The Book of Akbar 210.3

210.3

Far as the eye could reach, silken rugs and precious carpets were laid out and thereby were spread pleasure and joy. What account can be given of how in the important matter of the distribution of presents and rareties he gave his personal attention to the subject? How tell of the choice horses of Media with embroidered and golden saddles and the splendid housings and trappings, of the adorned mules of Bard'a, of the strangely shaped camels, male or female, with valuable coverings, of the many scimitars and daggers set with jewels and the like, of the fine linen, and the robes (pūstīn) of the marten (kesh) and the red fox, the ermine (sanjāb), and the squirrel (tīn), and also the dresses of gold brocade, velvet, silk (tāfta), satin, figured silks from Europe (mushajjar-i-Firangī), and Yezd, and Kāshān. Many basins, ewers, and candlesticks of gold and silver set with rubies and pearls, many gold and silver dishes, ornamented tents, grand carpets, the marvel of the age for size and beauty, and other regal articles were brought one by one before his Majesty’s holy glance. Money and goods were distributed to all the followers, and royal courtesies were interchanged. His Majesty Jahānbānī on the day of the great festival presented to the Shāh as the gift of a traveller a diamond of great value—worth the revenues of countries and climes, together with 250 Badakhshān rubies.