fine melodious
Can you make a fine melodious cry ?" " It must be admitted," said the pretender, " that I cannot
do that
either."
is
if
And
STORY XXXII.
The Jackal and the Ewe-Sheep.
the mud.
The
too.
mud
Then
!
O aunt, this is a
bad busi-
nephew," answered she, " it is by no means so bad as it will be soon, when my master appears.
187
he
will carry
a sangal (forked-stick)
and behind him will follow his two dogs, Dabbu and Bholij. One blow with his stick will hit you in two places, and his dogs will drag you out by the haunches.
Then, dear nephew, you will know so bad now as it will be then "
!
this business
is
not
STORY
XXXIII.
Fleas.
was once a jackal so infested with fleas that life was a burden to him. Determined to be rid of them, he sought for a pool of water, and snatching up a small piece of dry wood in his mouth he began to enter the water with " measured steps and slow." Gradually, as he advanced, the astonished fleas rushed up his legs, and took refuge on his back. The rising water again drove them in multitudes from
his
'T'HERE
head to his nose, whence they escaped on to the piece of wood, which
back to
his head,
and from
his
became
bobbed
perfectly black
with them.
When
the sly
head into the water, relinquished the wood, and, with a chuckle swam back to the shore, leaving
his
fate.
STORY XXXIV.
The False Witness.
A
CARAVAN
of merchants
for
to
it
was considered
So they
left
him behind.
jackal,
The
came exceedingly
said to him,
"
and meeting a
I
he
Uncle, uncle,
? "
am very
thirsty!
Can you
you must agree to give me a good feed of meat from your sore back." " I do
but
if I
do,
first
So he followed
Come,
that
I
uncle,
"
my
back."
our agree-
ment was
off
promised,
*
This you distinctly would take you to water." " Very well,"
in
"Sore back"
was
sufificient similarity
Panjabi being chigh, and " tongue" jib, there of sound to suggest prevarication.
189
your
have,
it
so."
"
A witness
and will bring him presently," replied the jackal. So he went, to the wolf, and stating the case, persuaded
him
to witness falsely.
"
You
see, wolf,
if I
eat the
tongue the camel will certainly die, and then we shall both have a grand feed, to which we can invite all our The two returned to the camel, and the friends." jackal appealing to the wolf, asked, " Did not I en-
gage to show the camel to water on condition that he would give me his tongue ?" " Of course, you did," said the wolf confidently, " and the camel agreed." " Be it so ;" said the camel, " as you both delight in lies and have no conscience, come and eat some of
my
you
the jackal.
see
But the
what a diminutive animal I am. I am too weak Do you seize it to drag out that enormous tongue. and hold it for me." Then the wolf ventured his head into the camel's mouth to pull forward the
tongue, but the camel instantly closed his powerful jaws, and crushing the skull of his enemy, he shook
him
to death.
Meanwhile,
skipped with glee, crying out, "Behold the fate of the witness !"* false witness behold the fate of the false
!
This story is intended as a satire on the practice which prevails so India of getting up false widely among the natives of all parts of in courts of law. cases and procuring false witness
190
STORY XXXV.
The Four
Associates.
jackal,
/^NCE
a hyena, and
common.
country for
until
you can fly. Go forth and reconnoitre the us." So the crow flew awayfrom tree to tree
fine field of
he came to a
can eat
the leaves,
but the
must be the share of the jackal, the hyena, and myself." When it was night all four visited the field, and began to make a hearty supper.
rescue.
Suddenly the owner woke up and rushed to the The crow, the jackal, and the hyena easily escaped, but the camel was caught and driven out
with cruel blows.
said,
you
are, to leave
"
your friend
in
the
lurch
1"
We
you
to
be thrashed again."
the owner, as a precaution, covered
and nooses.
At
began devouring as
The
191
who had hardly satisfied the cravings of hunwhen the jackal suddenly remarked, " Camel, I
strong
inclination
to bark."
"
feel a
For Heaven's
bring up the
shall
sake, don't,"
" you'll
all
escape, I
be
Bark
who
set
up a dismal
it
yell.
