The 2d of March began the feast of Norsose in the evening.  This is the festival of the new year, the ceremonies of which begin on the first new moon after, which this year fell together.  It is kept in imitation of the Persian feast of that cause, signifying in that language nine days, as anciently it continued only for that number; but these are now doubled.  On this occasion, a throne is erected about four feet high in the durbar court; from the back of which, to the place where the king comes out from the inner apartments, a space of fifty-six paces long by forty-three broad is railed in, and covered over by semianes, or canopies, of cloth of gold, velvet, and rich silk, all joined over head, and held up by canes covered with similar stuffs.  At the upper or west end, were set out the pictures of the king of England, the queen, the Princess Elizabeth, the Countesses of Somerset and Salisbury, and of a citizen’s wife of London.  Below, there was a picture of Sir Thomas Smith, governor of the East India Company.  The whole floor was laid with rich Persian carpets of large size, and into this place come all the great men to wait upon the king, except a few, who were within a smaller railed space, right before the throne, appointed to receive his commands.  Within this square there were set out many small houses, one of which was of silver, and other curiosities of value.  On the left side, Sultan Churrum had a pavilion, the supporters of which were covered with silver, as were also some others of those near the king’s throne.  This was of wood and of a square form, inlaid with mother of pearl, resting on four pillars covered with cloth of gold; and overhead was a fringed drapery like a vallence of network, all of real pearls, whence hung down pomegranates, apples, and pears, and other fruits, all of gold, but hollow.  Within that pavilion, the king sat on cushions, very rich in pearls and other jewels.  All round the court before the throne, the principal men had tents or pavilions, mostly lined with velvet, damask, and taffety, and some few with cloth of gold, in which they were stationed, making shew of their wealth.  Anciently, the kings used to go to every tent, taking away whatever pleased him best:  But now the custom is changed, as the king remains on his throne, and receives there such new-year’s-gifts as are brought to him.  He makes his appearance every day, and retires at the usual hours of the durbar; and in the interval all sorts of great gifts are made to him, which are very great and almost incredible, though not equal to report.  At the close of this feast, in recompence for these gifts, the king advances some of his courtiers, making additions to their charges of horse, according to his pleasure.