All These
Were Received In The King's Presence By A Nobleman Of The Court, The
King Only Taking Into His Own Hand The Fan Of Feathers, With Which He
Made One Of His Women Fan Him, As If This Had Pleased Him More Than All
The Rest.
[Footnote 109:
A case of handsomely mounted pistols. - E.]
The general was then commanded to sit down in the presence, on the
ground, after the manner of the country, and a great banquet was served,
all the dishes being either of pure gold, or of tomback, a metal
between gold and brass, which is held in much estimation. During this
banquet, the king, who sat aloft in a gallery about six feet from the
ground, drank often to the general in the wine of the country, called
arrack, which is made from rice, and is as strong as our brandy, a
little of it being sufficient to set one to sleep. After the first
draught of this liquor, the general either drank it mixed with water, or
pure water, craving the king's pardon, as not able to take such strong
drink; and the king gave him leave.
After the feast was done, the king caused his damsels to come forth and
dance, and his women played to them on several instruments of music.
These women were richly attired, and adorned with bracelets and jewels;
and this was accounted a great favour, as the women are not usually seen
of any but such as the king will greatly honour.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 200 of 815
Words from 53933 to 54187
of 221842