Out from
in
owner, but
Friends
friends
shall
!"
you going
"
to
abandon me
shall
I
? I
"
Obey my
right."
be and
all will
be
"
What
do
?"
asked the
hyena.
the
Lie
crow, "
which you can run away." He had hardly the owner came to the spot, and seeing what he believed to be a dead hyena, he
after
spoken when
seized
him by the hind legs and threw him out of the field, when at once the delighted hyena sprang " Ah " said the man, to his feet and trotted away. " this rascal was not dead after all." When the four associates met again, the camel said
!
Your
me
another beating.
;
Never
mind,
all's
well that
ends well
192
Some
you will get on my back I will give you a ride, and you can see the world. " The jackal agreed, and stooping down, the camel allowed him to mount on his back.
I'm going out for a walk.
As
whereupon
whom
Then
"
I
strong inclination to
For
be worried. he
"
"
Roll
dogs
fell
on the jackal
him
to pieces.
Then
who
STORY XXXVI.
The Crow and
A
"
its
young.
in
old mother-crow
giving
Remember," said she, " your principal enemy will be man. Whenever you detect a man in the act of even stooping towards the ground as if for a stone,
193
wing and
fly."
"
one of her precocious youngsters, " but what if the man happens to have a stone already in his hand ?
Can you
advise us as to
how we
STORY XXXVII.
The Frog and the
A
Farrier.
in
FARRIER
shoeing a
fine
a frog
his
Arab horse at the door of his smithy. Just then came hopping up, and, thrusting out one of
with a consequential
air,
feet
!
he
!"
cried,
''
Ho,
farrier
STORY XXXVIII.
The Frog and the Buffalo.
O NE
day, after rain, a frog was sitting in the deep foot-print of a bullock by the road-side, when a
buffalo approached.
To him
you
great-bellied, long-titted,
way.
Take Y
care
!"
194
"
answered the
little
buffalo,
"
how
could
STORY XXXIX.
The Frog and Kashmir.
A
which he was spawned. " Ah cried he, casting one eye at some cattle which were I see grazing near, " what a grand sight have I
close to the puddle in
!
Kashmir
see
Kashmir
!"
STORY
XL.
Rat,
!"
After a
little
time they
SHORT HOUSEHOLD
came
to the
TALES..
195
bank of a
river
and there the rat stopped short. Said the camel, " Pray Sir, go on." " Nay," answered his companion, " the water is too deep for me." " Not at all," said the
camel,
" let
me
you see
was
right
the water
1"
is
only knee-
deep, so
is
come along
!
!"
"Ah
Pray carry
me
over."
"
Confess your
"consent to acknowledge
your
and promise to be humble-minded for the To this future, and I will carry you over in safety." request the rat gladly agreed, and so the two passed
over.
STORY
XLI.
Pilgrim.
saint, by name Abul Hassan, power and sanctity were noised all over whose the country. One day, a pilgrim came from a distant
196
woman,
bitter
and pee-
As he
left
some of
where
hills
is
the
neighbours.
"
This
"
saint of yours
He
I
to gather sticks."
"Though
no longer believe
I will
to himself, "
I return."
at least
So he
he had not
man
face to face.
tiger,
and
in his
Then
at his feet,
and
are
said,
"At
the reproach-
my
now
Pray
a saint indeed.
me !" He who
will
swered the
shall
command
rewarded of God.
tame, yea, she
But a scoldis
man
past even
praying
for."
197
STORY
XLII.
home
of a
When
He neither moved nor next meal was to come from. spoke, but quietly looked on while the thief was feeling along the bare walls, and rummaging his slender property, trying hard to discover something to carry
away.
At
last
room
empty-handed, when the poor man grinned aloud with mocking laughter. Turning round in a rage, the startled thief exclaimed, " What you are laughAnd do you call yourself the owner ing, are you ?
!
of a house
?"
STORY XLHI.
The King and
his Daughters.
'X'HERE was once a king who had several daughters. ^ To the first he said, " How do you love me ?" " I
love you as sugar," said she.
To
198
And how do you love me ?" " I love you as honey," said she. To the third he said, " And how do you love me ?" " I love you as sherbet," said she. To the last and youngest he said, " And how do you love me ?" " I love you as salt," said she. On hearing the answer of his youngest daughter
"
the king frowned, and, as she persisted in repeating it, he drove her out into the forest. There, when wan-
dering sadly along, she heard the tramping of a horse, herself in a hollow tree. But the flutter-
fell
in
married her.
