Page:HMElliotHistVol1.djvu/184

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150

HISTORIANS OF SIND.

that the people of the fort will do despite to the cultivation of Budh. You are to-day a fortunate and a great man.” Chach said, “The worship of Budh is most righteous, and ever to hold it in honour is most proper. But if you are in want of anything, tell me, for I shall consider it a privilege and a duty to provide for it.” The devotee answered, “I do not want anything of this world from you. May God incline you to the affairs of the next.” Chach said, “I also wish that my salvation may be the result. Direct me so that I may see where assistance is required, and I will help you.” He exclaimed, “As you seem to be desirous of performing charitable and virtuous deeds, there is an old temple (called) Budh and Nau-vihár (at) Sáwandasí[1] which has suffered much injury from the hand of time—it requires repair. You should spend some money in renewing its foundation, and I shall be thus benefited by you.” Chach said, “By all means; I thank you, farewell.”

Chach returns to Brahmanábád.

Chach rode back from that place. The minister asked him, “O king, I have seen a wonder.” “What is it?” said Chach. He remarked, “When you started you had resolved that I should order the soldiers to kill the devotee; but when you went before him you showed every wish to please him, and accepted all his prayers.” Chach said, “Very true; I saw something which, was no magic or charm, for when I looked at him, something came before my vision, and as I sat before him, I beheld a dreadful and horrible phantom standing at his head. Its eyes blazed like fire, and were full of anger, and its lips were long and thick, and its teeth resembled pikes. He had a spear in his hand, which shone like diamonds, and it appeared as if he was going to strike some one with it. When I saw him I was much afraid, and could not utter a word to him which you might hear. I wished to save my own life, so I observed him carefully and departed.°

Chach stays at Brahmanábád, and determines the amount of the revenue.

Chach stopped in the fort of Brahmanábád till all ministerial

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