History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

86 HISTORY OF THE PARSTS. [CHAP. IL.

whom the legend relates, directed her flight to a more distant retreat. Overcome by thirst on her way thither she applied for a drink of water to a “burzigar” or farmer, who was occupied in tilling the soil. He was unable to give it, but offered her milk instead from his cow. This was thankfully accepted, but, unfortunately, just as he had finished milking the animal, it kicked the basin, which, being an earthen vessel, was dashed to pieces. The milk was, of course, lost, and the unhappy Khatun was deprived of the only remaining hope of being able to wet her parched lips. Proceeding thence with her attendants to a secluded spot among the hills, a mile or two away from the scene of her disappointment, she flung herself down in despair, and besought the Almighty to shield her from harm, and either to stop the pursuit of her ruthless foes or to screen her from mortal eye. Scarcely had this prayer been breathed when a deep chasm opened on the hillside, and into it she descended and vanished for ever from human sight, its mouth miraculously closing over her. Meanwhile

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the “burzigar,” who had gone in search of water, traced her retreat, but to his astonishment found on his arrival the band of attendants in deep mourning bewailing the loss of their princess. He was still further amazed when told of the manner of her disappearance. In a fit of grief and anger he rushed

home and brought the cow which had spilt the milk