DARBAR HALL
Maiesties humanitie in these uttermost parts of the world, we are greatly eased of that burden, and therefore wee use the fewer and lesse words, onely we request that because they are our subjects they may be honestly intreated and received. And that in respect of the hard journey which they have taken to places so far distant it would please your Maiestie with some libertie and securitie of voiage to gratifie it, with such privileges as to you shall seeme good; which curtesie if your Imperiall Maiestie shal to our subjects at our request performe, wee, according to our royall honour will recompence the same with as many deserts as we can. And herewith we bid your Imperial Maiestie to fare-well."
All the courtiers listened to the announcement as to a romance of a strange land and a strange people of whom they had not heard.
"You have heard the announcement, my nobles and courtiers. Fain would I have your counsel in the matter. Speak, brave Khan-Khanan, ever first in counsel as in war."
"The world is wide," said the wise Khan-Khanan, "and the banners of Islam float in Persia, Egypt, and Constantinople, ay, in Tunis, Algiers and Morocco. Of this little Island of the West we have heard little, though we have read of the conquering arms of the Faithful carried into Spain and France, and recently into Hungary and Austria. But the nations of the West are skilful in seafaring and trade, and all trading nations seek the rich and prosperous Empire of your Majesty."
"Has Raja Man Singh any counsel to offer?" inquired the Emperor.
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