46 THE HOLY WARS OF ISLAM the sheaf of old age and had fallen under the influence of Lyra and other unlucky constellations, and that it was time he should contemplate his death and devote himself to religious exercises. There is a custom among these people that if any one is taken prisoner by an enemy, as in this case Jaipal was by the Mussulmans, it is not lawful for him to continue to reign. When, therefore, Jaipal saw that he was captive in the prison of old age and degradation, he thought death by cre- mation preferable to shame and dishonour. So he com- menced with shaving off his hair, and then threw him- self upon the fire till he was burnt. When Sultan Mahmud had accomplished every wish and reduced all his enemies, he resolved, in his happi- ness, on another holy war. Marching toward Waihind, he encamped there in state, until he had established himself in that country and had relieved himself from the toils of the campaign. News reached him that the Hindus had taken refuge in the passes of the neigh- bouring hills, where they had concealed themselves in the forests and jungles, consulting among themselves how to attack the Mussulmans. He therefore despatched an army against them, to conquer their country and dis- perse them. The army fell upon them, and committed such slaughter that their swords were covered with blood. Those who escaped death fled away like moun- tain goats, having seen the swords flashing as bright as stars at noonday and dealing black and red death around them. Thus did the infidels meet with the pun- ishment and loss due to their deserts. The standards
