Storia do Mogor 39.1.2

39.1.2

This he did on several occasions to the French goldsmiths who were in his service, when they did not make the enamel work, rings, jewels, and clocks to please him. He would threaten them that if they did not execute the work as perfectly as he wanted it, he would have to double their punishment. For this reason the goldsmiths, before finishing off the work made over to them, carried it many times into the king's presence to see if it met with his approval or not. For it is no joke to drink at once so much wine. In my time there were six French goldsmiths, and the king showed to them great love and affection, giving [24] to each of them 150 patacas every year in addition to food, of which they had abundance, and also presents, which he gave them when he was pleased with the work that they did. Many a time when he was happy he would send for them and make them sit in his presence, and, drinking wine himself, he made them drink too, though not out of the 'thousand kinds.' Conversing with them, he would ask as to the state of things among the kings of Europe — how they fought battles, and many different questions. He took delight in hearing the doings of the King of France, and the mode in which he carried on war ; he also liked to hear from the mouths of these goldsmiths witty sayings, and showed singular affection to Europeans.