Siam Likewise, According To Him, Is A Good Port, And
Nearer The Court Than Patane:
Those who go to the city in which the king
resides land always at the port of Siam, whence the royal residence is
twenty days journey by land.
I requested from the ambassador to give me
a letter to his sovereign, and letters also to the governors of the
maritime towns in Siam, in favour of the English nation, when we should
come upon these coasts, which he promised me. And, lastly, in token of
friendship we exchanged coins; I giving him some of our English coin,
and receiving from him the coins of Siam. I had often, after this first
interview, friendly intercourse with this ambassador.
I went to court on the 20th, butt had no opportunity to speak with the
king; whereupon I sent to the king's deputy, or chief minister, and
complained of having been dishonoured, and of having been abused by the
shahbander. He promised me speedy redress, and that he should inform
the king without delay, which indeed he did that same day. On the day
following, the king sent two officers of his court to me, to intimate
that I might repair freely to his court at all times, passing the gate
without hindrance or waiting for his criss. He also removed the
shahbander of whom I had complained, and appointed a gentleman, who had
formerly been his vice-ambassador to Holland, to attend upon me at all
times to court, or any where else, at my pleasure. The 24th I went to
court, and had access to the king, who satisfied me in all things, and
promised to ratify and renew all the articles formerly agreed upon
between his predecessor and Mr James Lancaster. After many compliments,
he gave me leave; and presently after my return, he sent me an elephant
to attend upon me, and to carry me at all times to any place I pleased.
This is a sign of the highest honour and esteem, as no person may have
an elephant, or ride upon one, but those whom the king is pleased to
honour with that privilege.
The 2d of May, the king invited me to his fountain to swim, and I was
there accordingly along with him, the place being some five or six miles
from the city; and he even sent me two elephants, one to ride upon, and
the other to carry my provision. Having washed and bathed in the water,
the king made me partake of a very splendid banquet, in which there was
too much arrak, the whole being eaten and drank us we sat in the water;
and at this entertainment all his nobles and officers were present. Our
banquet continued from one till towards five in the evening, when the
king allowed me to depart. Half an hour afterwards, all the strangers
were permitted to go away, and presently afterwards he came away
himself.
On the 14th, some Portuguese came to Acheen on an embassy from the
governor of Malacca to the king; and as the wind was scant, they landed
three leagues to the east of Acheen road.
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