A History of the Mahrattas v2.c36.21

v2.c36.21

The whole of his party were arrested except Sukaram Bappoo, whose confinement was only reserved because his being ostensibly at liberty was essential in regard to the treaty with the English. Bujaba Poorundhuree was thrown into the fort of Wundun, and the others into different hill-forts in the Ghauts. The unshaken constancy of Sukaram Hurry to his master Rugoba deserved a better fate. He was chained in irons so heavy, that although a very powerful man he could scarcely lift them; his food and water were insufficient to allay his hunger or to quench his thirst; but he survived fourteen months: and when so emaciated that he could not rise, ‘My strength is gone, and my life is going,’ said the dying enthusiast; ‘but when voice and breath fail my fleshless bones shall still shout Rugonath Rao! Rugonath Rao!’¹