The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 18.2.9

18.2.9

I replyed wee Considered this, but the Merchanntes sought proffitt: that those things were deare with vs, and the Chardg of bringing halfe as much as the goodes: and that wee feared few would Come to the Price, for that our best Clothes of gould and tissue were woorth 100 rupies a Cobde with vs, and soe meaner to 40 rupies, and ther was Arras from 20 rupies to 150 rupies a sticke (much about a Cobdee): so that if I should aduise of such things, they would answer that I had little skyll in those matters; but that if his Maiestie would make a bill of what sorts and conditions he desired, and what quantetye and what rates, and sett his Chop to it that hee would take yt, and such other great men as desired the like, I would send into England and might then wright with Confidence; and I doubted not but his Majesties will should bee in all things accomplished. He answered he would acquaynt him with my motion, which would highly Content him, and cause a bill to bee made and sealed; and for his part hee would giue mee another. Wee had some speech about the Prince, whom hee rayled at freely: that hee neuer went to him, nor had power to doe mee kyndnes there: but that, when hee was departed, hee could not harme mee. I answered as long hee had the Gouerment of Suratt his fauour was as Consequent to vs almost as his Maiesties, and that I had had a bitter experience of his affection notwithstanding his faire pretences, besides the bearing vp of Zulpheckcarcon.