Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 5.8.1

5.8.1

The King repairs to this Mosque every Friday, for the purpose of prayer, that day corresponding in Mahometan countries to our Sunday. The streets through which he passes are watered to lay the dust and temper the heat : two or three hundred musketeers form an avenue from the gate of the fortress, and as many more line both sides of a wide street leading directly to the mosque. The muskets of these soldiers are small but well finished, and have a sort of large scarlet covering with a little streamer on the top. Five or six horsemen, well mounted, are also ready at the fortress gate, and their duty is to clear the way for the King, keeping, however, at a considerable distance in advance, lest he should be incommoded by their dust. These preparations completed, his Majesty leaves the fortress, sometimes on an elephant, decorated with rich trappings, and a canopy supported by painted and gilt pillars ; and sometimes in a throne gleaming with azure and gold, placed on a litter covered with scarlet or brocade, which eight chosen men, in handsome attire, carry on their shoulders. A body of Omrahs follow the King, some on horseback, and others in Palekys ; and among the Omrahs are seen a great number of Mansebdars, and the bearers of silver maces, whom I have elsewhere described.