Remonstrantie 6.1.6

6.1.6

Large profits could be made here on the goods which are, or might be, brought by our ships from Holland, if the English did not bring such large annual supplies; but they still hanker after the great profits they made in the times when they had a monopoly of the trade, and consequently they fill the markets with large quantities of raw or branched coral; some thousand ells of heavy woollen cloth, red, yellow, and green (costing 4-4½ shillings the yard in England, and sold here for 4-7 rupees the yard); much quicksilver, vermilion, and ivory; and also swords and knives. These latter goods at first gave large profits on small consignments, and they were tempted to send whole cargoes of sabres and assorted cutlery, but as many rusted as sold. For the royal Camp or Court they bring tapestries, both silken and woollen, worked with stories from the Old Testament; great and fine pearls; rubies, and balas-rubies; art-ware inlaid with gold and gems; and new inventions or curiosities such as have never been seen before, which have a great attraction for the present King. In this way the English have secured much esteem at Court among the nobles, and sell their goods at the highest prices they can ask, under pretence of doing a great favour; and at the same time they escape many needless expenses in the way of presents, which we must constantly incur, though they bring very little in the way of thanks or reputation.