Storia do Mogor 265.11.6

265.11.6

When I had finished the negotiations in favour of the viceroy, Shah 'Alam ordered that in his presence the three persons should receive each a sarapd (set of robes). At that moment appeared two men with two thousand rupees in two bags, and from behind the ambassadors shouted in loud voices these words: 'Here are the two thousand rupees that Your Majesty confers on the Portuguese ambassadors.' They recited these words three times. Joao Antunes Portugal was alarmed at such shouting, as he did not know the language, and asked me the reason. I told him it was about the two thousand rupees that the prince had ordered to be given, and that it was in this manner the gift was made, instead of sending the money to his tent. He cast down his eyes, recognising the reason why the prince acted thus. It was solely that no doubt might be thrown on my good faith. Joao Antunes Portugal was incensed at this affair, and in place of being sorry sought means to take my life. If he did not succeed, it was because I did not remain in Goa, but returned to the Mogul prince's service.