The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 23: To THE Lord Bishop of Canterbury.
The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe (Foster) 23
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Contents
To THE Lord Bishop of Canterbury.
23.1.1
{AddLMS, 6115, f. 130.) Adsmere, October 30, 1616. May it please your Grace, The fraylty of Passadge betweene this Place and England, especially of my last lettre, that wandered ouer land and rather went vpon discouery then busines, aduiseth mee to send your Grace transcripts of them. Not that ther is conteyned any matter woorthy your honors leysure, but seeing you Commanded me to write, the relation of one to another will somwhat cleare the whole discourse. For broken and vndependant Peices and fragments haue little light in them, lesse Pleasure, and no proffitt; So that hee that would doe any thing in this matter should write a historic, and take it somwhat high, to show the beginninges and groweth of this Empire; what fortunes and what impedimentes it hath overcame; what frendshipes it hath needed and affected; the ambitions and diuisions in the Present state, that like impostumes lye now hidd, but threaten to breake out into the rending and ruine of the whole by bloody war; the Practises, subtiltyes, and carriages of factions and Court-secretts, falsly called wisdome, wherein I assure your Grace they are pregnant, and excell in all that art which the Diuell can teach them, and are behynd none in wicked craft, some Passadges wherof were not vnwoorthy nor vnpleasant to relate; their religions suffered by the King, and Practised without envy or Contention on any part; how the Portugalls haue Crept into this Kingdome, and by what Corners they gott in;
23.1.2
the enterance of the Jesuits, their entertaynment, Priuiledges, Practises, endes, and the growth of their Church, wherof they sing in Europe so loud Prayses and glorious successes; lastly, the arriuall of our Nation on this Coast, their fortunat or blessed victoryes ouer their enemyes, that not only sought to possesse these quarters by themselues, and to forbidd all others that which Nature had left free (as if God had Created the world for them only), but alsoe to abuse this People, as if they alone were the sonns of warr, they only trihumph, and that all other Europeans stroocke sayle to their fortune and valor; which now is brought so low in valew, that it is growne into a Prouerbe [one Portugall to three Moores, one Englishman to three Portugalls], so that the best foundation of their greatnes is absolutly ruined and blown vp. And our reception here stands on the same ground from which wee haue Cast them downe, which is Feare, an Honorable but vncertayne base of so great a Charge—for if either the Enemy once preuayle, or other misfortune happen to vs, our wellcome will turne round with yt; the Profitt and fittnes of this trade for England (while it may stand), not only respecting the Company now interessed, but the state, whither the Common-wealth in Generall loose or wynn. For often in trafiques Priuat men prosper by detriment of the Republique, as in all trades that mayntyne vanetye and sinne.
23.1.3
This woorke and Method were woorthy some Paynes, and, as [it?] would require a good judgment and much tyme (both which are wanting to mee), so it would not be vnprofitable to reade, nor without some pleasure to view and meditate the diuers operations and woorkes of God, the variable Constitutions and dispositions of men and all things vnder their gouerment. But, seeing nature and Conueniency haue denyed mee abilitye and leysure to sett vpon soe great a labour, I haue Chosen one branch only to treat of to your Grace without other Meathode then by way of bare relation; which is, the estate of the Church heere, as well Christians, as of all other diffused sectes of Infidells. But to Continew (as in a Parenthesis) the aduise I gaue your Honor in my last, of our Constitution here, and the Newes of Persia. Breefly, I stand on very fickle termes, though in extraordinarie Grace with the King, who is gentle, soft, and good of disposition ; yet on Poyntes and disputes with an insolent and Proud Sonne of his, into whose handes he hath remitted all Power, which hee is neyther woorthy nor able to manage. Hee is Lord of our Port, and by his folly giues mee much trauell ; so sordidly ambitious, that he would not haue mee acknowledge his father King, nor make any addresses, nor deliuer any Presentes nor Complementes of honor, but to himselfe ; which I will neuer yeild too, and so I maynteyne my Creditt by Confidence on the Priuiledges of my qualetye and the Kinges goodnes.
23.1.4
Yet an Ambassadour in this Court that knowes himselfe, and will not wrong his Master, shall oftner wynn enemyes then frendes. Their Pride endures no tearmes of equaletye, especially wher ther is no other honor nor title but what is measured by expence ; so that to maynteyne one that shall in his Equipage and life hould proportion with his qualety, in this Court will cost much more then the Profitt of the trade can spare ; and hee that liues vnder it, wronges his degree, and slides into Contempt. I doe my vttmost to hould vp with little Poore meanes ; but my opinion is, a meaner instrument would better effect busines of trafique, that might Creepe, and sue, and suffer some affronts, which my ranck may not endure. And I find the King of Spayne would neuer send any Ambassadour hither, out of greatnes, knoweing they are not receiued with proportionable honour; and with my small experience I could doe the Company better seruice by my returne, in aduise how to gouerne the whole.
