h the honour of my
sovereign; but I had no doubt that whatever he was pleased to send would
be acceptable from so potent a monarch, who was already so much loved by
my master. He then said, that I thought he only asked in jest to please
me, as he saw I was still discontented; but he assured me he was my
friend, and would prove so in the end, and swore by his head that he
spoke sincerely in regard to the presents, and that therefore I must not
refuse to name some for his satisfaction.

This earnestness forced me to say, that, if his majesty pleased, I
thought some large Persian carpets might be fittest, as my master did
not look for gifts of cost and value. To this he answered, that he would
provide them of all sorts and sizes, and should add to them what else he
thought fit, that my master might know how great was his respect. Having
venison of various kinds before him, he gave me half a stag, which he
said he had himself killed, and that I should see the rest bestowed on
his ladies. This was presently cut up into four pound pieces, and was
sent into the interior apartments by his young son and two women in
their bare hands, just as if he had been doling out such small fragments
to the poor by way of charity. I had now as abundant grace and fair
words as might have flattered me into conceit, but our injuries were not
to be compensated by words, though I was glad of these as a colour for
dissembling my discontent. In conclusion, he repeated his expressions of
desire to satisfy me, saying, he hoped I went away contented. To which I
answered, that his majesty's favour was sufficient to make me any
amends. He then said that he had only one farther question to ask: "How
comes it, now that I have seen your presents for two years, that your
master, before you came, sent by a mean man, a merchant, five times as
many and more curious toys, and having sent you his ambassador, with a
commission and his letters mentioning presents, that you should have
brought so little, so mean, and so much inferior to the other? I
acknowledge you as an ambassador, and have found you a gentleman in your
behaviour, but am amazed you are so slightly provided."

I was about to reply, when he cut me short, saying, "I know that all
this is not your king's fault nor yours, but I shall shew you that I
esteem you more than those who employed you. At your return, I shall
send you home with honour and reward, according to your quality and
merit, not regard