The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 18.1.10

18.1.10

They answered it could not be denyed, but that now the Prince had giuen mee a firmaen for our residence, Justice, and good reception. It is true, said hee, yet shall the next Gouernor use yow woorse, for, whatsoeuer the Ambassador can procure outwardly, the Gouernor should haue advise vnderhand how to execute his Masters will ; which I know well. But, said hee, I am sorry for any thing is past, and if your Ambassador will make frendship and force me to pay no more then due, I will endeauor to reconcile him and your Nation to the Prince. They answered I was ready to embrace peace, but would not giue away the companies mony. He replyed 3 or 4,000 Mamoodies would not make vs rich nor him poore. But of this his weaknes, to discouer his Masters secreettes and the Princes double and vnderhand basenes, I will make aduantage off if wee come not to composition. Now is euidently seene the misery of our estate and the Princes faith. Who can bee secure, or resolue wisely, when outwardly wee shall haue fayre woordes, firmaens and all desire, and in secreett aduise to wrong and abuse vs ?