human
Sivaji Bhóslay desires the prosperity and advancement of Brahmuns, replied the Rajah,
gpt
I assist! How, friend? I, a Brahmun, am a receiver, not a giver,--and am only a servant to the unclean,
human
It need not be so, Pundit. The fame of thy learning hath preceded thee, and the Maharaja desires thy friendship and welfare. I am sent to tell thee this.
gpt
What can I do? said the Envoy restlessly.
human
What would he have me do? and who art thou to speak thus to me?
gpt
No matter who I am--I am authorized to speak, replied Sivaji.
human
Look, here is his ring as my authority. 'Is he a Brahmun,' the Rajah said, 'and come with Moslem followers to sit in my Durbar? Alas, alas! that such should be, that the pure and holy should serve the unclean. This is indeed the age of iron, and of debasement.'
gpt
There are many besides me, he said,
human
Who serve the destroyers of Toolja Máta, the defilers of her temple, the slayers of Brahmuns, and of sacred kine everywhere! O, shame--shame!
gpt
I was not at the shrine when the affray took place, said the Brahmun apologetically.
human
I could not help it.
gpt
Has then a Brahmun's holiness become so debased that he says only, I could not help it? returned the Rajah.
human
Is it pleasing to the Mother, think you, that her people should fawn on those whose hands are red in the blood of her votaries?
gpt
I would fling my service at the feet of Afzool Khan, and even of the Sultan himself, could I but serve with Hindus as I desire to serve,
human
The opportunity might be found, friend, answered the Rajah,
gpt
I guess it, said the Brahmun,
human
I can tell thy message to him, replied the Rajah,
gpt
Impossible, he said--
human
Dost thou know me, friend? returned the Rajah, as he untied the handkerchief which concealed his face, and with it wiped the white ashes from his eyes and forehead--
gpt
It cannot be, continued Sivaji;
human
What would you have me do, Maharaja? replied the Envoy, now trembling much.
gpt
I have done evil in helping the unclean, and would now expiate it if possible.
human
I have had many things in my mind, Pundit, replied the Rajah,
gpt
She must be avenged.
human
Yes, continued the Rajah,
gpt
Where are the Mawullees? where are the Hetkurees we have heard of, and the gallant Tannajee? cried the Brahmun excitedly.
human
What art thou doing, Sivaji Bhóslay? Men say of thee that thy mother holds thee back, else 'the fire should be on the hills.'
gpt
Good! returned Sivaji, smiling;
human
Hark! said Gopináth,
gpt
I have prepared for that already,--a Jahgeer, a high office, secular or among the priesthood, as thou wilt,--double thy present pay, whatever it be,--an ensign of rank, and--my friendship. Look, Pundit, cried the Rajah, springing closer to him, and drawing a small bright knife from his breast,
human
he added, for the drops of sweat were standing on the Brahmun's brow, under the terror he felt--
gpt
Give me time to write, said the man, trembling under conviction of his own treachery and the excess of temptation to which he was exposed;
human
I will give the letter to-morrow.
gpt
Impossible, Pundit, replied the Rajah:
human
Who will take the letter?
gpt
The Brahmun who spoke for me this morning; he and some horsemen are now ready.
human
But to the Khan himself there must be no harm done, said the Pundit.
gpt
To him and his son I owe many kindnesses: for the rest, as thou wilt. Keep the family as hostages.
human
As guests yonder, replied the Rajah;
gpt
he continued, as his attendant entered;
human
I have seen the Rajah, his fort, and his people, and there is nothing to apprehend. They are all beneath notice: but in order to settle everything perfectly, and to inspire terror, my lord should advance with all the force, according to the plan devised here, which the bearer, one of the Rajah's secretaries, will explain personally, and which would be tedious to write. In a strictly private interview, which will be arranged, the Rajah Sivaji will throw himself at the feet of the Envoy of the king of kings, and receive the pardon which he desires. More would be beyond respect.
gpt
It is enough, said Sivaji, when this writing was explained to him--
human
Stay, added the Envoy,
gpt
Who is this?
human
The Maharaja's Secretary, who will accompany thee to camp. Go at once, if thou art fit, Bulwunt Rao; it is needful that Afzool Khan receive this as soon as may be.
gpt
I am ready, Maharaj, to ride up Pertâbgurh, he replied;
human
I attend you, said the Secretary;
gpt
Enough, said the Rajah, emerging from his concealment.
human
Generations hereafter will record how Punto Gopináth served his prince. Fear not--it will be well with thee and thine hereafter.