HISTORIANS OF SIND.
he consigned the countries of Hindústán, Nadama, and Lchána separately upon another. This was after the time of Hál.[1] When the life of Ayand reached its limit, his son Rásal became king. He reigned for some time, until one rose up against him and expelled him from the kingdom. Rásal (then) went southwards, and established himself there. He had two sons, one named Rawwál, and the younger Barkamárís.
HISTORY OF RAWWÁL AND and BARKAMÁRÍS..—When Rásal died his eldest son Rawwál assumed the sovereignty. It happened that a certain king had a daughter of great intelligence. Wise and learned men had declared that the man who should marry this girl should become king of the four climes.[2] All the kings and princes of the Hindus sought her, but no one pleased her except Barkamárís, who was very handsome. When Barkamárís brought her home his brother said, as she pleased you so does she please me. Then he took the girl with her handmaids. Barkamárís said to himself “The damsel chose me for my wisdom and there is nothing better than wisdom.” So he gave himself up to study, and associated with the learned and the brahmans, till he reached such perfection that he had no equal.
When the rebel who had expelled their father (Rásal) heard the story of the damsel, he said “Can they who do such things occupy such a position?” So he led an army and put Rawwál to flight. Rawwál with his brothers and nobles all went to the top of a mountain where a strong fortress had been built. Then they set guards on the summit and felt secure. But the enemy got possession of the mountain by stratagem, and besieged the fort, and was near upon taking it. Rawwál then sent to sue for peace, and his enemy said—“Send me the girl, and let every one of your chiefs send a girl. I will give these girls to my officers,— then I will withdraw.” Rawwál was dejected, but he had a wazír, blind of both eyes, named Safar, of whom he enquired what was to be done. He advised him to give up the women and save his life. He might then take measures against his enemy, but if he lost his life what would be the good of
