Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 11.2

11.2

Sivaji had the butcher arrested and caned by his men. [69] The cow was released and its price was put into the butcher's hand. The case was reported to the authorities but they took no notice of it because of the influence of the Raja. On another occasion also a second quarrel with a butcher took place, and the matter was similarly reported to the Government. But Sivaji Maharaj had strictly warned the butchers not to use their knives except to kill goats, and it became known to all. The Muhammadans assembled everywhere and began to complain in the following manner, — " Has Muhammadan sovereignty come to an end now ? It seems he has forgotten the day his father came from Daulatabad." * * * [70] The Raja felt greatly troubled when he heard from common report what had happened. " The eldest son died in the battle of Kanakgiri," thought he, " Now he is my eldest son. He should manage my affairs and take care of the Darbar. He is intelligent, a good writer, speaker and rider. At his age Sambhaji acted as Sarsubhedar of Kanakgiri. Alone did he go on that occasion and people still remember it. In qualifications, Sivaji is his superior. It is only for some deeds of my previous birth that he has formed such evil conceptions. When he was at Sivneri, I heard various good reports about him and I decided to bring him here and keep him near me.