THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
as he spoke thus of his departed friend and servant. The multitude was hushed in silent grief.
"For thee, Raja Man Singh, I have reserved such honours as it is in my power to bestow. After the disaster which fell on our arms under thy son's command at the battle of Bhadrak, thou, veteran warrior, didst hasten back to the East and wrest Orissa, once more for us by the glorious action of Sherpur. I bestow on thee the full Command of Seven Thousand, a dignity which has never yet been bestowed on any man in the Empire save to Princes of royal blood. Accept these robes, and accept my unalterable friendship."
The veteran warrior fairly broke down under this unprecedented favour from his Imperial Master. If he muttered any words of gratitude they were drowned by the deafening shouts of applause which rose on all sides from the multitude.
"Beloved nephew," added the Emperor, with a smile and in a softer voice, when the noise had subsided, "the annals of Hind will have something to say of a Hindu Raja who carried victorious arms from the Ganges to Kabul."
"Beloved uncle," replied Raja Man Singh, now in a familiar tone and with greater self-possession, "the annals of Hind will also have something to say of a Moslem Emperor who could bind Hindu Chiefs to his House in the ties of duty and love stronger than shackles of steel."
Raja Man Singh stepped back and another chief came forward.
"The noble Khan-Khanan!"
"The Conqueror of Gajrat!"
"The Bravest of the Brave!"
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