Some time after, the king, her father, who did not know what had become of her, paid her husband a visit. When he sat down to meat, the princess took
care that
all
by altogether, was very hungry, and was longing sorely for something which he could eat, when the princess sent him a dish of common spinach
or merely tasted.
made-up
He
seasoned with
salt,
eat,
and the
relish.
with
Then the princess threw off her veil, and, revealing herself to her father, said, " O my father, I love
you as
salt.
My love may
I
be homely, but
it
is
true,
199
how
great a mistake he
full reconciliation.
STORY XLIV.
The Farmer,
his Wife,
upon a time a poor farmer and his wife, having finished their day's labour, and eaten their frugal supper, were sitting by the fire, when a dispute arose between them as to who should bar the door which had been blown open by a gust of wind, " Wife, shut the door !" said the man. " Husband, shut it yourself!" said the woman.
" I will
/^NCE
not shut
it,
and you shall not shut it," said one who speaks the first
word shut
it."
In the middle of the night they heard a noise, and peering out they perceived that a wild dog had entered the room, and that he was busy devouring their little
store of food.
either of
these
and the dog, having sniffed at everything, 'and having eaten as much as he wanted,
silly
people
the
woman
ground
said to
all
the
?"
husband,
How
is it
you are
still
sitting here
alone
a word.
The
barber then
he did not
speak
man
over
far-
mer remained
witched
!
dumb
as a mute.
"
The man
is
be-
"
cried
the house.
He had
the mill.
plight,
from
"
Ah
"You have spoken the first word," said so begone, woman, and shut the door."
the farmer,
STORY XLV.
The Traveller and
his Camel.
/^NCE
upon a time a
traveller,
There
201
asleep.
When
all
:
faithful
companion of
"
his
apostrophized him
Where is the spirit fled, ah, where, The life that cheered the weary ways ?
Could'st thou not wait one hour, nor spare For me, thy Friend, one parting gaze ?"
leaving,
* Literally" Where is the spirit fled which bore the load !" it saw not me its well-known friend
When
APPENDIX.
THE PUNjABt VERSES WHICH OCCUR IN
SHARAIi'S VERSION
OF RASJL&.
'
Mangal var
nibbia,
var,
Nam
rakhia Rasal.
The mighty king was born, The name given him was
Rasal.
Te
kur.
APPENDIX.
Little, little see I
205
Hear, Raja
Whose
Their mothers'
3-
Kehre
Raje da tu betra
?
nagri,
?
What Raja's son are you ? What is your name ? Where is your country ? Where is your town ?
4-
betra,
I,
2o6
APPENDIX.
vds
Aya hamare
I
pas.
forest, I
forest.
The
forest is
my home
tree,
which
is
Ke
I
was born
in the forest, I
forest,
The
forest is
my home
have not seen,
tree should walk,
7-
feet a
APPENDIX.
In the
forest I
207
forest I
was
fed,
palia
;
A is A chalittar heriar*
lohbia
was born,
is
in the forest I
;
was fed.
And
And
the forest
my home
Such trespassing
be
divided.
9-
Thou
tyrant,
Your
blunted use
With the
tyrant,
The word
heridr
is
fialds.
2o8
APPENDIX.
10.
Tu
Jis
karan tulaondie,
thou at the
stall
For whose sake are you having For whose sake you are having
it
weighed
weighed,
That time
is
passed.
Ik marandid do
moe
char
;
Do marandia
Char purakh do
nar.
One
Two
Four being
Kujh na kharid
sath,
Eh
Jiu taria
Raja Dharthali. This is another name for Raja BhartiH, or Bhartarl, the famous king who abdicated his kingdom and became a fakir, a disciple of Guru Gorakhnath.
APPENDIX
Raja Dharthali died,
Nothing took he with him
;
2og
Thus
this
Mii^h dahri
sir
pagg
Nadi rohrenda
jhaid
Ndm Rab
Of
de kadh.
head a turban,
name
take
him out
14.
Mera
ji
were related
My
life
IS-
Sappa
te jhaia
duroddrai wair
pair.
APPENDIX.
Snakes and hedgehogs from the
enmity
;
first
were
at
foolish one,
own
foot.
Biaban wich
ai ratri,
Moe kurange
Je
* pas
pai
dead
will
grant
life.
Then
four words
we
shall speak.
17-
Is nagri ik
minis ayi
karenda mar
;
Oh mar
Us
Mai
patulat kattia,
gir parf
Jhudhal,
Te nau
tote gharial
APPENDIX.
