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 At the palace of the great Zamorin, a throng of nobles came out to meet the captain-major and escort him into an interior court. There the Zamorin reclined on a couch of velvet with cushions and coverings of the finest weave of cotton. Above him was a canopy elaborately embroidered in gold. He was naked to the waist, his long black hair twined with pearls the size of grapes. Emeralds and rubies hung from golden chains around his neck. The Zamorin ordered water for his guests to wash, and fruits to refresh them. When Vasco da Gama was presented, he said that he was an ambassador from the king of Portugal. Da Gama proved himself a worthy ambassador, if not entirely honest. He gained the Zamorin's interest by describing Manuel, King of Portugal, as the ruler of many lands and vastly wealthy. Da Gama emphasized the desirability of an alliance between Portugal and India. This approach must have appealed to the Zamorin, who said that he would send ambassadors to Portugal and that he wished to be a friend and brother to King Manuel. Even though India had trade agreements established centuries before with the Moslems, the Zamorin could appreciate having a new and wealthy ally in the West. |