Page:Busbecq, Travels into Turkey (1744).pdf/272

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  • fore thought it fit to leave all to the Pleasure of my

Master: I told Haly, that, though the proposed Condition did not fully answer the Expectation of my Master, I hoped, however, he would acquiesce therein, if an Agent of theirs were sent along with me to explain the Things that were obscure, upon which any Controversy might arise; and that Ebrahim seemed to be the fittest Man for this purpose, by whom Cæsar might write back his full Mind concerning the whole Project; this was easily assented to. Thus an End was put to a long and tedious Business.

'Tis a Custom, that when Ambassadors depart from Constantinople upon fair Terms, the Bashaws do entertain them with a Feast in the Divan; but I was willing to wave that Badge of Esteem, because I would have all left in suspence, and referred to the good Will and Pleasure of my Master.

I had a mind before my Departure, to buy some gallant Horses, and therefore, ordered my Servants to go often to the Markets, to see if they could find any such. Haly being informed thereof, sent one of the best of his own Horses to the Fair to be sold; my Servants had their Eye presently on him, and asking the Price, they told them 120 Ducats; they offered 80, not knowing whose it was; but that was refused. A Day or two after, the same Horse, with two more quite as good, were sent me by Haly, for a Present; one was an Arabian ambling Nag, exceedingly well shaped. When I gave him Thanks for my noble Present, he asked me, whether I did not think that Horse which my Servant's offered 80 Ducats for, was worth more? Yes, a good deal more, said I; but my Orders were, that they should not exceed that Price, for fear of losing too much, in case of any hidden Defect afterwards shew that I had bought Horses too dear. He advised me