The Senate of Macao and the principal officers with their wives were watching from there as the embassy passed by. The procession approached from the distance; Metelho, the chief envoy, sat in a palanquin, slung from the shoulders of six bearers. Behind, on horseback, were four accompanying envoys. Twenty coolies were laden with gifts for the Emperor. For now the escort, whose function in dangerous regions would be to surround the embassy, brought up the rear. The procession halted in front of the stand. Only the envoys were allowed to bid farewell to their wives, which they did in a peremptory and forced fashion; the wives leant over the balustrade and embraced their spouses, who would be gone for a year or for ever. This did not take long, and after a few horn blasts everyone resumed their seats. Now Campos and Metelho exchanged formal greetings and the latter received his sealed orders. A priest blessed the five envoys, and sprinkled holy water on the chests full of gifts.
What do You think about The Forbidden Kingdom (2012)?
