Page:Aurangzíb and the Decay of the Mughal Empire.djvu/163

Rh lately succeeded to the throne of Bíjápúr, in vain sought to quell the audacious rebel. An expedition sent against him about 1658 was doomed to ignominious failure, and its commander met a treacherous fate. Sivají knew better than to meet a powerful army in the field; he understood the precise point where courage must give place to cunning, and in dealing with a Muslim foe he had no scruples of honour. When Afzal Khán advanced to the forts and forests of the Gháts at the head of a strong force, the Maráthá hastened to humble himself and tender his profuse apologies, and the better to show his submissive spirit he begged for a private audience, man to man, with the general. The story is typical of the method by which the Maráthás acquired their extraordinary ascendency. Afzal Khán, completely deluded by Sivají's protestations, and mollified by his presents, consented to the interview. Sure of his enemy's good faith, he went unarmed to the rendezvous below the Maráthá fortress, and leaving his attendants a long bowshot behind, advanced to meet the suppliant. Sivají was seen descending from the fort, alone, cringing and crouching in abject fear. Every few steps he paused and quavered forth a trembling confession of his offences against the King his lord. The frightened creature dared not come near till Afzal Khán had sent his palankin bearers to a distance, and stood quite solitary in the forest clearing. The soldier had no fear of the puny quaking figure that came weeping to his feet. He raised him up, and was