The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 1.2.3

1.2.3

All that now remained to be done was to obtain the royal sanction. This was readily given, King James approving both the Company's choice of an ambassador and the arrangements made for his mission; "houlding yt a good ground for him to worke vpon yf occasion should be to treate with the Spanyards concerning the East Indies, or else with the Flemynges." Roe was accordingly furnished with letters of credence, a royal missive to the Great Mogul, and detailed instructions for his guidance. The latter, it may be mentioned, included directions as to the reply he was to give if asked why the Portuguese aggressions in Asia were not actively resented; and also a recommendation to impress upon the Asiatic monarch, "by way of discourse," the greatness of King James and the naval strength of his kingdom, which "Maketh vs even a Terrour to all other Nations; Concluding all with this happines, that Wee be not onlie absolutelie obeyed but vniversally beloued and admyred of all our People."