A History of the Mahrattas v1.c13.68

v1.c13.68

With this view he sent Rugonath Punt, Nya-Shastree, to Jey Sing, who listened, answered, and agreed to some of Sivajee’s proposals; but he put no trust in his sincerity, until the Bramin (Rugonath Punt) convinced him that Sivajee did not intend deception. Jey Sing then desired him to assure Sivajee, on the honour of a Rajpoot, that he might rely, not only on pardon, but on favour and protection from the Emperor. Whilst this negotiation was pending, Sivajee moved from Raigurh to Pertabgurh, and afterwards to Jowlee; for what purpose is unknown, but probably in order to conceal his real design from his own troops. With a slender retinue, Sivajee, in the month of July, crossed the mountains, proceeded straight to Jey Sing’s camp, where he announced himself as Sivajee Raja. Jey Sing sent a person to conduct him to his presence, and on his approach, advanced from his tent, met, and embraced him. He seated him on his right hand, treated him with great respect and kindness, and repeated the assurances sent by Rugonath Punt. After some conversation, in the humblest strain on the part of Sivajee, he was permitted to retire to tents adjoining those of Jey Sing. Next day Sivajee went to visit Dilere Khan, who was still before Poorundhur, and now exceedingly mortified at his not being made privy to the negotiation. He threatened to persevere in reducing Poorundhur and putting every man to the sword; this, however, was but a threat, and he was soothed and gratified by Sivajee’s presenting the keys of the gate with his own hand, and telling him that all his forts and country were his, that he merely sought pardon, that experience had convinced him of the folly of resisting such soldiers as Aurungzebe could boast of, and that he now only hoped to be enrolled among the servants of the empire.