The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 5.1.4

5.1.4

October 21. — I rode early with Captain Peyton, Master Bonner and others, to the Tancke to take the ayre; and returned on purpose by a greene, wher vsually the Gouernor is at his exercise, to obserue his Countenance, because Captain Harris tould me he desired a frendship. When I came there, he left his play at balle on horsbacke and Came toward me. I stayed his Comming vp. After salutations, and asking of my horses and why I vsed not his, to which I answered I had these at my Command from a good frend Chrabbeckcan, he desired me to see their excersice a-horsebacke, which I accepted off. Whervpon hee sent for his bowes, and with diuers others passed many Carrers shooting backward at a marke on the ground, and after at an Eastreadge eggshell on the top of a May pole. Then hee tooke his Peece and did the like, and after with lances, counterfeyting a Chase and at the full speed of theyr horses, full of varietye, beeing veary Actiue and manly sports ; which finished, he desired me to Honor him, to see his house. I was so willing to Close with him for the furtherance of our busines that I was entreated to doe yt, though I knew I should find in my reception nothing to Content me. For after theyr rude manner at his Court gate he alighted and went in in a hurry, soe that I stayed a pretty whyle and entered with the English alone. When I came neare he mett me and led me vp into a howse of pleasure, where wee sate, discoursing of the warr, armes, and Customes of these parts.