Page:The Slave Girl of Agra.djvu/167

 one does not speak in this presence of the failings of Royalty."

"But where is Abul Fazel's gifted brother, whose beautiful verses are known and read in Bengal as they are in the Court of Agra? Where is the immortal Faizi?"

"Alas! he has passed away in peace. Light of this Imperial Court, alas too early quenched!"

"And Bir Bal, whose name is associated with that of the Emperor himself in many a legend still repeated in the village homes of Bengal, he too is gone to his rest."

"Ay, the wise counselor, the brave warrior, the witty companion, he died in an expedition against the fierce tribes of the Western Hills. They say our Emperor refused food and drink in his sorrow when he heard of the death of his faithful servant and beloved friend. But mark the man with a long beard and green turban standing not far from Abul Fazel and eyeing him with jealous eyes."

"I notice his proud demeanour, Gajapati, and wonder who he may be."

"He, too, is a historian of high merit and wields a powerful pen, and he is writing the annals of the Emperor and his times. Two in a trade seldom agree, and little love is lost between him and Abul Fazel. His name is Badaoni."

The drums beat again from the Nakara-Khana to proclaim that the Reception was over. But before the Darbar broke up the Emperor desired that an announcement should be made to his nobles and his people. A royal functionary stood up, bowed to the throne and spoke.

"May it please your Majesty, Emperor of these