Hira Bai was standing under a tree, holding a
branch with her right hand and singing in a low
tone. Immediately after seeing her, the Prince
helplessly sat down there, and then stretched
himself at full length on the ground in a swoon.
The news was carried to his aunt. She clasped
him to her breast and began to wail and lament.
After three or four gharis the Prince regained
consciousness. However much she inquired
about his condition, saying, 'What malady is
it? Did you ever have it before?' the Prince
gave no reply at all, but remained silent. At
midnight he recovered his speech and said, *If
I mention my disease, can you apply the remedy ?'
She replied, 'What to speak of remedy? I shall
offer my life itself to cure you!' Then the
Prince unfolded the whole matter to her The
aunt replied, 'You know the wretch, my hus-
band. He is a bloody-minded man and does not
care in the least for the Emperor Shah Jahan or
for you. At the mere report of your desire for
Hira Bai he will first murder her and then me.
Telling him about your passion will do no other good.'
Next morning the Prince came back to his own quarters and discussed the case in detail with his confidant, Murshid Quli Khan, the Diwan of the Deccan. The Khan said, 'Let me
