The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 5.3.6

5.3.6

I answered : I came in honnor to see the Prince and was free from the Custome of seruants. Soe I passed on, till I came to a place rayled in, Right vnder him, with an assent of 3 steepes, wher I made him reverance, and he bowed his bodye ; and soe went within yt, wher stood round by the side all the great men of the Towne with their handes before them like slaues. The place was Covered overhead with a Rich Cannapie, and vnderneath all Carpetts. To discribe it rightly it was like a great stage, and the Prince satt aboue as the Mock kings doth thear. When I was entered I knewe not where to be placed, but went right and stood before him, wher there is an assent of thre steepes, vpon which standes his secretary to deliuer what is sayd or giuen. Breifly I tould him being an Ambassador from the King of England to his father and Passing bye, I could not but in honor visitt him. Hee replied I was veary wellcome, and Asked me many questions of the King, to which I replied as I thought fitt. But standing in that manner belowe, I demanded lycence to Come vp and stand by him. Hee answered : if the King of Persia, or the great Turke wher ther, it might not be admitted. I replyed that I must be excused, for I doubted not he would come downe and meete them at his gate, but I desiered noe more priuiledg then the Ambassadors off such Princes had, to whom I held myself equale. He protested I had that, and should in all things.