56 WARS OF THE BAJATLS, [Chap. ¥R.
8. Then (*} Kesiva Rao said to Basavappa, “my Laird (Dhani) has
given permission* and has desired [me] to bring you to visit him.”
Basava listened, and replied, “you are [chiefs commanding] a large
force: I am a petty (palégddu) laird ; how am I to be assured of your keeping good faith ? We, with our (putra-mitra-calatra-adulu) sons, allies and wives, and with all our kinsmen have girt our loins and are preparedf; as this is the case, I request you to report all these circumstances to theit lordship [i. e. to his honour :] and whatever command is given us, provided our lives are not threatened, we will come to wait upon him.” Sohe spoke. Then Kesiva Rao went intothe army, and reported to Balavant Rao the resolute reply of Basavappa. On hearing tt (be) asked the opinion of the gentlemen
(pedda manashulu) present. [They replied saying*] “« They have lost
all hope: and therefore use auch desperate language. If you send
any respected leader from here, after be enters their fort, and remains there, he (Basava) will come out and have an interview with
you. Such isthe thought that arises in our minds. But we will act
according to your pleasure.” [2]
9. Accordingly [Balavant Rao] gave an officer of rank to accompany Kesiva Rao: and the order was that he should be placed in the fort and Basavappa should be brought, Accordingly thie Kesiva Rao took that high officer along with him, and came to tie front of the (jibi) circumvallation, aud sent word of this by some principal persons who were there, They went [into the fort] and reported it: they brought Basavappa outside the (jfbT} walls, and an interview took place.
Kesiva Rao repeated all that hia master had commanded him to say : and bis honour Basavappa was content: he carried the captain with him and placed him in the fort. He himself went into the {nagari) Mansion and reported to the laird and to (Samayajaculu) the managers, and to the ladies, all that took place. He secured the fort, and then he [Basavappa | directed that the (naubat) great drums
(*} Page 49.
- Selavu: leave, or command.
+ Lit: Viri Kankanam: the bracelet worn by heroes: the mark thai they were bound to vanquish or tu dic.
