Travels in India (Tavernier) 24.3.1

24.3.1

This Prince passionately loves all those who are proficient in mathematics, and he understands them fairly well; it is the reason why, although a Muhammadan, he favours all Christians who are learned in this science, as he particularly showed with regard to the Rev. Father Ephraim, a Capuchin, when he was passing through Golconda to go to Pegu, whither he was sent by his Superiors. He did all he could to induce him to remain in his country, and offered to build for him, at his own cost, a house and a church, representing to him that he would lack neither occupation nor parishioners, since there were then some Christian Portuguese and many Armenians who came every year for trade. But Father Ephraim, who had his orders to proceed onwards to Pegu, was unable to accept his offer, and when he went to take leave of the Sheikh he bestowed upon him a khil'at of the most honourable kind possible, since it included the whole suit, namely, the cap, the cabaye or grand robe, the arcalou or cassock, two pairs of drawers, two shirts, and two girdles, with a scarf to be worn round the neck and upon the head for protection against the heat of the sun. The Reverend Father was astonished at this present, and made known to the Sheikh that he could not wear it, the latter nevertheless desired that he should take it, and told him that he might bestow it on one of his friends.