Tara: A Mahratta Tale

by Meadows Taylor

  CHAPTER XVII.

  The Azan, or evening call to prayers, had just ceased throughoutBeejapoor. From mosque to mosque, and minaret to minaret, the sonorousand musical voices of the Muezzins had proclaimed the eveninginvitation to worship. It was still light, though the vivid hues ofsunset were fading fast, and the warm red and orange tints, which hadrested upon the minarets, domes, and gilded pinnacles of the palaces,mosques, and mausoleums of the superb city, were giving place to asober grey. Here and there a star already twinkled in the heavens,and a few rosy clouds, on which the sun's rays rested lingeringly,floated away eastwards before a gentle breeze, that rustled among thetall palm trees. For a time the busy hum of the populous city seemedto be hushed, and the stillness and seclusion of the spot we have todescribe, prompted those feelings of devotion which the time required.

  It was one of those small yet elegant mosques, which are foundscattered everywhere about the ruins that now exist, surrounded byenclosures that were once gardens, in which broken fountains and drywatercourses now only suggest visions of their former elegance andcomfort, and where low brushwood and tangled grass have displaced thefragrant flowers and useful fruit trees of former days. Here and therea jessamine, now wild, trails over ruined walls and once trim gardenterraces, or a long-lived hardy lime tree struggles for existence inthe unwatered soil.

  At the period of our tale, however, the building was in its fullfreshness and beauty. A single arch, of low Saracenic form, led intoa square room vaulted by delicate groins, leading from the cornersto the base of a cupola above. The floor was formed of chequers ofblack and white marble, highly polished; and the sides of the room,deeply indented by arched niches, were finished with stucco, whichrivalled the marble in polish and purity of colour. Around the largestniche, at the end opposite to the entrance, and the arch in which thepulpit stood, were borders of delicate arabesque foliage, into whichtexts from the Koran, in coloured enamel letters, were skilfully andelegantly interwoven; while above the pulpit itself, in gold letters ona black ground, was the Arabic text, "La Alla, il Alla, Mahomed russoolAlla;" "There is no God but one God, and Mahomed is the prophet ofGod." Two plain cotton carpets, striped red and white, had been placedbefore the pulpit, to be used by those who might come to the eveningprayer.

  Outside, the front of the mosque was composed of the dark-colouredbasalt used in all the buildings of the city, beautifully finished asto the fitting of the stones, on which bold cornices and rosettes hadbeen executed round the entrance arch, and about the projecting portionwhich supported the small minarets. Immediately above the archway,broad stone eaves crossed the face of the building, resting upon deepand richly carved brackets of black basalt, surmounted by a boldcornice, over which were fleurs-de-lis, forming the upper ornament.Under the projecting eaves, and on the crest of the entrance arch, werebright flowers in coloured enamel, bordered by frames of delicate whitestucco work, which relieved the rich but monotonous tint of the stone,without disturbing the chaste effect of the whole. In the centre ofthe terrace, before the mosque, was a small fountain, for the purposeof ablution, which threw up a tiny thread of water to some height inthe air, descending in a shower of light spray, and producing a faint,plashing sound, very grateful to the ear.

  Above the mosque, and mingling with its slender minarets and thingilded spires, a few cocoa-nut trees waved their graceful pendantleaves; and with them the heavy foliage of the fragrant moulserry, andthe broad leaf of the plantain, with its tender yet vivid green, formedan harmonious contrast. Nearer the terrace was a group of orange trees,some weighed down by clusters of golden fruit, others covered withblossom, which, with the tuberoses around the fountain, and the eveningjessamine now opening, gave forth to the cool evening air a fragrancealmost overpowering. By day, the sun hardly ever reached the mosque,and it always appeared invitingly cool and quiet; but at this eveninghour, shadow was rapidly deepening into gloom, adding a solemn effectwhich enhanced the beauty of this secluded spot.

  Two persons stood by the fountain. They had just performed theirablutions, as the last quivering chant of the Muezzin, "La illa,il Ulla," issuing from the tall minaret of one of the neighbouringmosques, floated to them on the soft breeze: yet they appeared tohesitate ere they entered the mosque for the evening prayer. Oneof them was an elderly woman, clad as befitted the position of thefavourite nurse and confidential female servant of a wealthy house,in a blue cotton petticoat of thick but fine texture, over which,and around her body and head, was a white muslin scarf. Her featureswere homely, yet good-natured, and she evidently regarded hercompanion,--who merits a fuller description,--with pride mingled withdeep affection.

  And, in truth, there were few fairer maidens in Beejapoor, even amongthe wealthy and high-born nobles, than Zyna, the only daughter ofAfzool Khan. Her features might be called irregular, according to anyEuropean standard, but they were soft and inexpressibly charming; andin her large lustrous eyes, of the deepest brown, there lurked a worldof deep feeling which the excitement of life would call into action.About her rounded chin and small mouth, whose full and bow-shapedlips had somewhat of a voluptuous expression, there played a thousandcharms, which, though they might not disclose themselves or be observedwhile her features were at rest, yet, as her first timid reserve gaveplace to the excitement of conversation or passing incident, exerciseda strange but irresistible fascination over those about her.

