accompanied
by a linguist named Alberto. Taking leave of the governor, who gave him
letters for the pacha, he departed from Mokha about six in the evening
of the 23d June, the nights being the accustomed time of travelling.

In the morning of the 23d, we had a letter from our captain; then at
Assab, informing of his safe arrival there, and the good health of the
people, and that he had procured ballast and provisions to his
satisfaction. On the 26th, the governor sent me a horse by one of his
servants, inviting me to accompany him to his banqueting house, about
half a mile out of town, there to spend the day in mirth along with
other merchants. About half an hour after, the chief scrivano came to
accompany me, with whom I went, joining the governor by the way, and
rode with him to the place. It was a fair house, in the middle of a
grove of date trees, beside a large tank or pond, having several rooms
handsomely fitted; up for sitting. After a little while, the governor
and several others went into the tank to bathe, where they sported
themselves for half an hour. Coffee was then handed round to the
company, after which grapes, peaches, and both musk and water; melons,
were brought in, together with blanched almonds and great quantities of
raisins, as there were between fifty and sixty guests, besides,
attendants; and always between whiles coffee, sherbet, and tobacco were
handed round. Thus, and with indifferent music, we spent the forenoon.
After prayers, the governor, went again into the tank, where he spent an
hour sporting with his company. In the sequel, the time was spent in
cards and chess, and in looking at various; jiggling tricks, till four
in the evening. At this time above an hundred dishes were served up, all
of good meat, but; cold, and ill dressed, each dish being sufficient to
have satisfied four hungry men. He treated me with much kindness, and
was earnest to have me go with him into the tank, but I excused myself;
on account of my late indisposition. He then said, if at any time I was
inclined to bathe, I might come to this place when I pleased, and he
would give orders to the keeper to admit me and use me well.

The 12th July, the Surat captain made a fine display of many artificial
fire-works before the governor, it being then new moon. The governor
sent for me to see them, and placed me in a chair beside himself,
telling me he had letters that day from Sinan, informing him that the
Pacha had grant