23.1.5
Concerning Persia, the Turke hath only yet made a Brauado, and performed little; the Passages are stoppd, and the King, drawing his Armies into his borders to defende himselfe and finding no great woorke, tooke occasion to take in by force a reuolted Nation to the East of Babilon. The People are Called Coords ; how by the Ancientes, or the true Geographicall situation of their Cuntry, I am yet ignorant in. Sir Robert Shirly, by an ill Passadge to Goa, lost the oportunitye of the fleete for Lisbon, and is stayed there another yeare ; so that negotiation will not so speedily be aduanced as I feared. Wee shall haue breath and tyme to woork vpon yt, according as it shalbe requisite in the judgment of your Honors in England, or at least of the Merchantes, whom it first regardeth.
23.1.6
Her is arriued a Persian Embassador ; with little Newes, it beeing nine mounths since his departure from Spahan. He brought many rich Presentes, and did such obeysance, Prostrating himselfe and knocking the ground with his head, that I beleeue his Master will not approue it, except (as is supposed) hee be Commanded to vse all obsequiousnes and to flatter this monster of greatnes ; his arrand being to procure mony for ayd against the Turke, in which kind he findes often liberall supplyes and succors, which is not felt from this sea of treasure ; although to mediate a Peace for the Kinges of Decan be the Pretence, whose protection the Persian takes to hart, jealouse of the encrease of this empire. Yet I doubt not hee wilbe satisfied with siluer, and suffer his Allyes to bee ouer runne. He is not allowed so good rancke nor Presence in Court as I, which I gott by dispute, and haue kept it by Contention, to the displeasure of some ; neyther did the King doe soe much honour in reception of his Masters lettre, not vouchsafing once to giue any title of Maiestie to the Persian as of my Soueraygne Lords, which not a little Contented mee. Other aduantages he hath of language, neighborhood, and acquayntance, which are defectes, but no faultes, of mine. The King is now ready to March toward Decan ; whose Armie is Commanded by his sonne. And wee with much toyle shall hang in the sckirts.
23.1.7
Our Fleet arriuing this yeare 1616, in the way mett the Admirall Carricke of Lisbon, bound for Goa, about Molalia, an Island in twelue degrees North latitude, and, haling her after the Curtesy of the sea, was requited with disgracfull language, and fiue great shott. Which occasion apprehended, shee was fought with three dayes ; at last put ashore, and fired her selfe. Shee was of burthen fifteene hundred tuns, and by Pregnant Circumstances the expected Viceroy sent for Goa Perished in her ; not one man was perceiued to bee saued of 600 ; which is one of the greatest disgraces and losses that euer happened to the Portugall in these Parts — the reward of their owne Insolency. In this fight the Cheefe Commander of the English was slayne, and the New-declared maymed ; little other losse. Thus your Grace hath some touch of our affaires ; and I will fall vpon my purpose of the Church, with your fauour and Patience. Before the invndation of Temar the great, the ninth Ancestor of this King, these Cuntries were gouerned by diuers Petty Gentile Princes, not knoweing any religion, but woorshipped after their seuerall Idolatryes all sortes of Creaturs. The descendants of him brought in the knowledge of Mahomett, but imposed it vpon none by the law of Conquest, leauing consciences at liberty. So that these Naturalls, from the Circumcision (which came in with the Moores), called them Mogolls or cheefe of the Circumcised.
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Among the Mogolls there are many strict Mahometans, many that follow Aly, his sonne-in-law, and other new risen Prophetts, which haue their Xeriffs, Mulas, and Preistes, their Mosquies, religious votaries, washings, Prayings, and Ceremonyes infinite; and for Penetenciaryes, no herecye in the world can show so strange examples, nor bragg of such voluntarie Pouertyes, Punishmentes, sufferinges and Chastismentes as these; all which are esteemed holy men, but of a mingled religion, not vpright with their great Prophett. The Gentilles are of more sortes, some valiant, good souldiers, drinking wine, eating hogges-flesh, but woorshiping the figure of a beast; some that will not touch that flesh which is not holy by imputation; others that will not eate any thing wherin euer there was any blood, nor kill the vermin that assaulteth them, nor drincke in the Cup with those that doe; superstitious in washing, and most earnest in their profession; but all of them ascribe a kind of Diuinitie to the Riuer Ganges, at which at one season of the yeare 4 or 500,000 meete, and Cast in gould and siluer for oblation. In like manner to a Piggs head in a Church near this Citty, and to all liuing Cowes, and to some other beastes and kindes. These haue their synogoages and holy Men, Prophetts, Witches, sooth-sayers, and all others the Diuelles impostures.
23.1.9
The Molaes of Mahomett know somwhat in Philosophy and Mathematiques, are great Astrologers, and can talke of Areistotle, Euclyde, Auerroes, and other authors. The learned toong is Arab.
