every hour brought with it fresh news of disaster. Whatever the business, it became difficult for the Pathan soldiers to come out of the fort, in small numbers; their excesses at once ceased; the soldiers took refuge within the fort; and it became extremely difficult to procure provisions. On receiving news of the redress, the country, previously so much harassed, had met with at the hands of Jagat Singha, Man Singha wrote his son the following letter:—
"Luminary of the Race! I am convinced that the Imperial domains will be rid of the Pathans by you. To back your efforts, I send you ten thousand soldiers more."
The Prince wrote in reply:—
"As you like it, Sire. If more troops come, so much the better; else, by your blessings, with the five thousand I shall redeem my Kshetriya-like word."
Drunk with martial enthusiasm, the Prince went on achieving uninterrupted success.
Saileshwara! Had all recollection of the lovely damsel, the magic of whose sincere glance had vanquished this warrior in thy temple, vanished quite from his mind amidst the tumult and din of fight? If so, then Jagat Singha is verily composed of stone like thee.
Come, go we to Bimala; let's see whether Jagat Singha is a stone or a man; let alone the tumult of the fray;—Bimala alone is sweet in all this.
