Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 23.2

23.2

I shall not earn my living by serving the Yavanas, but my rebellion will imperil my father. But it is his destiny. * * * * But if I remain indifferent on this account, my mother will be grieved and her grief will make my mind disquiet." * * * * [134] (So he decided to take counsel of his mother and all his officers, great and small). Accordingly a majalas was held, and Jija Bai Saheb was informed of the contents of the letter. * * * * * * [135] Jija Bai Saheb said, — "What property your father has, he has earned for you. Do what may secure future good. That will please your father and do not entertain any doubt about it." Her order (counsel) was accepted with all honour and the assembly was dismissed. Then the Maharaja went to his first wife, fortune-favoured Sai Bai Saheb. As in olden days Sumitra had welcomed Raja Das'aratha with clasped hands after washing his feet and offering sweet scented garlands, presents, and due salutations, when he had gone to enquire after the desires of his pregnant queens, so (also) the Maharaja was honoured by Sai Bai Saheb. * * * With clasped hands the queen enquired after her lord's will. The Raja well pleased with her manner, told her all about the invitation from the Badshah, the danger of his father's being troubled on account of his (Sivaji's) (rebellious) conduct, and then asked for her counsel as to what should be done. [136] The queen answered,—" What do we, women, understand of politics? You should not ask my opinion.