द्वितीय राजतरङ्गिणी (जोनराज - कल्हणोत्तर मध्यकालीन कश्मीर का प्रामाणिक इतिहास)

252 KINGS OF KASHMÍRA.
them. He passed two days in fever and died in his
house. The imprisoned Mallika, alarmed at the
banishment of his son, was overpowered by grief, and
he fell ill and died. Though the chief minister died
in prison, the people gave vent to their sorrow in
cries and loud lamentations when they heard of his
death.
When great men who have done good deeds die,
insignificant men come forward to take their places,
even as lamps serve the purposes of men when the sun
which lighted the world has set. It was owing to
the good luck of their daughter [the queen] that the
Saidas obtained wealth and greatness ; but they regarded
the people of Kashmīra, scarcely even as grass. The
king, bent on furthering the interests of the Saidas,
acquiesced in orders, whatever they were, that were issued
by them for their own selfish ends. They were busy in
creating factions, the king was forbearing and women
came to have great influence ; it was apparent that some
revolution was at hand. Accepting bribes was considered
by the officers of the State as a virtue, oppressing the
subjects was regarded as wisdom, and addiction to
women was reckoned happiness. All opposition ceased,
Meyā Hasana was proud of being able to accomplish
whatever his heart desired, and he oppressed the whole
kingdom. Gradually he became more and more powerful,
and slowly he spread his influence over the king's
country ; and as Rāhu spreads his shadow, even so did