, accompanied by Davane
as interpreter, taking with him several large Indian boats, loaded with
packages.

Arriving at the factory, he dressed himself in a tawny-coloured cloak
coming down to his feet, and underneath a short tunic of blue satin,
with white buskins, and on his head he wore a blue velvet cap, having a
white feather in it, fastened with a jewel; a richly enamelled collar on
his shoulders, and a sash with a handsome dagger completed his costume.
He had also a page habited in red satin. Before him went a file of men,
handsomely dressed, then other men carrying the various gifts; in front
of all the chair, carried upon Davane's head, while at their head
marched trumpeters sounding their instruments, the whole being conducted
by the factor, with a cane in his hand and his cap off.

As they proceeded through a long street the crowd was so great, many
among the people being Moors, with swords and shields, that it was with
difficulty the Portuguese could make their way, until several nairs
arrived and drove the rabble aside.

The factor, having entered the palace, presented each of the articles to
the King, who expressed great satisfaction, especially with the chair,
on which he took his seat.

When the Captain-Major arrived, he was conducted through many courts to
a building opposite to that where the audience was to be held. From
thence he proceeded to a hall adorned with silken stuffs of various
colours, in which the King was seated on the chair just presented to him
under a white canopy, handsomely worked and covering the whole room. He
was a very dark man, half naked, covered only from the middle to the
knees by a white robe, at the end of which was a long point, on which
were threaded several gold rings set with remarkably handsome rubies.

On his left arm he wore a bracelet, above the elbow, consisting of three
rings, the centre one studded with rich jewels, and from it hung a large
glittering diamond of inestimable price. Round his neck was a string of
pearls of the size of hazel-nuts. The string took two turns, and
reached to his middle. Above it he wore a thin gold chain, to which was
suspended a jewel in the form of a heart, surrounded by pearls and
rubies. In the middle was an emerald of the size of a bean.

These jewels, according to the information received from the Castilian,
belonged to the ancient treasury of the Kings of Calecut. The long dark
hair of the King was tied in a knot on