The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 18.1.4

18.1.4

In this lettre I receiued great encouragment to putt the king to tryall for an absolute reformation and for new priuiledges, or to breake off the trade, the oportunitye beeing very good, for that many shipes were expected from the red sea this season and soe wee might dispute our Cause with aduantage. I Confesse, if it were myne owne priuat cause, I would neuer endure halfe those Iniuryes wee haue suffered; they are insupportable; the Prince beeing soe proud, and in such esteeme with his father, that nothing but Chasteninge can humble him. But I serue for a publique cause, wher are diuers dispositions to please, diuers opinions to satisfye, and I know not how it wilbe construed that I dissolue that which was neuer tyed ; all the factors here seeming discontent, and write resolutly, but if this Councell did not please in England, I cannot tell whether they would change aduise, and cast all on mee, More vulgi, suum quisque flagitium aliis objectantes. This is one of those Councelles that cannot bee praysed vntill they bee Acted ; so that necessitye shall Compell mee, and then it will Iustefye mee. But this I dare affirme, if their Shippes be taken but once in 4 years ther shall come more cleare gayne, without losse of honor, then will aduance in seauen years by trade ; and nothing is vnjust in retribution and returne of the Injuryes done vnto vs.