The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c16.79

v1.c16.79

9. Frederick goes on to say that he "rested in Bezeneger seven months" 2. His description of the imperial palace again proves that the Muhammadans did not raze to the ground every chief building in the city, as stated by Ferishta. "I have seene many Kings Courts," says he, "and yet have I seene none in greatnesse like to this of Bezeneger; I say for the order of his Palace, for it hath nine Gates or Ports. First when you goe into the place where the King did lodge, there are five great ports or gates: these are kept with Captaines and Souldiers: then within these there are foure lesser gates, which are kept with Porters. Without the first Gate there is a little porch, where there is a Captaine with five and twentie Souldiers, that keepeth watch and ward night and day; and within that another with the like guard, where thorow they come to a very faire Court; and at the end of that Court there is another porch as the first, with the like guard, and within that another Court. And in this wise are the first five Gates guarded and kept with those Captaines: and then the lessor Gates within are kept with a guard of Porters: which gates stand open the greatest part of the night, because the costume of the Gentiles is to doe bisinesse and make their feasts in the night, rather then by day " 1.