To
this city
211
man
has come,
;
Jhudhal
fell
down.
1 8.
A man
The first and last is told. The wise will give the answer.
19.
Ik achambha dekhea
te
Chena.
A
A
And
2l2
APPENDIX.
In the light of
it
be.
game changeable.
;
stake,
it
be.
betra,
Udhe hamari
* Cf. basantar,
nagri,
+ Otherwise
are at stake.
Sirdharfn
dian bajian
a proverb Heads
and bodies
APPENDIX.
am my name Udhe is my country, Atak is my town.
Raja Bhatti's son
I,
213
Hodi
is
23
Tu kehre
Kehre
raje di betri,
;
raje di nar
Kiddhar
gia gawir ?
are you,
Leaving you
in
high palaces
am am I,
I,
me
in
high palaces,
The
gone hunting.
25-
mai.-j?
chalke dhauke,
;
214
APPENDIX.
From
afar I have
queen,
running,
And which
side
26.
Tu
dtir thi
Tainu khabar na
ka,
Te khabbeo mehl da
Mehld
te
rah
charh
a.
From
afar
Hear
O
O
Raja,
You know
not anything
On
If
Rajk,
;
And on
the
left is
the palace-road
love, hear
!
Raja,
Up
to the palace
come.
27.
Sun ve
totea
Is nagri
na
vassie,
le ddro
nassie,
Na
Jo kutta khave
khir.
APPENDIX.
Hear
!
215
parrot
is
In this country
no
living,
;
And
Such
far
been seen,
eat the rice-and-milk.
Sun ve
toted,
Is nagri
na
vassie,
sak,
Hear
In
parrot,
this
far
country We
may
not
live,
;
And
Such outrage has not been seen. That a crow should eat the grapes.
29.
Te
Ke tote
karra vakkho-vakkh.
small,
Your nose is aquiline, your mouth very And Uke the deer is your waist Where shall I put my hands,
That
I
may
(not) break
you
in^pieces.
2i6
APPENDIX.
30-
Dhannii
lathi jeth
har di
chhikie,
azar.
The arrow is made by the fletcher, The blade is made by the smith, The bow, relaxed since May and June,
Whose
So
that
horn-(tips) are hooked.
Is pulled as to the string again
and again,
Nauhd
nal chawal
mai
;
chhilla,
Dudh pakawa khir Mur d td meri sej te Tun Ranjha mai Hir.
With
my
nails I
husk
Milk and
rice I
cook
Return you
to
my
couch.
You
are Ranjha, I
32-
am
Hir.
te
min pandh
pae,
APPENDIX.
Water has been put on the
Sit
fire-place,
217
bathe yourself;
Us travellers put on the road, You for two pice the seer have
33-
sold yourself.
Tu
niklia bagla
khas
If I
You have turned out a very crane had known you were a crane, You never had touched me.
34-
Te mangtia
I
sada-jog.j
There remains
my
poor refuse
crow.
2i8
APPENDIX.
35.
bail
vang
ha"th,
Some beauty has enjoyed him, And passed the whole night
She wept, he wiped [her
tears]
Then
Te na
la,la
bharie
vdt.
Dahia bagdna na
balorie,
Usda pSi
Sej pari
jiha suad,
na manie,
Oh
Chhitia
t The name of a very acrid plant. J Buk-bhar a double handful, the hands being
wept, from
APPENDIX.
The akk should
not be used as a tooth-brush,
219
And
The The
The bed
It
of another
may
not be enjoyed,
Your hands
And
Hatho
pale rukhre,
;
Chulid * pani pa
trees.
When
A>th kurral %
nau murgaia,
Te
chor.
* Chuli is single handful, the water raised to the mouth in one palm. t For Chhaiil, shade. X In the popular imagination the palace-guards assume the sh.ipe of
various birds.
Query,
Is
In reality they were of course men of various " Kurral" corrupted from Karral of Hazarie ?
tribes.
220
APPENDIX.
Eight ospreys, nine water-fowls,
And
five
me
Te mu>^h-miih aura de
Je paliara* jau chare,
Te rakhha kya
kare.
And
face to face
fix it
[on others]
the guards do
40.
Pet na taror
addia,|
la
Te
tan na
kamchi
Oh
sir
desan cha.
