The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 11.6

11.6

I can doe you no further seruice but aduenture my poore advise what you should doe in England, if by this lettre or Master Steeles Intelligence this Spanish negotiation come to you before Sir Robert Sheirleys arriuall in Spaine (which wilbe in July 1616), to sollicite his Maiestie to Command his Embassador resident there to woorke him to propound a peace in those seas between the English and Spaniardes and so to offer the dessigning of a free place for trade, pretending that, if the Spaniard should haue yt alone, the seas would neuer be quiett: that the English would infest the Coast, and nothing but warr would ensue: wheras there was Comodytye enough for both, and with more profitt on both sydes then eyther to defend or gayne yt by a warr. And though I doubt not but Sir Robert Sheirley vsd the woordes, of quitting Spayne and Comming for England, to abuse Master Steele, yet he may be taken in his owne Nett, and they may serue to be vrdged to him in his Maiesties name as a promise. Though this take no great effect, nor that I beleeue eyther the Spaniard will agree to peace Nor Sir Robert Sheirly effectually and Cordially moue yt, yet by the negotiation he shall loose some tyme and you may send two shipes vpon the Coast and gett this start, to offer your selues first, really there, wherby you shall engage the Emperor, eauen in good Nature, to be willing to make conditions for you;