Page:The travels of Macarius, Patriarch of Antioch - Volume II.djvu/286

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this time, there came to the Emperor a Letter written in the Persian language and character, and his Majesty sent for me to read it to him: for, through our long residence among the Muscovites, they had all made acquaintance with me, and treated me with great familiarity; particularly the Patriarch, who was constantly asking me to stay with him. The Caim Macam, or Lieutenant of the Emperor, and the other Ministers and Secretaries, all made to me the same proposal; saying: "Stay here, and be our interpreter and translator in the Arabic language; for we have interpreters, at the Emperor's court, of all languages, excepting the Arabic." I always answered: "Though you made me a present of all Moscow, I would not stay." They replied: "You are right, not to abandon your wife." All this was in friendly jest. Every day, I was employed in the management of the affairs of our Lord the Patriarch; and I was continually writing memorials for him, and presenting them to the Minister, who sits in the Basolska Precaz, or Hall of the Ambassadors, of whatever country; where the affairs of the Heads of the Clergy, the Monks and their convents, &c., are transacted. The petitions thus presented, the Minister collects; and, when the Emperor is present in the capital, he carries them up, and lays them before his Majesty, who writes upon them what his pleasure is. In the absence of the Emperor, he presents them to his Deputy or Lieutenant; as he can do nothing of his own authority.