A History of the Mahrattas v1.c16.85

v1.c16.85

Such was the end of Sivajee. We have passed over some details in his warfare with the Seedees, which may require retrospective notice, and have been drawn forward by a chain of more important events, until we have reached that point where we naturally pause, to look back on the life of any human being who has just ceased to be. Sivajee was certainly a most extraor-dinary person; and however justly many of his acts may be censured, his claim to high rank in the page of history must be admitted. To form an estimate of his character, let us consider him assembling and conducting a band of half-naked Mawulees through the wild tracts where he first established himself, unmindful of obstruction from the elements, turning the most inclement seasons to advantage, and inspiring the minds of such followers with undaunted enthusiasm. Let us also observe the singular plans of policy he commenced, and which we must admit to have been altogether novel and most fit for acquiring power at such a period. Let us examine his internal regulations, the great progress he made in arranging every department in the midst of almost perpetual warfare, and his successful stratagems for escaping or extricating himself from difficulty; and whether planning the capture of a fort or the conquest of a distant country; heading an attack, or conducting a retreat; regulating the discipline to be observed amongst a hundred horse, or laying down arrangements for governing a country; we view his talents with admiration, and his genius with wonder. For a popular leader his frugality was a remarkable feature in his character; and the