The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 14.2.3

14.2.3

I replyed it was true, but it depended yet on so slight a thredd, on so weake Conditions: that beeing of such importance it required an agreement cleare in all poynts, and a more formall and Authentique confirmation then it had by ordinarie firmaens, which were temporarye Commandes and respected accordingly. He Asked mee what presents wee would bring him. I answered the leauge was yet new and very weake: that many Curiosityes were to be found in our Country of rare price and estimation, which the king would send and the Merchannts seeke out in all parts of the world, if they were once made secure of a quiett trade and protection on honorable Conditions, having beene heeretofore many wayes wronged. He asked what kynd of Curiosityes those were I mentioned, whether I ment lewells and rich stones. I answered no: that we did not thinck them fitt presents to send back, which were brought first from these parts, wherof hee was Cheefe lord : that wee esteemed them Common here and of much more price with vs : but that we sought to fynd such things for his Maiestie as were rare here and vnseene, as excellent artifices in Paynting, caruing, Cutting, enamelling, figures in brasse, copper, or stone, rich embroderyes, stuffs of gould and siluer. He sayd it was very well : but that hee desiered an English horse. I answered it was impossible by sea, and by land the Turke would not suffer passadge. He replyed that hee thought it not impossible by sea.