  She was very fair for her country. Her mother's bright Georgiancomplexion was but little deepened in her daughter's richer and brownercast of colour; the skin appeared to possess that transparent softnesswhich gave a bewitching charm to the delicate yet decided features;and her cheeks and neck flushed, under any excitement, with a warmthwhich told of her southern and more excitable temperament. Whenever shespoke, the upper lip was raised higher than usual, disclosing a rosymouth, with teeth which glistened like pearls, even and small; and fromthe absence of any ornament in the nostril, it was evident that, asyet, no marriage rite had been performed. Her age might be fourteen,or even less; but her figure, from its rounded proportions and grace,would have induced a presumption that she was older.

  Yet it would have been only a passing thought. One look at thatinnocent, almost childish face--where, though full of brightintelligence, the world had as yet fixed no stamp of care to check thenatural joyousness of her spirit--would have dispelled it instantly;and if the habitual brightness was sometimes dimmed, it was but as thebreath upon a mirror--the passing shadow of some gentle disappointment,which enhanced the beauty as it passed away.

  There was no mark of rank or wealth about her, except in the solidgold anklets of heavy chainwork she wore, which fitted closely overher high bare instep: a ring of gold hanging loosely about her neck,and a rosary of large pearls usually worn there, but which were nowpassing rapidly, and apparently mechanically, through her fingers,as if the thoughts that urged them were somewhat agitated. Therewas, too, a slight knitting of the brow while she idly, and perhapssomewhat impatiently, dabbled with one naked foot in the water whichwas welling over the rim of the fountain, sending circles of smallwavelets over its otherwise unruffled surface, as she looked eagerlyto the entrance-door of the garden as if in expectation of some one.As she stood thus upon a step, her foot resting upon the raised rim ofthe fountain--the vivid scarlet of her satin petticoat, and the whiteof the fine muslin scarf which, wound about her person, and passed overher head--were reflected in its trembling waters; and, with the mosqueand dark trees behind her, and the figure of the old nurse sitting onthe step at her feet, a picture was formed such as no man could havelooked on without emotion, and admiration of a being so eminentlylovely.

  "You are my witness, Goolab," she said at length, looking down on thenurse, "that he said he would come to evening prayer, and that I havewaited thus long. The time is passing fast, and you know this is thesecond night he has disappointed me. O, that he may not be carelessto God's service! He used not to be so. But I am not angry with him,nurse," she continued, looking down to the attendant; and a
s she spoke,every trace of displeasure, if it had ever existed, disappeared at oncebefore her habitual good humour and sweet smile; "he never disappointedme, that he had not some very good reason for staying away--and yet----"

  "Nay, my soul," returned the woman, "the Azan is but just said, andthere is yet ample time for prayer; the carpets have not been halfspread in the Jumma Mosque yet. Why should you be impatient? Butlisten, was I not right? My young lord comes, so think him faithless nolonger."

  As she spoke the door of the garden court opened, and with a cry of joyZyna sprang to meet her brother, as with rapid steps he traversed thegarden, and ascended the low terrace before the mosque.

  Still of tender age, Fazil Khan was already a remarkable figure. Thedown of youth had not yet hardened upon his lip and chin; but his tallathletic frame, and erect and confident carriage, proved him to havebeen engaged in the actions, if not the strife, of the world. Hisanimated features strongly resembled his sister's, but with a sternerand bolder cast of expression, while his colour was much darker. Alarge grey eye, with remarkably long lashes, which he had from hismother, increased their grave, thoughtful, yet tender, and perhapsalmost mournful, expression; the same sweet smile as Zyna's playedabout his mouth as he returned her joyous welcome, while his glisteningeye and excited manner proved that something unusual had occurred, notonly to delay him, but to cause an emotion he could not well repress.

  "Ah, thou art a sad truant, Fazil," said Zyna, as, after their firstgreeting, he laid aside his sword and shield, loosened his waist-band,and prepared to perform his ablutions; "armed, too, more heavilythan usual, while thy face tells me thou hast met with some recentadventure. Thou hast not been in danger.... Fazil, my brother!"

  "Danger!" echoed the youth; "if to walk the streets of Beejapoor amidstcontending factions, where one can hardly tell a friend from an enemy,be danger, why then, dear sister, I have had my share even now. But,trust me, there is no real danger to me. Come then to prayer, for theAzan is said, and the light already fails us."

  So saying, they ascended the mosque steps together. Their carpets werealready spread, and they at once engaged in the service of the evening,well known to the youth, but in the performance of which, his sisterwas as yet only his gentle and docile pupil.

  It would seem that their appearance, as they descended the steps of themosque together after the prayer was finished, and came out again uponthe terrace by the fountain, had more than ordinarily attracted thenurse's attention, for she advanced, and passing her hands rapidly overthem from head to foot, pressed her knuckles against her temples; andas they cracked loudly, ejaculated a fervent wish for a thousand years'life and prosperity to each. Such acts are common to the privilegednative servants of India, and old Goolab had been their faithfulattendant since they were born, and had carefully watched their growth.Both loved her warmly, and there was nothing either would have grudged,to soothe the declining years of their old favourite.

