The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 19.8.6

19.8.6

When I came in I found him sitting crosse leggd on a little throne, all cladd in diamondes, Pearles, and rubyes ; before him a table of gould, on yt about 50 Peeces of gould plate sett all with stones, some very great and extreamly rich, some of lesse valew, but all of them almost couered with small stones ; his Nobilitye about him in their best equipage, whom hee Commanded to drinck froliquely, seuerall wynes standing by in great flagons. When I came neare him, hee asked for the Picture. I showed him two. Hee seemed astonished at one of them ; and demanded whose it was. I answered a frend of myne that was dead. Hee Asked mee if I would giue it him. I replied that I esteemed it more then any thing I possessed, because it was the Image of one that I loued dearly and Could neuer recouer : but that if his Maiestie would pardon mee my fancy and accept of the other, which was a french picture but excellent woorke, I would most willingly giue it him. Hee sent me thancks, but that it was that only picture hee desiered, and loued as well as I, and that if I would giue it him hee would better esteeme of it then the richest Iewell in his house. I answered I was not soe in loue with anything that I would refuse to Content his Maiestie : I was extreame glad to doe him seruice, and if I could giue him a better demonstration of my affection, which was my hart to doe him seruice, I was ready to present it to him.