The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 19.1.8

19.1.8

Nay, said the king, I will call 4 Paynters, my Cheefe woorke men, and what will you giue mee if they make one so like, that you shall not knowe your owne? I replyed: I had nothing of valewe to giue his Maiestie, but at the arriuall of the shipes I would giue the best rarety I could procure. He answered: that was long: but what wager would I lay in the meantyme? I replyed: I knew not what to offer in wager to so great a Prince, nor became it me to name it; but if his Maiestie were pleasd I would lay any in my Power to pay. Why, said hee, if yow will not lay with mee, lay with the Paynter. I answered: no. Sir, as I am vnfitt with your Maiestie, so your Paynter is no equall match for mee: but I will wager with Asaph chan or Abdalazan or any of your lordes. So he Commanded Asaph chan, who offered 5,000 rupies, I replyed I was Content, but mony was no honourable bett, especially among frendes: but I would lay a good horse. Soe the match was agreed on; but Asaph chan recanted in Priuat.