Storia do Mogor 63.2.5

63.2.5

The king came out to inspect this work of his, and went from Lahor as far as Agrah. One night, being in his tent drinking his liquor, he heard the jackals call. These are a breed of small wolves which exist also in Persia, and in India there are a great number. The king asked why these animals were not quiet. The courtiers answered that, knowing of the arrival of His Majesty, they craved some protection against the cold. Jahangir there and then ordered that they should be presented with ' serpaos ' (sarāpā, or complete suits) and shawls to wear. The order was carried out. No one failed to approve this regal generosity. The night following, once more the king heard the cry of the jackals. He inquired if his order had been carried out. On receiving an affirmative reply, he wanted to know why they repeated their calls. The courtiers answered that this time they had not come to complain, but to render thanks to His Majesty for the alms given them by him on the preceding night. The king was highly pleased at this answer, for the Moguls are very avid of praise. So much is this the case that flattery, which to European princes would appear mere mockery, would by the Mogul king and grandees be accepted as sincere laudation. Though they are quite aware of their falseness, they are pleased nevertheless to hear such words, and swallow them at their superficial valuation.