The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 31.2.4

31.2.4

September 9.—The King rode to the Riuer of Darbadath, fiue course, on pleasure; and comming by my house, I rode out to meete him. The custome is, that all men by whom hee passeth neare their gate make him some Present, which is taken as a good signe, and is called Mombareck, good Newes or good Successe. I had nothing to giue, nor might fitly goe with nothing, nor stay at home without discourtesie; which made mee venture vpon a faire Booke well bound, filleted and gilt, Mercators last Edition of the Maps of the world, which I presented with an excuse that I had nothing worthy, but to a great King I offered the World, in which he had so great and rich a part. The King tooke it in great courtesie, often laying his hand on his breast, and answering: Euery thing that came from mee was welcome. Hee asked after the ships arriuall, which I told him I daily expected. Hee told me hee had some fat wild Hogges sent him from Goa, and, if I would eate any, at his returne he would send me some. I made him due reuerence, and answered : Anything from his Maiestie was a feast to me. He rode on his Eliphant, and the way was stonie; and I offering to bring him toward the gate, hee bade God keepe mee, and returne to my house, demanding which it was, and praysing it (indeed, it was one of the best in the Leskar, yet but an old Church and large Tombe inclosed). Iterating his farewell, he said the way was ill, and desired me to goe home; and with much shew of courtesie tooke leaue.