The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c29.40

v1.c29.40

Fontebona himself gives an interesting account of his relations with the monarch at this time. His letter runs as follows: "I once heard, while sick, that the King was going to leave the palace (for a walk). I went to the palace gate in order to greet him while passing. When he went out I presented myself to him and offered him a crystal cup full of rose water. He stopped and received the cup with his own hands, saying at the same time how sorry he was to see me so lean and pale from my sickness. On the following day my sickness grew worse; it was necessary to go to St. Thome to recover. I have been there for almost two months. The King on learning that I could not get rid of my disease sent a message through the Queen, instructing me in the way I could be cured. I came back to Vellore after my recovery, and began to paint a panel of Our Lady.