23.2.1
In this Confusion they Continued vntil the tyme of Ecbarsha, father of this king, without any Noice of Christian profession; who, beeing a Prince by Nature just and good, inquisitiue after Nouelties, Curious of New sights, and enamored with Noueltyes, Curious of New opinions, and that excelled in many virtues, especially in Pietye and reuerence toward his Parentes, called in three Iesuites from Goa, whose cheefe was Ieronimo Xauier a Nauarroies. After their arriuall hee heard them reason and dispute with much Content on his and hope on their partes, and caused Xauier to write a booke in defence of his owne profession against both moores and Gentilles; which finished, hee read ouer Nightly, causing some part to be discussed, and finally granted them his lettre Pattentes to build, to preach, teach, conuert, and to vse all their rites and Ceremonyes, as freely and amply as in Roome, bestoweing on them meanes to erect their Churches and places of deuotion. So that in some fewe cittyes they haue gotten rather Templum then Ecclesiam. In this Grant he gaue grant to all sortes of men to become Christians that would, eauen to his Court or owne blood, professing it should bee noe cause of disfauaour from him. Here was a faire beginninge, a forward spring of a leane and barren haruest.
23.2.2
Ecbar-shae himselfe continued a Mahometan, yet hee began to make a breach into the law; Considering that Mahomett was but a man, a King as he was, and therfore reuerenced, he thought hee might proue as good a Prophett himselfe. This defection of the King spread not farre; a Certayn outward reuerence deteyned him, and so hee dyed in the formall profession of his Sect. Ghehangier-sha, his sonne, the present King, beeing the issue of this New fancy, and neuer circumcised, bread vp without any religion at all, continewes so to this hower, and is an Athiest. Sometyme he will make profession of a Moore : but alway obserue the hollidayes, and doe all Ceremonyes with the Gentilles too. Hee is Content with all religions, only hee loues none that Changeth. But, falling vpon his father's conceipt, hath dared to enter farther in, and to professe himselfe for the Mayne of his religion to be a greater Prophett then Mahomett; and hath formed to himselfe a New law, mingled of all, which many haue accepted with such superstition that they will not eate till they haue saluted him in the morning, for which Purpose hee Comes at the Sunnes rising to a wyndow open to a great Playne before his house, where Multitudes attend him ; and when the Moores about him speak of Mahomett, hee will sooth them, but is glad when anyone will breake out against him.
23.2.3
Of Christ he neuer vtters any woord vnreuerently, nor any of all these sectes, which is a woonderfull secrett woorking of Godes truth, and woorthy obseruation. Concerning the New Planted Christian Church he Confirmed and enlardged all their Priuiledges, euery night for one yeare spending two howers in hearing disputation, often Casting out doubtfull woordes of his conversion, but to wicked Purpose. And, the rather to giue some hope, he deliuered many Youthes into the hands of Francisco Corsy, Now resident heere, to teach them to reade and write Portuguse, and to instruct them in humane learning and in the law of Christ. And to that end he kept a Schoole some yeares, to which the King sent two Princes, his brothers sonnes; who, beeing brought vp in the knowledg of God and his Sonne our Blessed Sauiour, were solemly Babtised in the Church of Agra with great Pomp, being Carried first vp and downe all the Citty on Eliphants in triumph; and this by the Kings expresse order, who often would examen them in their progression, and seemed much contented in them. This made many bend toward the same way, doubting his Maiesties entention; others, that knew him better, supposed he suffered this in pollicye, to reduce these Children into hate among the Moores for their
23.2.4
archives of the Society, in which it is stated that Corsi was a Florentine, born in 1575; that he entered the Order in the year 1593, and six years later was sent from Portugal to India, where he lived ordinarily in the household of the Great Mogul; that he bore a high character, and had a talent for mission work; and that he died at his post on August 1st, 1635. References to him occur also in Father Cordara's history of the Order (Pt. VI, tom. i, p. 59), and in the similar work by Father Jouvancy (Pt. v, tom. ii, lib. xviii, p. 468). His tomb is still to be seen in the chapel of the Roman Catholic cemetery at Agra. The relations between Roe and Corsi were very amicable; and Terry's account of him, though tinged with professional jealousy, is favourable on the whole. It runs as follows (p. 444):— "Francisco Corsi .... a Florentine by birth, aged about fifty years, who (if he were indeed what he seemed to be) was a man of a severe life, yet of a fair and an affable disposition; he lived at that Court as an Agent for the Portuguese, and had not only free access unto that King, but also encouragement and help, by gifts, which he sometimes bestowed on him."
23.2.5
"When this Jesuit came first to be acquainted with my Lord Ambassadour, he told him that they were both by profession Christians, though there was a vast difference betwixt them in their professing it: and as he should not go about to reconcile the Ambassadour to them. So he told him it would be labour in vain if he should attempt to reconcile him to us. Onely he desired that there might be a fair correspondency betwixt them, but no disputes. And further his desire was, that those wide differences 'twixt the church of Rome and us might not be made there to appear, that Christ might not seem by those differences to be divided amongst men professing Christianity, which might be a very main obstacle and hinderance unto his great design and endeavour, for which he was sent thither, to convert people to Christianity there: Telling my Lord Ambassadour further, that he should be ready to do him all good offices of love and service there; and so he was." "After his first acquaintance, he visited us often, usually once a week. And as those of that society, in other parts of the world, are very great intelligencers, so was he there, knowing all news which was stirring, and might be had, which he communicated unto us." Conversion, of whom Consisted the strength of his estate ; but all men fayling of his Purpose, which was thus discouered.
