Shri Shiv Chatrapati Caritr 34.3

34.3

The Maharaja asked in a threatening tone, — " Is this Saista Khan? Speak out. If you speak an untruth I will put an end to your life." And all her limbs shook with fear and she became inarticulate. * * * Fearing that he would really kill her she simply said, " His son." Saista Khan's son died in his sleeping chamber, — the husband was killed, — and she was utterly overcome with the fear of death. When the Maharaja commanded her to show where Saista Khan was, she had to stand up to point out (the place). But she was in a great dilemma and stood there motionless. "He is at such and such a place," said she. Saista Khan was sleeping in another room hard by. The Maharaja went that way and entered the room. The naked sword shining in the light of the lamp attracted the notice of the Khan's wife who was somewhat awake. She got up, and in her fright stood with her back towards the Raja. When ordered to move off she understood that assassins had come to murder the Khan, and deeming her own life of no account placed her head at the Raja's feet, and humbly beseeched him not to kill her husband. The Khan also awoke, but as he saw the Maharaja, he had not the firmness to muster courage and take arms. So he covered his face with one end of his sela and pretending sleep lay still on the cot in his fright. The lady's piteous appeal touched the kind-hearted Raja and he granted her prayer saying, "If I do not kill him, he will get up, raise an alarm and pursue me as I go hence.