_ 66 _ draw near to him, because it was the custom of the land that no man should come close to the king, unless his favourite approached him to give him those herbs. And when any man talks to him he must hold his hand over his mouth and keep his distance. When he beckoned to the captain, he also looked in our direction and instructed us to be seated on a stone bench near him where he could see us. He gave orders for us to be given water for our hands and for some fruit to be brought resembling melon, except that its outside is rough and its inside sweet. He also ordered other fruit like figs with a beautiful flavour. Some of our men did not peel them, so the King observed the way we ate and laughed at us. He then spoke to his confidant who was at his side supplying him with the aforementioned herbs. After this he looked at the captain who was seated in front, and he told him to talk to the men who were with him, who were very distinguished, and ask them what he wanted and they would tell him. The captain-major answered that he was the ambassador of the king of Portugal and he had brought him an embassy but he was not going to present it to anyone except him. The king said that, that was fine and immediately ordered him to be taken to an inner room.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTg0NzAy