Storia do Mogor 63.4.5

63.4.5

It happened that a French trader called Monsieur Bravet brought from Europe some bric-a-brac, which, although curious, was of little money value, hoping to sell it to the king. Jahangir, who was well inclined to Europeans, directed that the whole of the things should be bought, and whatever the sum the owner asked should be paid to him. This was done accordingly, and they paid him thirty thousand rupees, which are equal to fifteen thousand patacas. Afterwards all the things were laid before the king, who was much delighted with such a set of curiosities. Among the other trinkets was a very tiny padlock, which Jahangir took in his hands, and admiring it, said such a padlock was not the work of human hands, but of angels. He added that no one but the King of Hindustan could pay the price of it, and after many exaggerated words he directed them to give the merchant thirty thousand rupees more, for the padlock alone was worth the whole of the money. To get presents or rewards from this king it sufficed to say some witty thing, whereupon he would give elephants and a number of rupees.