A History of the Mahrattas v2.c46.3

v2.c46.3

The condition of these young men excited strong feelings of commiseration, even in the minds of those who judged it necessary; and others, swayed chiefly by their feelings, generally the larger portion of any community, execrated the conduct of the minister as cruel, vindictive, and unjustifiable. Distinct from either of these classes was the old faction of Rugoba, and other persons, wholly discontented, who endeavoured by every means to exalt the character of the prisoners and lower the reputation of Nana Furnuwees. But these indications of the public mind only increased the wary circumspection of the minister, to whom the elder of the legitimate sons of Rugonath Rao early became an object of jealousy. Graceful in his person, with a handsome and youthful countenance which ensured favourable impressions, Bajee Rao had the mildest manner, and an address so insinuating that he gained the good-will of all who approached him. His bodily and mental accomplishments were equally extolled; at the age of nineteen he was an excellent horseman, skilled in the use of the sword and bow and allowed to be the most expert spearsman in Gungthuree. He was deeply read in the Shasters, particularly in such parts as regard the observance of cast; and of his age no Pundit so learned had been known in Maharashtra.