COUNCIL CHAMBER
of Gondwana. Gifted with more than human gifts and courage, the two inspired women were sent to earth to shed lustre on your Majesty's reign, as the two lamps at the gateway illuminate the marble mosque of Agra."
Akbar was in no humour this evening to appreciate the florid poetry of the Khan-Khanan, but none appreciated the heroism of his foes more than he.
"I wish, Khan-Khanan, that those gifted women had survived the fall of their States. The richest Jaigir of my Empire I would willingly assign to Queen Dargabati if she was alive to-day. And the proudest Prince of my house would have welcomed the heroic Chand Sultana as a bride not unworthy of the royal house of Akbar. You have witnessed her prowess, noble Khan-Khanan."
"Ay, mighty Emperor, I will not deny that the valiant prince Murad and myself were beaten back by that heroic woman, and many were the brave Moguls who perished on the banks of the Godavari in that memorable action which lasted for two days. Prince Daniel, your Majesty's youngest son, was more successful; but Ahmadnagar was not taken until your Majesty helped our operations."
A shade of melancholy thought passed over the brow of the aged Emperor at the mention of his sons' names, and there was a tremor in his voice as he spoke again.
"My brave son, Murad, trod the slippery path which tempts youth, and passed away before his time, and much I fear my son Daniel, too, is inclined to follow the path of pleasure rather than the path of duty. You are a father to him, Khan-Khanan, and have given him your daughter in marriage. Keep
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