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

KINGS OF KASHMÍRA. 57.
their rounded foreheads which mocked the beauty of
the bosoms of the king's wives. They were stabled
in the elephant stable which was like a prison to them.
The bountiful king not only satisfied those who
asked, with gift of gold, but even distributed it of his
own accord. When he made gifts, his hands hung down
and were contracted, for he felt abashed at the praises
of those who asked, and obtained what they asked.
Who can describe his gifts? He dipped his hand in
water before making a gift, and his hand looked like a
lotus under the water. The lines on his thumb were
like barley grains, but they did not sprout by being
constantly drenched in water ; because, I imagine, of
their constant contact with the handle of the sword.
It was perhaps owing to the sins of the subjects that
the king had a fondness for the Yavanas, even as a boy
has a fondness for mud. Many Yavanas left other
sovereigns and took shelter under this king who was
renowned for charity, even as bees leave the flowers and
settle on elephants. As the bright moon is among the
stars, so was Mahammada of Mera country among these
Yavanas ; and although he was a boy, he became their
chief by learning. The king waited on him daily, humble
as a servant, and like a student he daily took his lessons
from him. He placed Mahammada before him, and
was attentive to him like a slave. As the wind destroys
the trees, and the locusts the shāli crop, so did the
Yavanas destroy the usages of Kashmīra. Attracted by