Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 5.7.2

5.7.2

I agree with Plutarch, that trifling incidents ought not to be concealed, and that they often enable us to form more accurate opinions of the manners and genius of a people than events of great importance. Viewed in this light, the story, ridiculous as it is in itself, may be acceptable. Bernard resided at the court of Jehan-Guyre, during the latter years of that King's reign, and was reputed, with apparent justice, to be an excellent physician and a skilful surgeon. He enjoyed the favour of the Mogol, and became his companion at table, where they often drank together to excess. The King and his physician possessed congenial tastes; the former thought only of his pleasures, and left the management of public affairs to his wife, the celebrated Nour-Mahal, or Nour-Jehan-Begum, a woman, he used to say, whose transcendent abilities rendered her competent to govern the Empire without the interference of her husband. Bernard's daily and regular pay was ten crowns [écus]; but this was greatly increased by his attendance on the high ladies of the Seraglio and on all the Omrahs, who seemed to vie with each other in making him the most liberal presents, not only because of the cures he effected, but on account of his influence at court. This man, however, disregarded the value of money; what he received with one hand he gave with the other; so that he was much beloved by everybody, especially by the Kenchens, on whom he lavished vast sums.