23.2.6
When these and some other Children were settled, as was thought, in Christian religion, and had learnd some Principles therof, as, to marry but one wife, not to be coupled with infidles, the King settes the boyes to demand some Portugalles wifes of the Jesuittes; who, thincking it only an idle motion of their owne braynes, Chyd them, and suspected no more. But that being the end of their Conuersion, to gett a woeman for the King, and no care taken, the two Princes came to the Jesuites, and surrendred vp their Crosses and all other rites, professing they would be noe longer Christians, because the King of Portugall sent them no Presentes nor wiues, according as they expected. The Padre, seeing this, began to doubt ther was more in that then the boyes reuealed, especially seeing their Confidence, that had cast off the awe of Pupilles ; and, examining the matter, had it confessed the King commanded them. They refused to accept the Crosses, answering they had been giuen by his Maiesties order, and they would not take Notice from boyes of any such surrender ; but bad them desier the King to send some of those who by a kynd of order are to deliuer all his Maiesties Commands, whose mouthes are by Priuiledges sufficient authoritye, and then they would accept them ; hoping, and knoweing the King's Nature, that hee would not discouer himselfe to any of his officers in this poore Plott. The boyes returned with this Message, which enraged the King.
23.2.7
But, being desierous to disolue the Schoole, and to withdrawe the youthes without Noyse, hee bad them call the Jesuittes to the woemens doore, wher by a lady he receiued the order ; and without euer taking any notice since of any thing, his kinsmen recalld, who are now absolute Moores, without any last of their first fayth ; and so the fruict of all these hopes are vanished. And I cannot fynd by good search that ther is one Christian really and orderly conuerted. Nor makes the profession, except some few that haue been Babtised for mony, and are maynteyned by the Jesuittes ; of which sort ther would bee more, but that they find the deceipt, and cannot endure the burthen. This is the truth of all their bragg and labor, and the full groweth of their Church here.
23.3.1
But, that your Grace may a little more vnderstand the fashion of this King and the Jesuites proceedinges, I will make you one or two merry and late relations ; and either say hee is the most impossible man in the world to be conuerted, or the most easy ; for he loues to heare, and hath so little religion yet, that he can well abyde to haue any decided. Not many dayes since, the Jesuites house and Church beeing burned, the Crucifex remayned safe, which vnderhand was giuen out for a miracle, and much talked off. I, that could be content any vse might be made of an accident to enlardg the name of Christ, held my Peace. But the Jesuite, suspecting I would not agree to the Miracle, disavowed it to mee, and made it a matter of reason, why it was not burned; insinnuating that the Moores had Caught vp this opinion of Miracle without his Consent or suggestion, though he confessed hee was glad of the occasion. But the King, who neuer lett slip any oportunity of Newe talke or Nouelty, Calls the Jesuite, and questioneth him of it. He answers ambiguously; whervpon his Maiestie demanded if he did not desire to convert him, and, receiuing full answere, replyed: You speake of your great Miracles, and of many done by you in the Name of your Prophett; if you will cast the Crucifix and Picture of Christ into a fyre before mee, if it burne not, I wil become a Christian.
23.3.2
The Jesuite refused the tryall as vniust, answering that God was not tyed to the Call of men: that it was a sinne to tempt him: that hee wrought Miracles according to his owne Councell; but offered to enter the fier himselfe for proofe of his faith, which the King refused. Heere arose a great dispute, begunne by the Prince, a most stiff Mahometan and hater of all Christians, that it was reasonable to try our religion by this offer, but withall, if the Crucifix did burne, then that the Jesuit should be obliged to render Moore. Hee vrged examples of Miracles professed to bee done for lesse Purposes then the Conuersion of soe mightie a King, and, in case of refusall of that triall, spake scornefully of Christ Jesus. The King vndertooke the Argument, and defended our Sauiour to be a Prophett, by comparrison of his woorkes with those of their absurd Saintes, Instancing the raysing of the dead, which neuer any of theirs did. The Prince replyed: to giue sight to one Naturally borne blind was as great a Miracle. This question beeing pressed hotly on both sides, a theird man, to end the Contrauersie, enterposed that both the father and the sonne had reason for thieir opinions; for that to rayse a dead body to life must needes bee confessd to be the greatest miracle euer done, but that to giue sight to an eye Naturally blynd was the same woorke ; for that a blind eye was dead, sight beeing the life therof ;
23.3.3
therfore he that gaue sight to a blind eye did as it were rayse it vp from death. Thus this discourse ended, and soe in wisdome should I ; but that I cannot leaue out an apish miracle which was acted before this King which the Jesuites will not acknowledg nor owne as their Practise ; onely of the truth de facto ther is no doubt. A Juggler of Bengala (of which Craft there are many and rare) brought to the King a great Ape, that could, as hee professd, diuine and prophesy (and to this beast by some sectes is much diuinitie ascribed). The King tooke from his finger a ring, and caused it to bee hid vnder the Girdle of one among a dozen other boyes, and bad the Ape diuine ; who went to the right Child, and tooke it out. But his Maiestie (somewhat more Curious) caused in twelue seueral papers in Persian lettres to bee written the Names of twelue Lawgiuers, as Moses, Christ, Mahomett, Aly, and others, and, shuffling them in a bagg, bad the beast diuine which was the true law ; who, putting in his foote, tooke out that inscribed of Christ. This amazed the King, who, suspecting that the Apes master could reade Persian, and might assist him, wrote them anew in court Characters, and presented them the second time. The Ape was Constant, found the right, and kissed it. Whereat a principal officer grew angry, telling the King it was some imposture, desiering hee might haue leaue to make the lottes anew, and offered himselfe to Punnishment if the Ape could beguile him.
