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

CHAP. 1.] THE HERO ARDESHTR. 45

head.” In making this resolve the Parsis were not unmindful of the persecutions sustained by their ancestors, and they determined that the Mahomedan invaders should be repelled if by any sacrifice of theirs victory could be achieved. The cause of the Hindu ruler was their own; they knew that if the army of the Sultan was successful their religion would again be imperilled, and that a second persecution of their faith would follow. Notwithstanding their oath never to bear arms, they considered that this extremity fully justified them in drawing the sword to defend the territories of the Hindu ruler, and accordingly a force of fourteen hundred Zoroastrians, under the leadership of one Ardeshir, was immediately added to the Hindu army.

This accession to his force caused the Hindu prince to take courage ; every preparation was made for the impending struggle, which was to decide the fate of his langdom. Soon the opposing armies met, and a fierce battle was fought a few miles beyond Sanjan. Sword, javelin, and arrow did their deadly work, and many fell on both sides. In the thick of the battle the Hindus were unable to keep their ground against the furious onslaught of the Mahomedans, and fled from the field. ‘The noble band of Persian allies, however, was not dismayed. Fighting for their faith and their homes, the important interests involved in the

issue of the contest made them regardless of their