The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 19.1.7

19.1.7

He answered it was not good to Moue yt publiquely, it might bring forth opposition and dispute: but that I should relye on him: hee would see them sealed speedely: that the kings consent was already passd by referrence to him: but for the Picture he desird I would send for yt presently, that hee might see it, and present it to the king (so nothing in this kynd once named is lett slipd, and I was engaged to my guift). I sent for yt and astonishd him, hee seeming to take extreame content, eauen to admiration; assuring mee it would bee the most welcome guift I euer presented. Suddenly hee rose (the king beeing come out) and desiered me to staye there: that hee would goe to the king and send for mee, leauing mee musique and Company. Within halfe an hower two of the kings seruants came for mee; and after some speech with Master Hewes, wherin hee was Satisfied, Asaph chan asked mee for my little Picture and presented it to the King. He tooke extreame Content, showeing it to euerie man neare him; at last sent for his Cheefe Paynter, demanding his opinion. The foole answered he could make as good. Wherat the king turned to mee, saying: my man sayth he can do the like and as well as this: what say yow? I replyed: I knew the Contrarie. But if hee doe, said he, what will you say? I answered: I would giue 10,000 rupies for such a Coppy of his hand, for I knowe non in Europe but the same master can performe it.