“The fox wanted to eat pomegranates: as he could not reach them, he went to a distance and _biting his lips_ [as “tshàmm” was explained by an Astori although Gilgitis call it “tshappé,”] spat on the ground, saying, they are too sour.” I venture to consider the conduct of this fox more cunning than the one of “sour grapes” memory. His biting his lips and, in consequence, spitting on the ground, would make his disappointed face really look as if he had tasted something sour. _SONGS._ THE GILGIT QUEEN AND THE MOGULS. 1. GILGITI SONG. Once upon a time a Mogul army came down and surrounded the fort of Gilgit. At that time Gilgit was governed by a woman, Mirzéy Juwāri[20] by name. She was the widow of a Rajah supposed to have been of Balti descent. The Lady seeing herself surrounded by enemies sang: I. Mirzéy Juwāri = Oh [daughter of] Mirza, Juwāri! Shakeréy piál; darú = [Thou art a] sugar cup; in the Dunyá sang taréye = world [thy] light has shone II. Abi Khānn[21] djālo = Abi Khān [my son] was born Lamâyi tey! latshār tāro = [I thy mother] am thy sacrifice; the morning star Nikāto = has risen The meaning of this, according to my Gilgiti informant, is: Juwari laments that “I, the daughter of a brave King, am only a woman, a cup of pleasures, exposed to dangers from any one who wishes to sip from it. To my misfortune, my prominent position has brought me enemies. Oh, my dear son, for whom I would sacrifice myself, I have sacrificed you! Instead of preserving the Government for you, the morning-star which shines on its destruction has now risen on you.” SONG OF DEFIANCE. 2. GILGITI WAR SONG. In ancient times there was a war between the Rajahs of Hunza and Nagyr. Muko and Báko were their respective Wazeers. Muko was killed and Báko sang: _Gilgiti._ Ala, mardāney, Báko-se: má shos they! Múko-se: má shos they! Báko-ga dīn sajjéy Múko mayáro they _English._ Hurrah! warriors, Bako [says]: _I_ will do well Muko [also says] _I_ will do well And Bako turned out to be the lion [Whilst] Muko was [its prey], a [mere] Markhōr [the wild “snake-eating” goat] [Illustration: GROUP OF NATIVES FROM HUNZA, YASIN, AND NAGYR LISTENING TO MUSICIANS FROM CHITRÁL AND BADAKHSHÁN.] LAMENT FOR THE ABSENT WARRIOR BY HIS MOTHER. 3. ANOTHER GILGITI WAR SONG. _Biyashtëyn náng Kashíru_ A Paradise [is the lot of whoever is struck by] the bullet of Kashiru? _Góu nélli,[22] áje Sahibe Khann_ He has gone, my child, mother of Sahibe Khann [to the wars]. _Suregga karé wey jill bey?_ And the sun when coming will it shining become? (When will his return cause the sun again to shine for me?) _Mutshútshul shong putéye_ Of Mutshutshul[23] the ravine he has conquered