An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies: Together with an Account of the Detaining in Captivity the Author and Divers other Englishmen Now Living There, and of the Author's Miraculous EscapeKnox, Robert
History
An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies: Together with an Account of the Detaining in Captivity the Author and Divers other Englishmen Now Living There, and of the Author's Miraculous Escape
Knox, Robert
Sri Lanka -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800; Sri Lanka -- Social life and customs
[He refuses to wait longer for Audience.] The Ambassador alighted
at his Lodgings. Where he and his Companions were nobly Entertained,
Provisions sent them ready Dressed out of the King's Palace three times
a day, great Plenty they had of all things the Countrey afforded. After
some time the King sent to him to come to his Audience. In great
State he was Conducted to the Court, accompanied with several of the
Nobles that were sent to him. Coming thus to the Court in the Night,
as it is the King's usual manner at that Season to send for foreign
Ministers, and give them Audience, he waited there some small time,
about two hours or less, the King not yet admitting him. Which
he took in such great disdain, and for such an affront, that he
was made to stay at all, much more so long, that he would tarry no
longer but went towards his Lodging. Some about the Court observing
this, would have stopped him by Elephants that stood in the Court,
turning them before the Gate thro which he was to pass. But he would
not so be stopped, but laid his hand upon his Sword, as if he meant
to make his way by the Elephants; the People seeing his resolution,
called away the Elephants and let him pass.
[Which more displeased the King. Clapt in chains.] As soon as the King
heard of it, he was highly displeased; insomuch that he commanded
some of his Officers, that they should go and beat them, and clap
them in Chains: which was immediately done to all excepting the two
Gentlemen, that were first sent up by the Admiral: for these were not
touched, the King reckoning they did not belong unto this Ambassador;
neither were they now in his Company; excepting that one of them in
the Combustion got a few Blows. They were likewise disarmed, and so
have continued ever since. Upon this the Gentlemen, Attendants upon
the Embassador, made their Complaints to the Captain of their Guards,
excusing themselves, and laying all the blame upon their Ambassador;
urging, That they were his Attendants, and a Soldier must obey his
Commander and go where he appoints him. Which sayings being told
the King, he approved thereof, and commanded them out of Chains,
the Ambassador still remaining in them, and so continued for six
Months. After which he was released of his Chains by means of the
Intreaties his own men made to the great Men in his behalf.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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