The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 22.3.6

22.3.6

I first deliuered him Certayne Complementes sent by my Soueraigne to the King: that his Maiestie, taking Notice of the fauour showed to our Nation, and that the Portugalles for our sakes robd and abused the subiectes of this kingdom, hee was bound in honor to enter into the quarrell and had Commanded mee to offer to his Maiestie the assistance of our fleete arriued, eyther for the Chastising of the Common enemy or for the safe Conducting of the shipes of his Dominion into the redd sea : and that, though now ther was a truce, yet I thought it my dutie to signifie to his Maiestie the affection and honorable care of my Master in beeing ready to performe all the offices of a good ally and frend. He answered that with the Portugall he had noe warr : to wefte ther fleete was Needlesse. I replyed wee had lately had a victory ouer a Carrick which I supposed would draw on desire of reuenge and that the Portugall would bee attempting, if but for our sakes, to doe injury to our frendes : that his Coast could not be quiett for our discentions : that therfore, though this instant his Highnes had noe Neede, yet if hee would bee Pleased to giue vs a Riuer and towne to fortefie in, for a retrayct for our shipping in foule weather, wee would alway keepe such a strength as should secure the Coast on all occasions. This was that I aymed at, and that I knew was ill Musique ;