Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 9.2.2

9.2.2

Betel is the leaf (of which I have spoken elsewhere) which, after it has undergone a certain preparation, is given as a mark of royal favour (like coffee in Turkey), and which when masticated sweetens the breath and reddens the lips. There are fifteen or sixteen other tents which serve for kitchens and their appurtenances; and in the midst of all these are the tents of a great number of officers and eunuchs. There are, lastly, six others, of considerable length, for led horses; and other tents for choice elephants and for the animals employed in hunting; for the birds of prey that invariably accompany the court, and are intended both for show, and for field sports; for the dogs; the leopards for catching antelopes; the nîl-ghaus, or grey oxen, which I believe to be a species of elk; the lions and the rhinoceroses, brought merely for parade; the large Bengale buffaloes, which attack the lion; the tamed antelopes, frequently made to fight in the presence of the King.