to come through my hands, to whom they were sent in the first place.  I added, that besides what were destined for his majesty, some of these things were intended for Noormahal, some for the prince, and the rest to remain in my hands, to serve as occasion might require, to bespeak his majesty’s favour to protect us from injuries daily offered to us by strangers, and some for my friends, or my own use, while the rest belonged to the English merchants, with which I had no concern.  He desired me not to be grieved that he had thus got his own choice, as he had not patience to forbear from seeing them, in which he did me no wrong, as he believed I wished him to be served first, and that he would make satisfaction to the king my master, to whom he would justify me.  As for the prince and Noormahal, they were all one with himself.  As to bringing any presents hereafter to procure his favour, I might be easy on that score, as it was merely a needless ceremony, for I should be always welcome to come to him empty-handed, and he would hear me, as it was not my fault, and he would see me righted at all times.  That he would return me some things to enable me to go to his son, and he would pay the merchants for such things as belonged to them.  He concluded by desiring me not to be angry with the freedom he had taken, as he meant well.  As I made no reply, he pressed to know if I were pleased, to which I answered, that his majesty’s satisfaction must always please me.

He then began to enumerate all the things he had taken, beginning with the mastiffs, embroidered sweet bags, the case of combs and razors, and so forth; saying, with a smile, “You would not have me to restore these things, and I am delighted with them?” To which I answered in the negative.  He then mentioned two glass-cases, as mean and ordinary, asking me for whom they were intended.  I answered, that one was intended for his majesty, and the other for Noormahal.  “Why then,” said he, “you will not ask me for that I have, but will be satisfied with one?” To this I was under the necessity of yielding.  He next asked for whom certain hats were intended, which his women liked?  I answered, that three were for his majesty, and one for myself.  He then said, I surely would not take back those meant for him, and that he would return mine if I needed it; and would not bestow it upon him.  To this likewise I had to agree.  He then asked, whose were the pictures?  I answered, that they were sent me to use as occasion offered, and to dispose of as my business might require.  So he called for these, and caused them to be opened, examining me about the women, and other little questions, asking my judgment and opinions concerning them.  The third was a picture of Venus leading a satyr by the nose.  Commanding my interpreter not to tell me what he said on this subject, he shewed it about among his nobles, asking them to expound its moral or interpretation, pointing out the satyr’s horns and black skin,