The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 19.5.7

19.5.7

Only thus much I would signifie : they would bee very vnruly ashore, disorderly especially by drincke, and that, if any iustice were done in such Case, they would make it a quarrell, beeing desierous of any occasion, for that accept they might Command here (which would not befitt his greatnes) as they did in all other their residences, they professe them selues they shall gaine more by stealing in one yeare then by trading in many : So that if his highnes could be quiettly ridd of them, it were a happines and ease to him. But, howeuer, if his highnes saw cause to entertaine them, I hoped it should noe way bee in our preiudice, who had beene priuiledged many years by his father and were most ready to doe him seruice. Hee answered mee they should noe way disadvantage vs : that in all that I had deliuered he would follow my Councell and would not resolue anything Concerning the Hollanders without my aduise, desiering me to Continew to enforme him, and hee would apply him selfe wholy according to such instructions as hee should receiue of mee ; with many promises, good woordes, and Complements. So that I haue arriued at one of my proposed endes, and am in a faire Course to all ; but successes are subiect to the Chance of circumstances, and the myndes of Princes alter with tyme, or are ouerswayd with Passions and some tymes bought with too easy a Price.