23.3.4
Hee wrote the names, putting only aleuen into the bagg, and kept the other in his hand. The beast searchd, but refusd all. The King commanded to bring one ; the beast tore them in fury, and made signes the true law-giuers name was not among them. The King demanded wher it was ; and hee rann to the Noble-man and caught him by the hand in which was the Paper inscribed with the Name of Christ Jesus. The King was troubled, and keepes the Ape. Yet this was acted in Publique before thousandes ; but wher the abuse was, or whether ther were any, I iudge not. Only one of the Jesuites scollers ran to him with open Mouth, professing the King had an ape a good Christian. Of this accident the Jesuittes make great account ; to me they slight it, except the truth of the fact, which is not vnlike one of their owne games.
23.3.5
Your Grace will Pardon mee all this folly, to interrupt you with so much and soe vselesse tattle. I should be glad to remooue wher I might learne and Practise better matter. But I cannot repent my Journy. It hath made me know my God and my selfe better than euer I should haue learned eyther among the Pleasure of England. He hath woonderfully showed mee his mercy and taught mee his Judgmentes : his goodnes be glorifyed and magnified for euer. I humbly desire your Grace to present my Name (I dare not say my seruice) before his Maiestie my lord and Master. It is enough for mee if I bee not forgotten. I shall neuer meritt nor aspire the employmentes of his fauour ; but I will pay my vowes, and pray for his Maiestie, that hee may liue a happy and glorious long life to the Comfort of his Church, and enioy the Crowne of Crownes, Prepared by the King of Kinges for those that loue him. Wherin I haue fayled toward your Honor, or by myne owne weakenes, your Grace will measure by this rule : exigitt et postulat amicitia non quod cuique debetur, sed quod quisque efficere potest ; and you will pardon the assuming so high a woord as frendship, with this enterpretation : Seruus est humilis amicus, which, as I am bould to professe, I will be ready to demonstrate by Obedience to your Commandes. Thomas Roe.
23.3.6
November 1. — Sultan Coronne tooke his leaue and went to his tentes. The king at Noone sate out at the Durbar, where the Prince brought his Eliphantes, about 600 richly trapped and furnished, and his followers, by estimation 10,000 horse, many in Cloth of Gould with hearne top feathers in their Turbantes, all in Galanterie; Himselfe in a Coate of Cloth of siluer, embrodered with great Pearle and shining in Diamondes like a firmament. The king embraced him, kissd him, and showed much affection. At his departure hee gaue him a swoord, the scaberd all of gould sett with stones, valewed at 100,000 rupees, a dagger at 40,000, an Eliphant, and two horses, all the furniture of gould sett with stones, and for a Close one of the New Caroches made in Imitation of that sent by his Maiestie my Master, and Commanded the English Coachman to driue him to his tentes; into which hee ascended, and sate in the middle, the sides open, his Cheefest Nobles afoote walking by him to his Tentes about 4 Mile. All the way hee threw quarters of rupias, beeing followed with a Multitude of People. Hee reached his hand to the Coachman and Putt into his hatt about 100 rupias. I could not get any despatch, neyther heard any Newes from Suratt; so that Zulphecarcon is departed in our debt for want of an account, which I had often written for. I doubted our Patamars miscarriage, for it is now 36 dayes since I heard a woord. November 2.
23.3.7
— The king remooued to his tents with his weomen and all the Court about 3 mile. I went to attend him. Comming to the Pallace, I found him at the Jarruco wyndow and went vp on the scaffold vnder him, which Place, not hauing seene before, I was glad of the occasion. On two tresselles stood two Eunuches with long Poles headed with feathers fanning him. He gaue many fauours and receiued many Presentes. What hee bestowed hee lett downe by a silke stringe rouled on a turning instrument; what was giuen him, a venerable fatt deformed ould Matron, wrinckled and hung with gimbelles like an Image, Pulld vp at a hole with such a Nother Clue. At one syde in a wyndow were his two Principall wifes, whose Curiositye made them breake litle holes in a grate of reede that hung before yt to gaze on mee. I saw first their fingers, and after laying their faces close nowe one eye, Now another; sometyme I could discerne the full proportion. They were indifferently white, black hayre smoothed vp; but if I had had no other light, ther diamondes and Pearles had sufficed to show them. When I lookd vp they retyred, and were so merry that I supposed they laughd at mee. Suddenly the king rose, and wee retyred to the Durbar and satt on the Carpettes attending his Comming out. Not long after hee Came and sate about halfe an hower, vntill his ladyes at their doore were ascended their elephantes, which were about 50, all most richly furnished.
