The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 19.7.1

19.7.1

August 16. — I sent to Asaph chan for my promised Articles. Hee swoore by his God I should receiue them that night or the Morrow. August 17. — I went to visitt the King, who, as soone as I came in, called to his woemen and reached out a picture of him selfe sett in gould hanging at a wire gould Chaine, with one pendant foule pearle, which hee deliuered to Asaph chan, warning him not to demand any reuerence of mee other then such as I would willingly giue, it beeing the Custome, when soever hee bestowes any thing, the receiuer kneeles downe and putts his head to the ground (which hath been exacted of the Embassadores of Persia). So Asaph Chan came to mee, and I offered to take it in my hand ; but hee made signe to putt of my hatt, and then putt it about my neck, leading mee right before the king. I vnderstood not his purpose, but doubted hee would require the Custome of the Country called Size-da ; but I was resolued rather to deliuer vp my present. Hee made signe to mee to giue the king thancks, which I did after my owne Custome. Wheratt some officers called me to Size-da, but the King answered no, no, in Persian. So with many gratious woordes sent mee, I returned to my place. You may now iudg the kings liberallitye. This guift was not woorth in all 30 li. ;