The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 22.5.5

22.5.5

The Secretarye replyed he durst not transgresse his order, but desired mee to meete him in the Morning at the Princes. October 21. — I went to the Prince and opened my desire to haue that Clause expounded, at which his Highnes stucke a little and I perceiued the Purpose to be as hollow as I imagined. Hee demanded then how hee should haue his Presents or see such toyes as came vp, and mooued mee to goe with him. I replyed I could not doe soe vntill I had deliuered my Masters Message and tokens to the King, but, that finished, I would my selfe attend his Highnes with his Presentes, and all such raretyes as came to my handes should bee sent after him. Hee pressd mee to passe my woord, and so I obteyned order for the firmaen to my Content. His Highnes, looking on a Whyte feather in my hatt, demanded if I would giue it him. I replyed I would not offer that I had worne, but, if he Pleasd to Command it, that or anything in my Power was to serue him and I was highly honored in his acceptance. Hee asked if I had any more. I answered : three or fower of other Coulors. He replyed if I would giue them all, for that hee was to show his horses and seruantes to the king within two dayes and that hee wanted some, beeing very rare in these Parts. I promised to bring all I had on the Morow, that his Highnes might take his Pleasure.