23.3.8
Principally 3 with Turretts of gould, grates of gould wire euery way to looke out, and Canopyes ouer of Cloth of siluer. Then the king descended the stayres with such an acclamation of health to the king as [w]ould haue out-cryed Cannons. At the stayres foote, wher I mett him, and shuffled to be Next, one brought a mighty carp; another a dish of white stuff like starch, into which hee putt his finger, and touched the fish and so rubd it on his forhead, a Ceremony vsed presaging good fortune. Then another came and buckled on his swoord and buckler sett all ouer with great Diamondes and rubyes. the belts of gould suteable. Another hung on his quiuer with 30 arrowes and his bow in a Case, the same that was presented by the Persian Ambassador. On his head he wore a rich Turbant with a Plume of herne tops, not many but long; on one syde hung a ruby vnsett, as bigg as a Walnutt; on the other syde a diamond as great; in the middle an emralld like a hart, much bigger. His shash was wreathed about with a Chayne of great Pearle, rubyes, and diamondes drild. About his Neck hee carried a Chaine of most excellent Pearle, three double; so great I neuer saw; at his Elbowes, Armletts sett with diamondes; and on his wristes three rowes of seuerall sorts. His handes bare, but almost on euery finger a ring; his gloues, which were english, stuck vnder his Girdle; his Coate of Cloth of gould without sleeues vpon a fine Semian as thin as Lawne;
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on his feete a payre of embrodered buskinges with Pearle, the toes sharp and turning vp. Thus armd and accomodated, hee went to the Coach, which attended him with his New English seruant, who was Clothd as rich as any Player and more gaudy, and had trayned four horses, which were trapped and harnassed in gould veluetts. This was the first hee euer sate in, and was made by that sent from England, so like that THE EMPEROR'S STANDARD. (from Terry's "Voyage").
23.4.1
I knew it not but by the Couer, which was a gould Persian veluett. Hee gott into the end; on each side went two Eunuches that carried small maces of gould sett all ouer with rubies, with a long bunch of white horse tayle to driue away flyes; before him went drumes, ill trumpettes and loud musique, and many Canopyes, quittasolls and other strange ensignes of Maiestie of Cloth of gould sett in many Places with great rubyes, Nine spare horses, the furniture some garnished with rubyes, some with Pearle and emraldes, some only with studdes enameld. The Persian Ambassador presented him a horse. Next behynd came three Palenkees; the Carriages and feete of on Plated with gould sett at the endes with stones and Couered with Crimson veluett embrodered with Pearle, and a frengg of great Pearle hanging in ropes a foote deepe, a border about sett with rubyes and emeralldes. A footman carried a foote stoole of gould sett with stones. The other two were couered and lyned only with Cloth of gould. Next followed the English Coach newly couered and trimed rich, which hee had giuen the queene Normahall, who rode in yt. After them a third of this Cuntry fashion, which me thought was out of Countenance ; in that sate his younger sonns. After followed about 20 Eliphantes royall spare for his owne ascending, so rich that in stones and furniture that they braued the sunne. Euery Eliphant had diuers flages of Cloth of siluer, guilt satten, and taffata.
23.4.2
His Noblemen hee suffered to walke a foote, which I did to the gate and left him. His wiues on their Eliphantes were carried like Parrakitoes halfe a Mile behynd him. When hee came before the doore wher [h]is eldest sonne is prisoner, he stayed the Coach and called for him. He came and made reuerence, with a swoord and buckler in his hand ; his beard grown to his middle, a signe of disfauour. The king Commanded him to ascend one of the spare Eliphantes and so rode next to him, to the extream applause and ioy of all men, who now are filld with new hopes. The king gaue him a thousand rupias to Cast to the People. His Iaylor, Asaph Chan, and all the Monsters yet a foote. I tooke horse to avoyd Presse and other inconuenience, and crossed out of the leskar before him, and attended vntill hee came near his Tentes. Hee passed all the way betweene a guard of Eliphantes, hauing euery one a turred on his back ; on the fower corners fower banners of yellow taffety ; right before, a sling mounted that carried a bullett as bigg as a great Tennis ball ; the gunner behind yt ; in Number about 300. Other Eliphantes of honor that went before and after, about 600 ; all which were couered with veluett or cloth of gould, and had 2 or 3 guilded banners carried. In the way rann diuers footemen with sckinnes of water that made a continuall shower before him; no horse nor man suffered to approach the Coach by two furlonges, except those that walked a foote by;
23.4.3
soe that I hasted to his tentes to attend his alighting. They were walled in about halfe an english mile in Compasse, in forme of a fort with diuers Coynes and bulwarckes, with high Cannattes of a Course stuff made like arras, red on the outsyde, within which figures in Panes, with a handsome gate house; euery Post that beare vp these was hedded with a topp of brasse. The throng was great. I desired to goe in, but no man was suffered; the greatest in the land satt at the doore; but I made an offer, and they admitted mee, but refused the Persian Embassador and all the Noblemen. Here first the Persian Embassador saluted me, with a silent Complement only. In the middst of this Court was a throwne of mother of Pearle borne on two pillars raysd on earth, couered ouer with an high tent, the Pole headed with a knob of gould, vnder it Canopyes of Cloth of gould, vnder foote Carpettes. When the king came neare the doore, some Noble men came in and the Persian Ambassador. Wee stood one of the one syde, the other of the other, making a little lane. The king entering cast his eye on mee, and I made a reuerence; hee layd his hand on his brest and bowed, and turning to the other syde nodded to the Persian. I followed at his heeles till hee ascended, and euery man cryed "Good Ioy and fortune," and so tooke our Places. Hee called for water, washed his handes and departed. His weomen entered some other Port to their quarter, and his sonne I saw not.
