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 the opening—but no sign was visible. There was no indication of life in that silent hall.

A sound of drums and hautboys and cymbals from the Nakara Khana interrupted Noren's reflections, and proclaimed to the world that the great Emperor had taken his seat. The crowd rushed onwards like an irresistible torrent to have a Darshan, a sight of their well-beloved monarch. Gajapati and Noren too spurred their horses, and were soon before the Hall of Audience.

Although the Emperor showed himself to his subjects every day, this was the first great Darbar held in Agra since he had returned from his conquest of Ahmadnagar in the south. All the illustrious Grandees of Agra, and even Governors of distant provinces, had, therefore, come to pay him their respects. Akbar sat amidst them on his stately throne, not so gorgeous as the famous peacock throne built by his grandson, but more befitting the dignity of an Empire-builder. Tall in stature, rather dark than fair, Akbar had keen black eyes and a fine open forehead. His long arms gave him a great advantage in many a fight in perilous fields, but his great muscular strength was now subdued by age. Inured to dangers and wars, he was nevertheless so tender in heart that he could scarcely see an animal in pain. Determined in purpose and swift in execution, he was by nature generous and forgiving, and the foes he conquered became the pillars of his empire. Without a knowledge of letters, he followed the disputations of the philosophers of his Court, and often grasped those fundamental truths which escaped the reasoning of logicians. And, with an inborn wisdom and a matchless capacity for work, he