  "Enough, enough, Goolab," cried Fazil, as, after several repetitionsof the ceremony we have just mentioned, she stroked his chin with herfingers, and kissed their tips; "what evil do you think has come to methat you take it on yourself?"

  "Alas, I know not!" said the nurse, sighing; and as she spoke her eyesfilled with tears; "but my lord said there had been danger, and I wouldnot have it so. And what evil glances may not have been cast on mybeautiful child all through the streets to-day?"

  The youth made a slight gesture of impatience, but it was lost on thefond old woman. Checking the feeling which had prompted it, he criedcheerfully, "No, no, Goolab, believe me, I meant no more than ordinarydanger; are we not always in it? And who can tell the hour of hisdeath?" he added after a pause, and looking reverently upwards; "orwhether it is to come by a bullet or a sword-cut, long wasting feveror sudden sickness; nay, here as we stand! When the message comes wecannot stay."

  "Hush, say not so, brother," said Zyna, gently laying her hand upon hismouth; "talk not so of death."

  "Nay, my rose, he says but the truth," added Goolab; "and who knew itbetter, than the pure saint your mother, who sleeps yonder? Well, itwas God's will, and who shall gainsay it? Meah is right, my pet, butdeath should not be sent to the like of you; only to the old servantwho is ripe for the harvest----"

  "We linger," said Fazil to his sister, interrupting her; "and thedarkness is fast spreading. I have much to do ere midnight, and I mustgo to prepare for it. I will meet thee at the evening meal before Istart----Yet once more to take leave of thee, O mother!" he said tohimself; "there may be danger to-night, and if it should be----Come,Zyna," he resumed, "a few flowers for the tomb, and I must go. Get alight, Goolab--the lamp may as well be lighted now."

  "I had placed them before you came, Fazil; but come; again may she lookdown on her children together," said his sister.

  So saying, she gathered a few jessamine and moulserry flowers and, withher brother following, passed to the end of the garden court, where,among some others, stood a high tomb of polished black stone, with apillar at the back in which was a niche for lamps that were lightedevery evening.

  Reverently and tenderly were the fresh flowers laid at the head andfeet of the tomb by both. One could see no morbid motive in the act,and there were no tears or vain regret. Their creed, imbued as itis with fatalism, had taught them submission, and the offering upof flowers every evening after the Azan, as the lamps were lighted,had become a simple duty, never committed to others. If those twoloving and simple hearts believed that their mother's spirit was thusrejoiced, it will account to us for that constant remembrance ofthe dead which is so affecting, and generally so sincere, among theMahomedan families of India.

  "Come," said Fazil, "we must not delay; though indeed, O sweet mother!I could stay long with thee to-night," he added, touching the foot ofthe grave gently, and raising his hand to his head. "I kiss thy feet, Omother! may thy blessing rest upon me. Be not far from us, O beloved!Come, Goolab, give me the lamp, and I will place it myself to-night."

  "What ails the boy?" said the nurse to herself, as Fazil advanced withthe lamp, lighted the others, and placed it in the niche with thecustomary prayer. "What ails him to-night? Truly there is danger, andhe has done all those things himself that he may meet her----If it bethe will of Alla, who can gainsay it? but not so, O Protector!" shemuttered; "not so. I vow Fatehas at the mosque next Friday if he isspared," she said inwardly, weeping.

  Fazil's errand was done, and as he turned he saw the old nurse wipingher eyes. "Ah, weeping, Goolab?" he said. "No, no, that is of no usenow."

  "No, Meah, truly of no use," she replied; "but memory is often too muchfor me when I think upon her. Yet I will not weep--of what use would itbe?"

  "None, old nurse, none; come, get me my dinner, for I have much to doere midnight."

  "Will our father join us?" asked Zyna.

  "I think not; I left him engaged with affairs of importance with theKing's secretary in the Durbar, and he did not speak of return. I willwait a little for him, but should I not see him, thou must tell him,Zyna, that I am gone on the King's business. But hurry the dinner; I goonly to give a few orders, and I will be with thee presently."

  So saying he left them, and quitted the garden by another door whichled to the outer court, where the guard-houses allotted to theretainers of his father's house were situated. Goolab followed to barthe door after him, which was kept closed on the inside, and, returningto Zyna, said, "Did he tell thee what he was going to do, my life?"

  "No," said Zyna sadly; "he would not tell me, nurse, and I dared notask him. He said he would explain all by-and-by, and he will. I know hewill," she added, clapping her hands; "he always trusts me."

  "I only hope he is in none of these plots that they say are going on,"returned the nurse.

  "What plots, Goolab?" asked Zyna with apprehension.

  "O, I know not," replied the old woman, with a puzzled air, and passingher hand across her eyes; "only people in the bazar say so; and theBangle woman, after she had put on your new set
the other day, saidsomething about the Mahrattas and Sivaji Bhoslay."

  "O, the Kafirs!" cried Zyna, laughing; "I have no fear for them, ifthat is all. I was afraid of worse. But come, or we shall keep himwaiting."