out when none there are aware of it, with only those that attend on his person within his Palace.  And then when it is heard, that his Majesty is come forth, they all run ready to break their necks, and place themselves at a distance to Guard his Person and wait his pleasure.  Sometimes, but very seldom, He comes forth riding upon an Horse or Elephant.  But usually he is brought out in a Pallenkine; which is nothing so well made as in other parts of India.  The ends of the Bambou it is carried by, are largely tipped with Silver, and curiously wrought and engraven:  for he hath very good workmen of that profession.

The place where he goeth when he comes thus abroad, is to a Bankqueting-house built by a Pond side, which he has made.  It is not above a Musquet shot from his Palace.  Where he goeth for his diversion.  Which I shall by and by more particularly relate.

[His reception of Embassadors.] Another instance of his State and Grandure will appear in his reception of Ambassadors.  Who are received with great honour and show.  First he sends several of his great men to meet them with great Trains of Soldiers, the ways all cut broad, and the grass pared away for many miles:  Drums and Trumpets, and Pipes, and Flags going before them, Victuals and all sorts of varieties are daily brought to them, and continue to be so all the time they are in the Land, and all at free-cost.  For the Custom here is, Embassadors, stay they never so long, are maintained at the Kings Cost and Charges.  And being in the City, have their Victuals brought them out from the Kings Palace, ready dressed.  Presents, Goods or whatsoever they please to bring with them, the King prepareth men to carry.  And when they are come to the House that is prepared for them, which is hung top and sides with white Callico, they are kept under a Guard, and great Commanders with Soldiers appointed to watch at their Gates, which is accounted for a great honour.  But these Guards dare not permit any to come to the Speech of them, for the King careth not that any should talk with Ambassadors, but himself, with whom he taketh [His delight in them.] great delight to have conference, and to see them brought before him in fine Apparrel, their Swords by their sides with great State and Honour, and that the Ambassadors may see and take notice of the greatness of his Majesty.  And after they have been there some times, he gives them both Men and handsom young Maids for their Servants, to attend and also to accompany them:  often causing them to be brought into his presence to see his Sports and Pastimes, and not caring to send them away; but in a very familiar manner entertaining discourse with them.

CHAP.  II.

Concerning the King’s Manners, Vices, Recreation, Religion.

Under the Consideration of his Manners, will fall his Temperance, his Ambition and Pride, his Policy and Dissimulation, his cruel and bloody Disposition.