23.4.4
Within this whole rayle was about 30 diuisions with tents. All the Noble men retired to theirs, which were in excellent formes, some all white, some greene, some mingled; all encompassd as orderly as any house; one of the greatest raretyes and magnificencyes I euer saw. The vale showed like a bewtifull Citty, for that the ragges nor baggage were not mingled. I was vnfitted with Carriadge, and ashamed of my Prouision; but fiue years allowance would not haue furnished mee with one indifferent sute sortable to others. And, which addes to the greatnes, euery man hath a double, for that one goes before to the next remooue and is sett a day before the king riseth from these. So I returned to my Poore house. I demanded of Asaph Chan what remedy I should fynd against Zulphecarcon and showed his bill, desiering him to send to him or make Complaynt to the king. He putt mee off to mooue the Prince: that the king would not meddle with his seruantes. I yet, to my extreme trouble and woonder, heard noe Newes from Suratt nor Agra; resolued to follow the Prince on the morrow, and to Complayne of our debtes.
23.4.5
November 4. — I sent Master Bidolph and Iaddow to the Princes Camp to prooue whither by fayre meanes Zulphecarcon would pay the debt; for I knew how distastefull a complaynt against him would bee, and what I had suffered for this Contention. They first went to Afzuld chan, the secretary, and acquaynted him with my resolution to deliuer his bill to the Prince. He answered hee doubted not but hee would giue satisfaction without that course, and wishd them to goe speake with him, which they did, and hee resolutly answered he would pay no more. When they urged his bill hee slighted it, and bad demand it of the Prince, for whatsoeuer hee tooke from vs was for him; and that hee should pay it if he would, for that himselfe would not. Now the Prince was loose from the king, you may Iudge that which I foresaw, that the delayes and pretences for want of Certificatt from Suratt, which I had sent for 6 monthes, serued only a turne to gett at liberty and to cosen vs. I resolued in my tyme for no respect of danger or displeasure to leaue such an example, but to hazard all to recouer so little mony. If it had been myne owne I would haue giuen it rather then vndergone a New Conflict; but I purposed a fayre way without Iust exception, and that if I so suffered it was a kind of Martirdome: first to show his hand and seale to the Prince, and if I found no Iustice to deliuer it to the king, with the full Passage of all proceeding in yt. November 5.
23.4.6
— I rode to the Princes tents, about 5 mile, when he sate out. I usd some prefaces of respect, and desiered to take my leaue of his Highnes, to whom I wished a prosperous Iourny, victorye ouer his enemyes, a glorious Tryumph woorthy his greatnes, and a safe returne. I entreated him to beleeue I was his humble seruant in all respectes, reseruing my duty to my souerayne; and that hee would bee pleased to retayne our Nation in his fauour and protection. Then I presented to him Zulpheckcarcons billes for 17,000 mamoodies, of which hee had payd 9,000 and the remayner hee refused after many delayes: that I had had long Pacience for respect of his highnes, but now the Necessitye of his departure and my attendance on the king enforced mee to appeale to his Justice, wherin I doubted not to fynd releefe. Hee read it ouer, and seemed to beleeue it had beene Payd, demanding if Afsul chan knew the account. I answered: yes: that he was an instrument of the Conclusion, and it was witnessed by Mochrebchan, Hoja Nassan, and diuers, that knew wee lost for this end aboue 2,000 mamoodies, and that his owne hand and seale and his scrivanoes bills would testefye against him. Hee desiered me stay till the secretary came and I should receiue order. He rose before Afzul chan appeared and retyred, but sent Biram chan, the Commander of all his horse, to stay me a little.
