हम्मीर महाकाव्यम् (रणथम्भौर चौहान वीरगाथा एवं इतिहास)

enable them to bear down all their many enemies. Jelâlu'd- dîn, said the envoy, now looked upon Vîranârâyaṇa as his brother, and called upon the Almighty to witness if there was aught of deceit in his heart. The envoy concluded by inviting the prince, in the name of his master, to be the guest of the latter in his capital. "Should your Majesty have any objection," added the wily man, "to accept of Jelâlu'd-dîn's hospitality, Jelâlu'd-dîn himself will come to Raṇathambhôr and pass a few days with you." At this time there was pending some feud between Vîranâ- râyaṇa and Vigraha, king of Vakshasthalapura. Bent upon chastising Vigraha, Vîranârâyaṇa gave a willing ear to the ambassador, and resolved upon an alliance with Jelâlu'd-dîn. Vâgbhaṭa disapproved of this alliance with the wicked Muhammadans, sought an interview with Vîra- nârâyaṇa and spoke against it. "An enemy," said he, "is never changed to a friend, do what service you may to him; and if you have any wish to live and govern the kingdom, you must listen to the advice of your teachers and elders, and avoid having aught to do with Jelâlu'd-dîn and the Muslims." Vîranârâyaṇa was incensed at his uncle's advice, and con- temptuously asked him not to think of the cares of the state, as they were now ill-suited to his old and weak mind; that he himself was equal to the task of government, and henceforth would do and act as best pleased him. Vâgbhaṭa, stung to the quick by this answer, left the palace and departed for Mâlwâ. Other courtiers, too, after Vâgbhaṭa had left, tried to dissuade the king from going to his enemy, but all failed. Vîranârâyaṇa at length went to Yoginîpura. The wily Muslim came out to receive him, and treated his guest apparently with the greatest respect. The prince was delighted with his reception, and became much at- D