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.
On the 12th[198] I went to visit the king, and was brought immediately
before him to deliver my present, which gave him much satisfaction.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 224 of 474
Words from 116653 to 117176
of 247546
