remedy.  The filthy disease produced by incontinence is likewise common among them.  They delight much in music, having many instruments, both stringed and wind; but, to my ears, their music seemed all discordant.  They write many pretty poems, and compose histories and annals of their own country.  They profess great skill in astrology, and the king places great confidence in men of that profession, so that he will not undertake a journey, nor do any thing whatever of importance, unless after his wizard has indicated a prosperous hour for the undertaking.

The idolaters begin their year on the 1st of March, and the Mahometans at the instant when the sun enters Aries, as calculated by their astrologers.  From which time the king keeps a festival, called the norose, or nine days, for which time it continues, like that made by Ahasuerus in the third year of his reign.  On this occasion, all his nobles assemble, bringing great gifts, which he repays with princely rewards.  Being myself present on this occasion, I beheld most incredible riches, to my amazement, in gold, pearls, precious stones, and many brilliant vanities.  I saw this festival celebrated at Mandoa, where the Mogul has a most spacious house or palace, larger than any I ever beheld, in which the many beautiful vaults and arches evince the exquisite skill of his artists in architecture.  At Agra he has a palace, in which are two large towers, at least ten feet square, covered with plates of pure gold.

The walls of his houses have no hangings, on account of the heat, but are either painted or beautified with a white lime, purer even than that we term Spanish.  The floors are either paved with stone or are made of lime and sand, like our Paris plaster, and are spread with rich carpets.  None lodge within the King’s house but his women and eunuchs, and some little boys, whom he always keeps about him for a wicked use.  He always eats in private among his women, being served with a great variety of exquisitely dressed meats, which being proved by his taster, are put into golden vessels, as they say, covered and sealed up, and brought in by the eunuchs.  He has meats made ready at all hours, and calls for them at pleasure.  These people do not feed freely, as we do, on full dishes of beef or mutton, but use much rice, boiled up along with pieces of flesh, or dressed in a variety of ways.  They have not many roasted or baked meats, but stew most of their meat.  Among their many dishes, I shall only notice one, called by them deupario.  This is made of venison cut into slices, to which are put onions and sweet herbs, with some roots, and a little spice and butter, forming the most savoury dish I ever tasted; and I almost think it is the same dish that Jacob made ready for his father Isaac when he got his blessing.