Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v1.c20.s2.t1.98

v1.c20.s2.t1.98

Mention has already been made of the adjuration, “ by the sin of the sack of Chitor.” Of these sacks they enumerate three and a half. This is the ‘half’; for though the city was not stormed, the best and bravest were cut off (sakha). It is described with great animation in the Khuman Raesa. Badal was but a stripling of twelve, but the Rajput expects wonders from this early age. He escaped, though wounded, and a dialogue ensues between him and his uncle’s wife, who desires him to relate how her lord conducted himself ere she joins him. The stripling replies: “ He was the reaper of the harvest of battle; I followed his steps as the humble gleaner of his sword. On the gory bed of honour he spread a carpet of the slain; a barbarian prince his pillow, he laid him down, and sleeps surrounded by the foe.” Again she said : “ Tell me, Badal, how did my love (piyar) behave ? ” “ Oh! mother, how further describe his deeds when he left no foe to dread or admire him ? ” She smiled farewell to the boy, and adding, “ My lord will chide my delay,” sprung into the flame.