My
And my body
They
will give
their heads.
* Apparently allied to pallura, a border. t Bal is a creeping plant also vail. In the Chach plain the word Nagar-bal is a creeper under which snakes lurk. alK.
APPENDIX.
41.
221
taroria,
pair asar.
Kau
Who
Who
AVho
broke into
my
palace,
upon my bed,
is
loose.
my
mina,
?
Who
Shirak tota
lar
moe.
Is tote taroria
mera
lala
gai,
;
da har
te,
The
I
my
necklet of rubies
My
I
foot-marks
sat
came
in the palace,
have
So the nawar
loose.
and + t Nawar, the broad cotton tape stretched from side to side support the mattress. from end to end of a bed to
223
APPENDIX.
43-
Te
sujan.
Little, little
bends the
string,
And greatly bends the bow What senseless fool would bend ? The shrewd and wise man bends.
44,
Thora thora tu
Te
For
translation
see
an!e\
45-
Nar na
mas.
Lat means a
their cutis.
There is a sect of beggars distinguished by curl. Bawari means a senseless one, Lat-bawarf, then, = a
APPENDIX.
223
A woman
should not be
masterful,
made
too dear to
become
O
;
Rajea,
Te benhdia desew
gal
Rajea,
nal.
O Raja,
;
Whose reproach
Lo,
I will
upon me,
Raja,
die with
him
47-
Amb
Te
phallo ke
nij
nij
phallo
Te bhakkh-di
rahe aga.
fruited,
fruit
on you come
is
empty,
fire.
And
224
APPENDIX.
RASALtr
aihan vath da
ta dittia,
nam khuda.
la.
Eh gun
Began
We
As he used
name
I
of God.
evil,
received
49.
Ek
millia,
Dhar
Mera
sina
hoa khuar,
khallas,
or
Jhambar is driving rain. JhaUkh is strong wind. more properly hail, t Sitil-saf4, = Sauntering about for pleasure,
Aihan
is
snow
APPENDIX.
Ek
nikal parri hansni,
kiti
22S
Mai
ghar di nar,
Ek bans
maria jhambar jhakk da aihan vath da Sathon mangan lagga ja, Asa jagha ta dittia,
Hans
the banks of a river was taking a walk, Turning up the sand I found an egg, And took it in my bill. Keeping it under my breast I hatched
I
One day on
it,
became ruined. If it had come out a male swan, I would have given him liberty.
breast
It
And my
This swan struck by rain-storm and strong snow Began to ask shelter from us.
We
The
As he used
name
of God,
50.
Rajea,
A3
226
APPENDIX.
Other kings are water-fowl, hear,
Raja,
You
hear,
Raja,
May
your
life
be long.
Dhi
Harat
Rah wich
rdhdi rangri,
A
A
To
is
completely destroyed,
These
most cursed. *
52-
Rdh
In
musAfar
trai wal,
hai,
oven or
kiln.
APPENDIX.
Road-travellers are three persons
237
The moon,
Jagg musafar
trai wal,
Bhed, zananA,
te
dad
A sheep,
And do
woman, and
ofif,
a bullock.
Khdh
ke,
Unnd da
dil
hoia
dilgir,
gai,
father's family-priests
So they
ran, whither
To Kdbul gone
or to Kashmir.
APPENDIX.
55-
Ganga jeha
jal
nahi,
Te channe
jehi jot,
is
no water
light,
fruit,
And
like the
moon is no
is
no
And no
56.
Har
Ajaz phira
Td
In every jungle
I walk, a
I walk, hear,
fakir.
O O
Raja,
poor
You have
Raja,
Your wazir
without wit.
57-
Kachchhe jeha
jal nahi,
jot,
sun Rajea,
Te
akhi jehi
Te sukhe
jehi sot,
APPENDIX.
Like the water
in
229
your flask *
theire is
no water,hear
no
O
Like
(
Raja,
the Ught of
is
)
is
light,
no
of)
contentment there
is
no
sleep.
kadar Allah,
bhalle manso,
[fellows,
me a raja do not kill me, my good A fakir am I, esteemed of God, You are own sister to them, O good fellows. Do you instruct them.
Mehri
bhalli tan samli
safed,
Kapar bhalla
-r^;^;:^^^;^r^^^A^^^^~^^^^^^^^^^^'^
for neither can
230
APPENDIX.
