The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 13.3

13.3

wherat hee Called, and the way was open for mee to take and Choose my place. When I was entered I bad my interpreter tell the Prince I came thither in honor of him and to visitt him, expecting that I should haue beene welcome, but the vsage of his seruantes made me doubt yt : that if my Comminge discontented him, I could with more ease keepe my house. He answered I was very welcome ; wherat I made a reuerance, and one of his Principalles, not content with that, came and pulled me to make Teselim, whom I thrust from mee with open scorne ; wherat the Prince smiled, and commanded to lett me vse my libertye. Then I presented him with a few toyes after the Custome, and demanded the firmaen long promised mee. He answered it was signed, and calld to know whye yt was deteyned. Soe presently it was sent for, and answered I had refused to firme the Conditions required by the Prince and sent with yt, wherat the Prince said it was there ready: If I would seale the one I should haue the other. I replyed : I would not; and gaue my reasons. Then hee fell off from that to Complaynts of the vnrulines of the English at Suratt, of their drincking and quarreling in the streets, and draweing swoordes in the Custome house. I answered : I knew not, nor could excuse it : only I knew the abuses offered them might prouoke some beyond reason and Patience : but that I hoped the rest was not true. Then hee calld for a lettre to showe mee witnessing yt. I demanded whose it was. He sayd the Gouernors.