[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Travellers (1500–1858)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel) › [Les six voyages de Jean-Baptiste Tavernier](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.tavernier) › [Travels in India (Ball)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.tavernier~en-ball) › 87.3.3 # Travels in India (Tavernier) 87.3.3 Travels in India (Ball) 87.3.3 - **Language:** English ### [87.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.tavernier~en-ball.87.3.3) At the same time I paid him the 2 per cent for the King’s dues, having received which he remarked that he perceived that the Franks were persons of good faith. He was the more persuaded of this, however, when, drawing forth the stone of 48½ carats, I said, “Sir, this is not in the Banian’s book, and there is no one in the town who knows that I have bought it, nor would you yourself had I not told you. I do not wish to defraud the King of his rights — here is what is due to him on account of the price paid by me for this stone.” The Governor appeared altogether surprised and much edified by my proceeding; he praised me much, and said that this was an action worthy of an honest man, and that there was not another merchant in the country, whether Muhammadan or Hindu, who would act in the same manner if he believed that no one was aware of what he had purchased. Upon this he summoned the richest merchants of the place, and having told them the facts, ordered them to bring with them the best stones they possessed. This was done by three or four of them, and thus I expended my 20,000 pagodas in one or two hours. The transaction having been completed and the money paid, he told the merchants that as they had dealings with an honest man they ought to present me with a souvenir. This they did with a good grace, giving me a diamond worth nearly 100 écus. As for the Governor himself, he gave me a turban and waistband. - [Previous: 87.3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.tavernier~en-ball.87.3.2) - [Next: 87.3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.tavernier~en-ball.87.3.4) - [Up: 87.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.tavernier~en-ball.87.3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.tavernier~en-ball.87.3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.tavernier~en-ball.87.3.3) · Pramāṇa