Storia do Mogor 36.3

36.3

Another reason for the long delay in giving an answer was this: They had used the interval to find out from the nations of Europe — the Portuguese, the Dutch, and even the English themselves — whether they could purchase any ships in which to send reinforcements to the king. But, in spite of all the offers they had made, they could not obtain what they wanted. The ambassador knew well that this was all a pretence, but he kept his temper, although showing signs of impatience at all this long-winded and superfluous talk. When 'Azamat-ud-daulah had finished this long speech, the ambassador began as follows: First of all, he expressed his thanks for the great efforts that the King of Persia and 'Azamat-ut-daulah had taken to assist the King of England. Then, half making fun of 'Azamat-ud-daulah's many words, he said to him that he himself had a much easier method of remedying all this, without giving trouble to the Persian monarch, and without fatiguing the Persian soldiers, so famous throughout Europe. His plan was that the King of Persia should pay, cash down, the money due on the bill owing to the King of England. He had not come all that long journey in search of cavalry, nor a fleet, nor ships, but of a debt in arrears. If he would excuse him, he would say a word or two frankly. To this 'Azamat-ud-daulah replied that he might speak as freely as he liked.