brought to him: but since the French returned not according to their promise; he scorned ever after to receive them. At first, he neglected the present out of State; and ever since out of anger and indignation. The French fort at Kottiaar was a little after, easily taken by the Dutch.
But to return to the Ambassador and his retinue. He rode up from Kottiaar on horseback; which was very grand in that country: and being, with his company, gotten somewhat short of the city [of Digligy], was appointed there to stay until an house should be prepared in the city for their entertainment. When it was signified to him that their house was ready for their reception; they were conducted forward by certain nobleman sent by the King, carrying with them a present for his majesty. The Ambassador came riding on horseback into the city, which the noblemen observing, dissuaded him from, and advised him to walk on foot; telling him it was not allowable nor the custom: but he, regarding them not, rode by the palace gate. It offended the King; but he took not much notice of it for the present.
The Ambassador alighted at his lodgings, where he and his companions were nobly entertained; and provisions sent them ready dressed out of the King's palace three times a day. Great plenty they had of all things the country 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 [time] 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 lodgings. Some about the Court observing this, would have stopped him by elephants that stood in the court, turning them before the gate, through 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.