A woman
dark of body
is
good,
A
A
bay-coloured horse
is
is
good,
country of warriors
good,
An
active king
is
good,
That man
Who
commits a
60.
bhari,
Tu
at the
Having
and a turban,
filled,
opari,
Tudh
Merd
bagani dhi,
* Gharoli, a kind of pitcher. The Panjabis have a nuptial song At weddings the young girls of the village called the Gharoli song. bring up, a gharoli of water from the well, and, saying the gharoli song, thtow it over the bridegroom,
APPENDIX.
:-33i
unknown,
You
have been
killed,
Who
will solace
me?
62.
PhUk lagawa
ag,
Mere pichhe je tii mari, Mai inaraw unnah gdl lag.* Your chains and
Blowing
If for
fetters I will
cause to be cut,
fire.
I will set
them on
killed,
slayers).
them (your
63.
Ar hoia kare
Bera ruhrea wich
fanah,
lahii
de
likhia
lag, touching.
Gal
lag, in
mortal combat.
232
APPENDIX.
Strange
is
Thy
nature,
Thou
My
boat
is
drifting
on the stormy
river,
Nodding
boat-load
is
is
passing over.
written
theGod
of truth?
64.
Dushman marna te zer karna, Eh bhallia da kam, Mainu man thi ddr kar, Mujh wich had na cham.
foe to strike
and
to
subdue him,
This
is
Me from
I
who
bears
away
dying.
APPENDIX.
233
IN JUMA'S
Ujar khere
bi
vasan
Moid na
jive
ko
Moe
kurange Rabba
ji
pawai
deserted house
may
again be inhabited,
A man O God,
I will
if
once dead
lives
not again
gha.
service,
On
Nibbling
with
my
teeth.
3-
Dum
Tad
Ate mainiiw
harni da jdea
Bhatth, a kiln
and
so "
fit
A4
234
APPENDIX.
My
cut,
;
If ever I
To
your place
bring thieves.
A-
Eh mard
The
parrots
hai ke nar
sit sit
And
What
Is
it
they
is
on the house
man
or a
woman
S-
Who
just
now gone
6.
out hunting.
APPENDIX.
235
?
Choraw maile kapre,
Shadha
chitta ves
Ham
choraia des.
queen,
My deer
caused
me
to leave
my country.
Chhe-te-assi pauria
amba wale
rah
And
the road
is
by the mangoe
a mangoe-tree.
trees
Your horse
tie to
And
9-
Rah
Banea hai
236
APPENDIX.
Where have you
lost
your deer
lost
your cattle
become
10.
Sirak meri
tii
mdri, ujar
kito
i
Ate mainila
ujar
Tad
tote
da
jaea,
nal.
II.
killed
my
mina,
;
And me
Arise,
she neglected
sleeping king.
an hour.
APPENDIX.
12.
lyj
Ate
assi
mere mor
hodia
?
Itne rakhe
My
eighty-six
minas
;
And
How broke in
Na
the thieves
heth.
me
with whip,
Nor
strike heel
on
my
flank
If 1 was
born
of a horse,
I will take
palace.
Ar uthdiaw desen
Jedha land meh4 Vesd usde nal.
gd.1
rajea,
When I sit down you give me taunts, And when I stand you give me abuse
Whose
reproach
(I bear),
;.
Raja,
I will
go with him.
238
APPENDIX.
IS-
Jiu^zde
mauja manias
mas.
Moea da khada
When he was ahve you enjoyed him, When he was dead you ate his flesh.
Tu
Je
haraju
na dalka,
tera bachra,
Rab rakhe
sir
Mai
desa cha.
Do
If
son.
My
head
17-
Uchche mandal
dissan maria
Kya varti
sansar.
High domes and palaces are seen, There are seen shops and bazars,
That every door
is
seen vacant
to the
world
APPENDIX.
239
Mu?ih dhari
sir
pagg
A khalote ne O
aj.
On
Those
your face a beard, your head a turban; tyrants we were thinking of are seen,
to-day.
19.
aya,
khali.
Run,
my
Find
thfi
mountain cave.
of
The prophet
God
has come.
On
* Vali, a saint.
ing
may be
excused by
a demon
like themselves.
wooden
making
240
APPENDIX.
IN
THE
pivia
? ?
