The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 19.9.1

19.9.1

Then he sent me woord it was his byrth day and that all men did make merry, and to aske if I would drinck with them. I answered : what soeuer his Maiestie Commanded : I wished him many prosperous dayes, and that this Ceremonye might be renewed 100 years. Hee asked mee what wyne, whether of the grape or made, whither strong or small. I replyed : what hee Commanded, hoping hee would not Command to much nor too strong. So hee Called for a Cupp of Gould of mingled wyne, halfe of the Grape, halfe Artificiall, and dranck, causing it to bee fylld and sent it by one of his Nobles to mee with this message : that I should drinck it twice, thrice, four or five tymes off for his sake, and accept of the Cupp and apurtenances as a present. I dranck a little, but it was more strong then euer I tasted, so that it made mee sneese ; wherat hee laughed and Called for reasons, almondes, and sliced lemons, which were brought mee on a Plate of gould, and hee bad mee eate and drinck what I would, and no more. Soe then I made reuerence for my present after myne owne manner, though Asaph chan would haue caused mee kneele, and knocke my head against the grownd, but his Maiestie best accepted what I did. The Cupp was of gould, sett all ouer with small Turkyes and rubies. The couer of the same sett with great turquises, rubyes and Emeraldes in woorks, and a dish suteable to sett the Cupp vpon.