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 crossed the Vindhya mountains and secured a footing in the south by the capture of Ahmadnagar. The vast Empire was divided into fifteen Provinces, and peopled by a hundred million subjects of all creeds, who were drawn closer to the throne by a wise policy of toleration and of trust. No Imperial workman of an age made illustrious by the reigns of Elizabeth and Henry IV. and Philip II. in the West strove with greater skill and bravery and wisdom to build, cement and consolidate an Empire.

And yet the closing years of his life were clouded by many anxieties and many private sorrows, and Noren saw deep lines of thought stamped on that open forehead. It was to hold consultations on these matters that the Emperor had invited some of his trusted advisers to the Council Chamber this evening.

"Noble Khan-Khanan," he said thoughtfully to the high officer who stood next to his seat, "on you I rely for a wise and beneficent administration of Ahmadnagar, which your arms have conquered."

"Little could my arms have achieved, mighty King of Kings, if your Majesty had not crossed the Vindhyas and directed our operations. Planets shine in the sky by the borrowed light of the great luminary which is the source of all radiance."

"Hard work is before you," continued Akbar, disregarding the compliment and the metaphor of the Khan-Khauan, "for Ahmadnagar has strong fighters yet, animated by the memory of the most heroic woman of our age and country."

"Your Majesty may well say so. Chand Sultana will live in the annals of the Moslems of Ahmadnagar, as Queen Dargabati lives in the records of the Hindus