The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 19.8.5

19.8.5

But the Messenger mistaking, I went not vntill Durbarr tyme ; and soe missed the sight. But beeing there before the king came out, as soone as hee spyed mee, hee sent to knowe the reason why I came not in, hee having geuen order. I answered according to the error, but hee was extreame angry and Chydd Asaph chan publiquely. He was so rich in lewelles that I must confesse I neuer saw togither so vnvaluable wealth. The tyme was spent in bringing of his greatest Eliphantes before him, some of which, beeing Lord Eliphants, had their chaynes, belles, and furniture of Gould and siluer, attended with many guilt banners and flagges, and 8 or 10 Eliphantes wayting on him clothed in gould, silke, and siluer. Thus passed about twelve Companyes most richly furnished, the first having all the plates on his head and breast sett with rubyes and Emeraldes, beeing a beast of a woonderfull stature and beauty. They all bowed downe befor the king, making reuerence very handsomly, and was a showe as woorthy as I euer saw any of beasts only. The keepers of euery Chefe Eliphant gaue a present. So with gratious complements to mee he rose and went in. At night about 10 of the Clock hee sent for mee. I was abedd. The message was : hee hard I had a picture which I had not showed him, desiering mee to Come to him and bring yt, and if I would not giue it him, yet that hee might see yt and take Coppyes for his wiues. I rose and carryed yt with mee.