Page:Aurangzíb and the Decay of the Mughal Empire.djvu/98

92 'Here too is held a bazar or market for an endless variety of things; which, like the Pont Neuf at Paris, is the rendezvous for all sorts of mountebanks and jugglers. Hither likewise the astrologers resort, both Muhammadan and Gentile [Hindú]. These wise doctors remain seated in the sun, on a dusty piece of carpet, handling some old mathematical instruments, and having open before them a large book which represents the signs of the zodiac. ... They tell a poor person his fortune for a páisa (which is worth about one sol); and after examining the hand and face of the applicant, turning over the leaves of the large book, and pretending to make certain calculations, these impostors decide upon the sá'at or propitious moment of commencing the business he may have in hand.'

Among the rest a half-caste Portuguese from Goa sat gravely on his carpet, with an old mariner's compass and a couple of breviaries for stock in trade: he could not read them, it is true, but the pictures in them answered the turn, and he told fortunes as well as the best. A tal Bestias, tal Astrologuo, he unblushingly observed to the Jesuit Father Buzée, who saw him at his work. Nothing was done in India in those days without consulting astrologers, of whom these bazar humbugs were the lowest rank. Kings and nobles granted large salaries to those crafty diviners, and never undertook the smallest affair without taking their advice. 'They read whatever is written in heaven; fix upon the sá'at, and solve any doubt by opening the Korán.'

Beyond the 'great royal square' was the fortress, which contained the Emperor's palace and mahall or