Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 25.8

25.8

Ch. [61] "Is this the Raje?" the Khan enquired of the envoy. "The same," answered the latter. They rendered good wishes to each other, and as they advanced for the usual embrace, the Khan, who was tall and stout in body, took the Maharaja by his hand, dragged him forward, held him fast under his left arm, and tried to stab him with a dagger, the Khan had in his hand. The Maharaja had a steel armour on, and as he nimbly drew himself out, the blow could take no effect. The Raja was pleased that the Khan was the first to commit treachery and struck his belly with the tiger's claws, from the back. The Khan had a thin coat on. The blow was very skilfully dealt and it brought out the intestines. Then the Khan let go hold of Sivaji (whom he still held under his armpit) and shouted, — "Sivaji! You have committed treachery, this is the climax of a soldier's deed." Then he caught hold of his wounded belly with his left hand and dealt a blow at the Maharaja, saying, — "Now feel my sword." The Maharaja had a chain helmet on, it was slightly broken and the Maharaja suffered a wound of a wheat's size. Then the Maharaja said, — "Thou Pathan, now feel Sivaji's Bhavani," — and dealt a blow at the Khan's shoulder. The wound reached as far as the belly and the Khan fell dead.