हम्मीर महाकाव्यम् (रणथम्भौर चौहान वीरगाथा एवं इतिहास)

to an amicable settlement of the differences subsisting between them. The king ordered Ratipâla to go and hear what 'Alâu'd-dîn had to say. Ranamalla was jealous of Ratipâla's influence, and did not at all like that he should have been chosen for this service. 'Alâu'd-dîn received Ratipâla with extraordinary marks of honour. Upon his entering the darbâr tent, the Muhammadan chief rose from his seat, and, embracing him, made him sit on his own gâdi, while he himself sat by his side. He caused valuable presents to be placed before Ratipâla, and also made pro- mises of further rewards. Ratipâla was delighted with such kind treatment. The wily Muhammadan, observing it, ordered the rest of the company to leave them alone. When they had all left, he began to address Ratipâla. "I am," said he, "'Alâu'd-dîn, the king of the Muhammadans, and I have up to this time stormed and carried hundreds of fortresses. But it is impossible for me to carry Ranathambhôr by force of arms. My object in investing this fort is simply to get the fame of its capture. I hope now (as you have condescended to see me) I shall gain my object, and I may trust you for a little help in the fulfilment of my desire. I do not wish for any more kingdoms and forts for myself. When I take this fort, what better can I do than bestow it on a friend like you? My only happiness will be the fame of its capture." With blandishments such as these, Ratipâla was won over, and he gave 'Alâu'd-dîn to under- stand so. Thereupon 'Alâu'd-dîn, to make his game doubly sure, took Ratipâla into his harem, and there left him to eat and drink in private with his youngest sister.¹⁹ This done, Ratipâla left the Muhammadan camp and came back into the fort. ¹⁹ At first sight this statement might seem to be a fancy of the author intended to blacken the character of the victor. But we read that such things were quite possible in the tribe to which the conqueror belonged. A slipper at