The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 22.3.7

22.3.7

but I receiued order, which I obeyed, though I can giue reasons that to be denyed yt is for our advantage in my Iudgment, as our busines standes, and is mistaken by those from whom I receiue directions ; and was sure of refusall. Hee answered with scorne that his father nor hee needed not our assistance : he ment not warr with the Portugall for our sakes, neyther would euer deliuer any fort to vs to receiue his owne at our Curtesye : if wee came as Merchantes wee were wellcome : wee had Suratt for our Port : wee weare seated in Amadavaz, Brampoore, Baroch, Adsmere, Agra, and Lahor, or any other Citty was free for vs to abyde, buy, and sell : in what could wee in reason demand more ? I replyed all those Places were inland, and at Suratt noe safety for our shippes. Hee returned quick that other Port would not bee giuen in that manner, Nor the Portugalls neuer requird yt. I thought to haue proceeded, but finding his sharpnes and Negligence, I ended. At Night I went to the king. I found Asaph chan ready to meete mee with smiles and embraces and Newes of our shipes. New hope of Presentes made al wayes easye. I desired him first to deliuer the Complementes of my Master in forme, as I did in the Morning to the Prince, with the same ouertures. The king with much more Curtesy receiued them, but begann with the presentes. I first mentioned our late fight and victory, which hee seemed to reioyce in, and to applaud the valor of our Nation, but fell off to: what hath the king sent mee?