Storia do Mogor 203.2.3

203.2.3

Their amusement at night is generally to have large torches lighted, on which they will spend more than one hundred and fifty thousand rupees. The torches are made with wax or oil. Some of these princesses wear turbans by the king's permission. On the turban is a valuable aigrette, surrounded by pearls and precious stones. This is extremely becoming, and makes them look very graceful. During entertainments, such as balls and such-like, there are dancing-women who have the same privilege. These queens and princesses have pay or pensions according to their birth or the rank they hold. In addition, they often receive from the king special presents in cash, under the pretext that it is to buy betel, or perfumes, or shoes. They live in this way, with no cares or anxieties, occupying themselves with nothing beyond displaying great show and magnificence, an imposing and majestuous bearing, or making themselves attractive, getting talked about in the world, and pleasing the king. For, in spite of there being among them many jealousies, they conceal this as a matter of policy.