THE SLAVE GIRL OF AGRA
Darkness had fallen on the hills around, and the world was still. Jamshid brought his harp and humbly sat on the ground, a few paces from the rock on which Prithwi Raj and Norendra were seated. And as the music issued from his deft, pliant fingers the Ballad of Pratap Singh rose on the evening air.
I
"Man Singh came from Amber State to pay the homage due
To the Rana famed in war,
Pratap Singh of proud Mewar,
Held in honour near and far
By Rajputs bold and true!
Though an exile from Chittore and from his father's land,
'Gainst the King on Agra's throne he ranged his Chohan band!
II
Feast was spread o'er rock and heath, for palace there was none,
And around the honoured guest
Chiefs and warriors duteous prest—
Pratap came not with the rest
But nursed his wrath alone!
Wherefore for his honoured guest he layeth not the plate?
'Tis because the Lord of Amber serveth Agra's State!
III
Wrathful spake the Lord of Amber, fire was in his eye—
'Witness every Chief and Lord,
Man Singh wears a Rajput's sword,
Man Singh speaks a Rajput's word—
A Rajput cannot lie,
Proud is Pratap of Mewar, but when again we meet,
If his life is dear unto him, be his courser fleet!'
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