Storia do Mogor 356.2.3

356.2.3

There was a good-looking young Frenchman named Monsieur de Lae, who had been guilty of a homicide in France, and for that reason had taken refuge in India. In Hindustan he entered the service of certain nobles and learnt the language of the country to perfection. In the year 1703 this young man appeared in the city of Gujarat, then under the rule of Prince A'zam Tãrã. Returning one day from the chase with his magnificent retinue and numerous followers, the prince saw the young man. He recognised by the man's complexion and his clothes that he was a European. The young man took off his hat and made a very deep bow. The prince halted and made him a sign to come forward, and asked him of what nation he was and his name. He replied that he was a Frenchman, and he was called Monsieur de Lae. Upon hearing this the prince gave a sign of joy, and asked him if he were related to the Monsieur de Lae ( = De la Haye) who took the city of San Thome. The young man replied that he bore the same name, but was in no way related. Thereupon the prince resumed his road with all the signs of dejection. Had the young man said he was a relation of Monsieur de Lae (de la Haye), he would have been given high pay, and would have been much esteemed [194] by the prince and all the other persons at the court.