New History of the Marathas v1.c11.25

v1.c11.25

“ On 29 May Shivaji wrote a petition to the Emperor saying, “ If Your Majesty would restore all my forts to me, I will pay two crores of Rs. Give me leave to depart. My son will stay here in your service. I came here in full trust in your word. My loyalty is strong. Your Majesty is now at war with Bijapur. Let me go and fight there in your service.” To this petition the Emperor replied, “ Shivaji has gone off his head, because of my mildness towards him. How can he be given leave to depart for his home ? Tell him firmly that he must not visit anybody, not even go to the Kumār’s house.” Thereafter strong patrols have been posted round Shivaji’s residence.”