the east coast.

Now for the principal events of Bukka's reign and the affairs of
Vijayanagar. The story deepens in interest from about the year 1365,
and for two centuries we can follow the fortunes of the Hindu kingdom
without much difficulty.

Early in A.D. 1366[43] the Sultan opened his first regular campaign
against Vijayanagar. Originating in an after-dinner jest, it ended
only after such slaughter that Firishtah computes the victims on
the Hindu side alone as numbering no less than half a million. The
story is told us by an eye-witness, one Mullah Daud of Bidar, who
was seal-bearer to Sultan Muhammad.[44]

"One evening, when the spring of the garden of mirth had infused
the cheek of Mahummud Shaw with the rosy tinge of delight, a band
of musicians sung two verses of Ameer Khoossroo in praise of kings,
festivity, and music. The Sultan was delighted beyond measure,
and commanded Mallek Syef ad Dien Ghoree to give the three hundred
performers a draft for a gratuity on the treasury of the roy of
Beejanuggur. The minister, though he judged the order the effect of
wine, in compliance with the humour of the Sultan wrote it, but did
not despatch it. However, Mahummud Shaw penetrated his thoughts. The
next day he inquired if the draft had been sent to the roy, and
being answered, not, exclaimed, 'Think you a word without meaning
could escape my lips? I did not give the order in intoxication, but
serious design.' Mallek Syef ad Dien upon this, affixed the royal
seal to the draft, and despatched it by express messenger to the
roy of Beejanuggur. The roy, haughty and proud of his independence,
placed the presenter of the draft on an ass's back, and, parading him