The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 23.4.7

23.4.7

Within halfe an hower came answere that I should returne to my house, and two dayes after repayre to him: hee would examine the busines and Pay mee himselfe: that then I should take my leaue of him. He sate in the same Magnificence, order, and greatnes that I mentioned of the king; His Throwne beeing Plated ouer with siluer, inlayd with flowers of gould, and the Canopy ouer it square, borne on fower Pillars couered with siluer; his Armes, swoord, buckler, bowes, arrowes, and lance, on a table before him. The watch was sett, for it was euening. When hee came abroade, I obserued him now hee was absolute, and Curiously his fashion and actions. Hee receiued two lettres, read them standing, before hee ascended his Throne. I neuer saw so settled a Countenance, nor any man keepe so Constant a grauety, neuer smiling, nor in face showeing any respect or difference of men; but mingled with extreame Pride and Contempt of all. Yet I found some inward trouble now and then assayle him, and a kinde of brokennes and distraction in his thoughtes, vnprouidedly and amasedly answering sutors, or not hearing. If I can Iudg any thing, hee hath left his hart among his fathers women, with whom hee hath liberty of conuersation. Normahall in the English Coach the day before visited him and tooke leaue. She gaue him a Cloake all embrodered with Pearle, diamondes and rubyes; and carried away, if I err not, his attention to all other busines.