A History of the Mahrattas v1.c12.27

v1.c12.27

Oct.—Sivajee provided accommodations for the envoy and his suite, but assigned a place for the Bramin at some distance from the rest. In the middle of the night Sivajee secretly introduced himself to Puntojee Gopinat. He addressed him as a Bramin, his superior. He represented, that ‘all he had done was for the sake of Hindoos and the Hindoo faith; that he was called on by Bhowanee herself to protect Bramins and kine, to punish the violators of their temples and their gods, and to resist the enemies of their religion; that it became him as a Bramin to assist in what was already declared by the deity; and that here, amongst his cast and countrymen, he should hereafter live in comfort and affluence.’ Sivajee seconded his arguments with presents and a solemn promise of bestowing the village of Hewra, in Enam, on him and his posterity for ever. No Bramin could resist such an appeal, seconded by such temptation; the envoy swore fidelity to Sivajee, declared he was his for ever, and called on the goddess to punish him if he swerved from any task he might impose. They accordingly consulted on the fittest means for averting the present danger. The Bramin, fully acquainted with Afzool Khan’s character, suggested the practicability of seducing him to a conference, and Sivajee at once determined on his scheme. He sent for a confidential Bramin already mentioned, Kistnajee Bhaskur,¹ informed him of what had just passed, and of the resolution which he had in consequence adopted. After fully consulting on the subject, they separated as secretly as they had met.