Page:Warsoftherajasbe034936mbp.pdf/42

 paid his respects : then he took [his guest] with him and invited him saying, Let us go into the palace. Then the laird of Anantapur replied saying It is the same as my coming to the palace.* Then he pitched his tents on the plain near the sally port of the fort, which leads towards the Nagal cheru (Snake Tank,) road, and halted with his infantry and cavalry. The dinner was sent him from within the Bellari palace.f

2. After four days had thus passed, the laird of Bellari fancied that the laird of Anantapur entertained some suspicions in his heart ; so he sent his troops and horse out of the fort [of Bellari,] and called the Anantapur troops into the fort : and delivered the keys and seals into his guest's hands. This caused much reliance : and he dwelt at ease for four days.

At that time, the laird of Bellary secretly called his three [captains,] named Ramachandra N. of Zanivaram, and Surappa of Curugodu, and Zunza bhai the Turk. He counselled with them saying Let us play a trick here to this Anantapur Ramapa. They replied " If [we] wrong him here, will the matter end with him alone ? as his sons and sons-in-law are in great numbers there [at Anantapur] they can draw the family to that side as usual and certainly (literally, when it dawns) they will wage war with us. They have a large family, [or many kinsfolk ;] while we are (vantari gandlam) a small people. Let us not make any plot here. Let us treat these our guests with honour, and homage, and, when they go, send them away most kindly :(*) thus shall they assuredly invite you home to their city : then you will answer that you will come after a short time : you will bestow every honour upon them, and let them believe that the place is theirs : this will, Jn future, be a great helpj to our plot." Thus they spoke and he consented.

3. After ten days had passed in this manner, the laird of Anantapuram said to him of Bellari, It is ten days since we came here :