The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 19.5.5

19.5.5

I put his highnes in mynd how easy it was to take his shipps and all others trading into the redd sea, and what losse it would bee to him and to all his subiects to haue the trade either shutt vp or to expose his goodes to yearly and Certaine danger : that therfore his highnes should well advise how those were entreated that beeing too strong in shipping were so able to requite all Iniuryes. Hee gaue mee many thanckes, with much profession of his gratitude for my good affection showed him in this intelligence ; but withall was much troubled, desiering me to giue him some councell what to doe and how to behaue himselfe at present, and to avoyd the danger of his shipes. I answered I was very vnfitt to giue him advise, being so naturally Pregnant, haueing so many wise men about him : but, seeing hee so pleased to Command, I would venture my opinione and referr it to his Judgement to execute according to his wisdome : That hee should write to the lieutenant at Suratt to giue them all good woordes, but if it were possible (vnder pretence of care of their safety) to fright them from Comming ouer the barr with the many shelffs, sandes and dangers of the riuer, and then his highnes should bee sure they would either away for feare of the weather and not returne vntill the season of Change, when I hoped our ships would be arriued to doe him seruice and to prevent any injury : or if they resolued to ride it out it was 100 to one they would be Cast away, and soe the question ended.