Who smoked my hookah ? Who spat out his phlegm ? Who turned my well,
Since the channel
is
wet
When he was alive, you enjoyed him. When he was dead, you ate his flesh
Cursed be
their
life,
Whose hope
is
in others.
3-
rdja,
gdl
mam
undnde
nal.
APPEKDIX
When I get up, you give me taunts, Raja, And when I sit down, you give me abuse For whom you give me reproach,
241
My
death
will
be with him.
L'ENVOY.
Sada na bagiw bulbul
Sada na bag bahira, Sada na
raj
bole,
khushi de honde,
The bulbul sings not always in the garden, The garden is not always blooming,
Kingdoms
are not always ruled in happiness,
AS
242
APPENDIX.
ADDITIONAL NOTES.
RAjA VikramAjit, or BikramAjit,
rior, saint,
a great
capital
Hindu
war-
and
legislator.
His
original
was Ujain
in
Kabul.
Ariana
Antigua).
B. C.
His
56.
era,
still
ob-
served by
the
Hindus,
begins
According to
RAjA ShalivhAn,
Panjabi bards.
or
SalivAhAna,
is
Elphinstone
above
mentioned could
not
by
it
Be
this as
may,
his
kingdom was
empire, according
his capital city
being Sialkot.
Guru GorakhnAth,
founded
He maintained a sect in the Panjab about A. D. 1400. the equalizing effects of religious penances, but chose Siva
as the manifestation of Deity.
the Sikhs, p. 37).
(Cunningham's History of
legends
That
in the
Rasalu
is
said
to
have been contemporaneous with him, shows how the bards have loved to gather round the memory of their favourite
hero the popular stories of widely different times, a process which is not without its analogue elsewhere.
Hazrat
distinction,
AmAm
meaning
AlI
LAk.
Hazrat
Amara
is
title
i. e.,
of
'Highness.'
k\i,
the
name of the famous son-in-law of the Muhammad. Lak appears to be an additional title, prophet
'The True.'
APPENDIX.
It is a
243
Imam
Ali in
person the
subjection of
all
i.e.
KwAjA Khizar, called by the Hindus Baran-deotA, The God of Waters. Kwaja is a title of honour. Khizar
means
'
green',
and
refers,
say the
villagers,
to the garis
ment
to
or robe in
arrayed.
Properly speaking he
that saint
among Mahummadans
whose protection
all
wayfarers
states that
commend
themselves.
He
fish,
and
in his
hand he
This
tale appears, I
am
informed,
Sakandar Ndmd of Nizami. It may possibly refer some great captain of Alexander's host, who the Indus, and whom the conqueror may have perished in
to the loss of
honoured
after
The
ed
the waters of Immortality relates that the spring was situatin the midst of a labyrinth into which the king rode
on a mare which had newly foaled, the foal being tied up He was in the act of lifting a doubleat the entrance. handful of water to his mouth, when he was startled by an ominous croak, and looking up, he saw a raven sitting on
a branch.
The
bird
had only a
single feather
on
his body,
" Drink not and he appeared to be all skin and bone. croaked he, " I drank of it, and now see of that water,"
what
am.
am
neither alive
all
birds
the most
miserable."
244
APPENDIX.
mounted
his mare, which,
hastily
instincts, carried
him
not so
much Greek
or
Muham-
madan
as
Hindu
in origin.
The
He
is
propitiated by
bearing small
up and launch
at night
Khizar
is
may be
the
pleased to
of
Bhax/nrA-IrAki.
black bee said
the term
Bhaura
is
name
the large
Iraki is
to be
enamoured of the
lotus.
from Central
Irak-Arabi
is strictly
Baikalbatth.
According to the
bard Jiimd,
it
was he
who was
Sharaf
named
this giant
Bhagarbhatth.
in
RAjA SiRiKAP. Ghulam, an intelligent villager of Ki5ndt, Mount Gandgarh, about five miles from Sirikot, informed
that
me
a brother of Rdj4 Dharthili,.and that he used to live in Sangot-thi-Ghari, or the Fort of Sangot, half a mile from Sirikot
itself
that
he
built
implies,
name according to him really though he admits that it may also mean the chief
APPENDIX.
fort.*
245
He
also
had only
one
eye.
Raja Hodi.
