shall you or I suffer from that? Let it break out if it will.
Dalani. Do you hope to win?
Gurgan Khan. Yes, there is every chance of our gaining the victory.
Dalani. Who has yet conquered the English?
Gurgan Khan. How many Gurgan Khans have the English encountered?
Dalani. Seerajuddaulla fancied the very same thing. However that may be, I am a woman and I believe in what the mind feels from within. It comes to my mind that we shall by no means be victorious in our fight with the English. This war will bring about our ruin. I have, therefore, come to entreat you not to encourage the idea of war.
Gurgan Khan. In a matter like this, woman's advice is not acceptable.
Dalani. You must accept my advice. O, save me—I see nothing but darkness all around!
Dalani then began to weep. Gurgan Khan was taken aback. He said, "Why should you weep? It does not matter if Mir Kasim is dethroned—I shall take you home along with me."
Dalani's eyes flashed fire. She said in a
66
