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cxxvi pal drinks were malmsey, Greek wines, and mead. The grand-prince first called for drink, tasted the wine, and summoned the Count Nugaroli to his table, and then handing him the goblet, said, “Leonhard, thou art sent from a great master to a great master on great affairs, and hast travelled a long distance—it is well for thee to have received marks of my favour, and to have beheld the lustre of my eyes. Drink, therefore, drain your glass, and eat your fill, that thou mayst return in health to thy master.” These words he addressed also to Herberstein, of whom he inquired in a familiar way, whether he had ever shaved off his beard; and when Herberstein, without the aid of an interpreter, replied in the affirmative, the grand-duke remarked, that he also had once done the same, and this was on the occasion of his marriage. Not only the tables at which the company sat, but also certain tables of state ranged along the middle of the room, were covered with golden plate. The servers and other court attendants wore on this festive occasion a dress called therlik, which was like a herald’s coat, covered with pearls and precious stones.

On taking leave of the grand-prince after dinner, the noblemen accompanied Herberstein to his own private residence, and here began again to drink bravely. The gentlemen from the court said it was the order of the grand-prince that they should remain with the ambassadors and make them merry; for which purpose a cart with silver vessels, and two smaller carriages with drink, were sent from the