The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 14.2.2

14.2.2

I was sent for in with my ould Brokar but my enterpreter was kept out, Asaph Chan mistrusting I would vtter more then he was willing to heare. When I came to the king, he appoynted me a place to stand Iust before him, and sent to aske me many questions aboute the king of England and of the present I gaue the day before; to some of which I answered, but at last I sayd my enterpreter was keept out: I could speake no Portugall, and soe wanted means to satisfie his Maiestie. Whereat (much against Asaph Chans desire) he was admitted. I bad him tell the king I desired to speake to him. He answered: willingly. Wherat Asaph Chans sonne-in-law pulld him by force away and that faction hedgd the king so that I could scarce see him nor the other approach him. So I commanded the Italian to speake alowd that I Craued audience of the king, wherat the king Called me and they made me way. Asaph Chan stood on one side of my interpreter and I on the other; I to enforme him in myne owne cause, he to awe him with wincking and logging. I bad him say that I had now beene here two monthes, wherof more then one was passed in sicknes, the other in Complements, and nothing effected toward the end for which my Master had employed mee, which was to Conclude a firme and Constant loue and Peace betweene their Majesties and to establish a fayre and secure trade and residence for my Countrymen. He answered that was already granted.