Storia do Mogor 356.2.1

356.2.1

One day, as was his habit, he went to sit in his garden, and caused those birds to be brought, hoping to increase his enjoyment by listening to their songs and talk. He was a good deal disappointed, since they uttered not a single sound of joy, although there was no want of the fruits or other products which are their food. His Majesty waited five days to see if they would speak; but finding they were more and more depressed, he sent for the ambassador, and asked the cause of the birds' silence. The ambassador replied that when he brought them to his Majesty he had given them a drop of wine; this caused them to sing and talk cheerfully. The king tried at once an experiment in compliance with the hint given by the ambassador, and on seeing the effect, he declared that he did not know that the privation of wine caused sadness in those accustomed to drink it. This experience caused the king to sanction once more the use of wine by those who had need of it. But a certain punishment was fixed for those who got drunk. [192] I have already mentioned that the officials governing the Karnãtik requested leave from the Mogul to build a new fortress at the port of San Thome. His Majesty refused his permission upon the excuse that the Europeans would take possession of it, since it was so close to the sea. Nay, he would be highly pleased if they could be deprived of those towns where they already resided.