Whan the electours profered to make him [Ottokar II of Bohemia] emperour, he refuſed it, ſaiyng, that it was a greatter thynge to be kynge of Boheme, than emperour of Rome.

Using juxtaposition for multiplication saves space when writing longer expressions. a⨯b collapses to ab.

A serene sky and verdant fields filled me with ecstasy.

Apparently also the Saudis gave him as presents fabulous bling, […] vast necklaces encrusted with jewels and rubies.