Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 23.8

23.8

It is not at all proper to put a stain on one's family (honour) by assailing one's bread giver. It is on this account that I did not draw my sword. Otherwise it would not be at all difficult to punish him. I have never told an untruth until now and will never tell one in future." The Raja stood with clasped hands and the best courtiers remarked that the Raja was not guilty. Thereupon the Badshah ordered a strict examination of the Raja. The officers when they heard the order prepared an ash mound, as is made for practising archery, put the Raja into it, and began to throw mud. When he was buried up to his navel, the Raja was asked to reveal the truth. But he did not give a different answer and said — "What I formerly said is true." The mud gradually rose up to his throat, [146] but still he gave the same answer. * * [The Raja was then released at the prayer of his fellow officers and courtiers.] Hearing their unanimous opinion the Badshah released the Raja, had him bathed, and presented to him clothes and ornaments and restored him to all his honours.