Raja Hodi's
Indus,
According to
his
the
same
authority,
repre-
many
in the Introduction.
and
tion
it is
his
with himself
it
connec-
spelt in the
in
Indus, t
to
for
we
find his
memory
largely preserved
at
When encamped
of three
Mahomedan Power
all
in India, p. Ixx).
He
is
there called
Hdda,
five
named
as Hodi's capital,
summer
palace consisting of
half
trict in
tit is, however, important to remember that there was anciently a disthese parts named Udiana, so that " Udi Raja" may be merely (Travels of Hwen Thsang, and other authorities.) the king of Udi.
246
APPENDIX.
the Aianposh Tope, on an eminence less than a
hills, in (2)
mile to the south of Jalalabad, and (3) in the charming spot Daranta, about five miles west of Jalalabad, famous for
its
Afrassa's
kingdom, say
it
Kabul, and
was
known
as
A. D.
biting
all
These meagre
of Hadi,
who
by " Amihamza,
in-law of
the
Imam
many
Ali
Muhammad,
that
and
Hodi and
a
his brethren
had been
Ranigat
by a Hindu queen, two of whose brothers also lived at Charsadda and Peshawur, while Udi Raja lived in his fort,
overlooking Khairabad opposite Attock.
that
It
was arranged
when danger threatened any one of them, he or she should light a fire, when the smoke curling up to the sky would bring the others to the rescue. The Hashtnaggar raja,
to test his relations,
assistance, only to
lit
find
was a
false alarm.
Some time
APPENDIX.
after the
247
lit
the signal
fire,
had been given, her relatives came not to her assistance, and she was defeated. It is said that during the fight she ascended a large block of stone to watch for the aid she expected, but being very fair, delicate,
and
beautiful, she
is
melted away in
stone
therefore called
the Queen's
it is
this day,
the
ill-fated
blood."
{Government
Report.)
RAjA Bhoj
century.
or
Bhoja
of
Malwa. His
p.
(Elphinstone's India,
231.)
This name locally pronounced Gangar has been explained by Capt. R. C. Temple as the "Naked Foot."
Gandgarh.
Gand
filth.
in Panjabi
means anything
foul
and abominable,
as
to to
But on the banks of the Upper Indus it appears possess an extended meaning, and it may be applied
what
is
and
giants,
such a monster,
for instance, as
Shakespear's
Caliban.
fort or the
home
of
name for
have succumbed
of the world.
to the superior
The Fate
of Queen
KoklAn.
According
to
the
" Ghazi" version, and to Juraa's version, Queen Kokla, when she fell from the castle-walls, was killed on the
spot.
248
APPENDIX.
according
still
for
to
broken,
survived,
him the queen, though bruised and and her husband threw her into a
Hodi's
" Go
tell
his
son
is
coming
home
to
him married,"
and so
On
stopped.by a scavenger
who
ob-
was not
after
wounds,
which he married
her.
dwelling in the
easily
hills
of
Hazard.
see
their
descendants are of a
and
of a
pride,
while at the
qualities
more
still
ignoble sort,
and of
The Game
in
of Chaupat.
in
India.
it is
As
chess,
of which
the
origin,
in
number, in
own
is
usually com-
posed of embroidered
a cross.
One Rdjd
it.
Nail
traditionally said to
inventor of
It is still in great
favour
all
has
The game played by Rdjd Rasdlu and Raja Sirikap many points in common with the famous gambling match
in the venerable epic
APPENDIX.
Tales from Indian History, p.
1 1
;
249
and Dr.
Hunter's The
Indian Empire,
p. 127).
is
The
represents
the
two kings
at
the
moment
when Rasalu
tenders, the
finally victorious.
The
mumbles the
com-
are
all
wonderfully
while the
events of the
method of representing the crowded episode in a single scene, after the manner of
is
well
the
the
stray
fancy
and
to arouse
^^^^^^^
A 6
2 so
APPENDIX.
P.
S.
Since
this
work went
to press I
first
writer to
is
His version
to
be
for
found
in the
Journal of
the
Asiatic
Society, (Bengal),
1854, pp.
123163.
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ERR.VT.A..
On
page
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read
ryKpaati.
>)
diviypacrii;
XIV,
)>
"yrvoi,
ev\opaL,
II
)i
P^^'i
XV,
I,
line
I,
lo,
"alike," "dight,"
"notice," "alii,"
II,
16,
26,
220, footnote
230,
" saying,"
2SO
APPENDIX.
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