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A. D. 1739, &c.]
WARS OF THE RAJAS.
33

the party for four days; and he wrote a long letter to the laird of Anantapuram, and directed that there should be continual letters stating to each family whatever happened in the other: then he dismissed them. The troop, horse and foot, arrived at Anantapuram and delivered these letters: which the laird of that place perused with much gratification.

After four days had passed in this manner, by means of letters the two families became (sasutram) firmly connected. On questioning persons who came from thence, he was delighted at hearing that the young gentleman was most lovingly fostered.


CHAPTER FOURTH.

1. After a year had passed in this manner [the laird of Bellary wrote a letter saying z] to him of Anantapuram. "The little lord is very anxious to see you [again:] your lordship has never visited us here: as the two houses are now united into one, it is needless for you to retain in your mind the doubts of former days. Please to consider it. By all means set out on the journey: come with all your troops of all kinds: and see us and the little lord with your eyes,[1] and stay here four [meaning, a few] days and then return: my heart will then be at ease. [Z[2]]

The laird of Anantapur after reading this letter called for his (samayājica) managers and Jaggulamallappa the commandant: he said to them, "I am going to Bellary to have an interview with his honour [my] elder brother, and I shall come [home] in a week. Be ye therefore cautious regarding the fort, the guards, the reliefs, and so forth.

So saying, he set out with all his force, and halting at the stream of Sonahalli he sent word [into the fort of Bellary.] And on hearing of this the laird of Bellary came forth with all his troops of all arms[3] and

  1. Page 30.
  2. Here come in the first words of this paragraph placed between brackets.
  3. Chaturanga: which here means a few matchlocks, bows and arrows, spears and clubs.