The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 14.2.1

14.2.1

March 12. — I went to visitt the King and was brought right before him, expecting a present, which I deliuered to his extraordinary content. So he appoynted I should bee directed within the rayle, to stand by him, but I, beeing not suffered to step vp vpon the rising on which the throne stood, could see little, the rayle beeing high and doubled with Carpettes. But I had leysure to veiw the inward roome and the bewty therof, which I confesse was rich, but of so diuers peices and so vnsuteable that it was rather patched then glorious, as if it seemed to striue to show all, like a ladie that with her plate sett on a Cupboord her imbrodered slippers. This eueninge was the sonne of Ranna, his New tributory, brought before him, with much ceremony, kneeling 3 tymes and knocking his head on the ground. He was sent by his father with a Present and was brought within the little rayle, the King embracing him by the head. His guift was an Indian voyder full of siluer, vpon yt a Carued siluer dish full of gould. Soe he was ledd toward the Prince. Some Eliphants were showed, and some whoores did sing and dance. Sic transit Gloria Mundi. March 13. — At night I went to the Gussel chan, wher is best oportunitye to doe busines, and tooke with mee the Italyan, determining to walke no longer in darknes but to proue the king, beeing in all other wayes delayed and refused.