23.4.7
Within halfe an hower came answere that I should returne to my house, and two dayes after repayre to him: hee would examine the busines and Pay mee himselfe: that then I should take my leaue of him. He sate in the same Magnificence, order, and greatnes that I mentioned of the king; His Throwne beeing Plated ouer with siluer, inlayd with flowers of gould, and the Canopy ouer it square, borne on fower Pillars couered with siluer; his Armes, swoord, buckler, bowes, arrowes, and lance, on a table before him. The watch was sett, for it was euening. When hee came abroade, I obserued him now hee was absolute, and Curiously his fashion and actions. Hee receiued two lettres, read them standing, before hee ascended his Throne. I neuer saw so settled a Countenance, nor any man keepe so Constant a grauety, neuer smiling, nor in face showeing any respect or difference of men; but mingled with extreame Pride and Contempt of all. Yet I found some inward trouble now and then assayle him, and a kinde of brokennes and distraction in his thoughtes, vnprouidedly and amasedly answering sutors, or not hearing. If I can Iudg any thing, hee hath left his hart among his fathers women, with whom hee hath liberty of conuersation. Normahall in the English Coach the day before visited him and tooke leaue. She gaue him a Cloake all embrodered with Pearle, diamondes and rubyes; and carried away, if I err not, his attention to all other busines.
23.5.1
November 6. — I receiued lettres from Master Browne at Amadavaz, aduising mee of hauing gotten the Gouernor of Cambayas bill for the restitution of 1,100 Mamoodies extorted last yeare, by virtue of difirmaen by me procured. So that I haue recouered all bribes and extortions taken before my tyme with little losse. I suppose it wilbe a good example. He certefyed mee of a fray begun by the Portugalles, 5 of them setting on an English boy in Cambaya and disarming him, vpon rumour wherof Iohn Browne and James Bickford went to his rescue and were assayled by seauen of them. One shooting a Pistoll hurt John Browne in the hand, but his hart lay not thear. They defended themselues honestly, brauely, like Englishmen, kylld one, hurt some others, and Chased them vp and downe the Towne like beastes, to the great shame of such villaynes and reputation of our Nation. To reuenge this, the Portugalls beeing arriued in their frigotts, diuers Came ashore ; no more english in Towne but the 3 Mentioned. The Gouernor vnderstood the occasion, and sent the Cuttwall with a guard to our house and shutt the water Ports, expelling the Portugall and Commanding, vpon payne of Chasticement, not to meddle with the English ; and so deliuered them safe out of towne, who are returned to Amadavaz.
23.5.2
By these I receiued newes from Suratt of a resolution to send to Jasques without my knowledge, here beeing an Ambassador of the Shaw-hks that offered me all curtesy and whose aduise would haue giuen vs great light to the busines; but in 6 weekes I neuer heard woord from them, neyther doe they thinck any body woorth the Consulting but them selues. I sent downe the kinges firmaen procured by Crowther; but my aduise that it was not woorth entertayning on so feeble Conditions, with many reasons reserued to my selfe, not presupposing any man would haue presumed a conclusion without mee; for that when I motioned to send Shalbanke for 100 rupias overland to discouer both Syndu and Jasques, to bee an eye wittnesse of the fittnes of the Port and possibilitye of trade, and to haue returned before the arriuall of our fleete with full intelligence, they reiected it, and braggd they had crossd all my aduices; and now haue resolued to doe yt by a ship, at extreame perill and Chardge, and without any ground, yea, against all reason; without vouchsafing to acquaynt mee, but that I receiued the Newes by Collaterall enformation. Iudge what respect your factors giue mee: what the fruictes of diuision are, and seperating them from any relation to mee, though your last lettre signifyd you required them to Consult with mee before resolution of any Matter of such importance.
23.5.3
I must Confesse it greatly discourageth mee, and my sincere Payne, care, and toyle was not to serue to amend their follyes only at Court, but hoped to haue beene respected in my aduice only for your profitt. For your Cheefe factor hath too much suddeyne
23.5.4
East, and in consequence the usual authority in matters relating to merchandise had been withheld from the general of the 1616 fleet. Pepwell, therefore, could not reverse the decision arrived at by the assembled factors, nor could he refuse to assist in carrying it out. Roe was equally powerless, and had to content himself with watching, in a decidedly critical mood, the outcome of the measures taken, while he awaited the result of his letters home of the previous year, complaining of his own want of authority. fire and to great an opinion of his abilityes to giue a temperate aduise, as I can show abondantly and wee haue had full experience, not once asking any mans aduise from hence, but Peremptorily commanding and ordering monyes to no purpose, too late and to extreame Losse. Notwithstanding, this day I dispeeded a lettre from the Princes secretary written in his owne Name to Abram chan, Salath beage, and Isack beage, to ouersee the Customer that hee wronged not the English nor suffered any other : that the busines might bee so ordered as should preuent all future Complayntes : that the presentes should be dispatchd to Court without Custome : that what soeuer was bought should not be taken by force, but the owner payd ready mony to Content The Copy is registred. This day I wrote to the Gouernor of Cambaya to acknowledge his fauour and my thanckfullnes : that I would acquaynt the king with his honorable respect of our Protection. November 9.
23.5.5
— The Prince, beeing to remooue, sent one of his Guard in hast for mee. I was vnfitted to goe but hee Prest mee so farr that his Master did stay out to speake with mee : that hee had Commanded him not to returne without mee : that all the Court did talk of the Princes fauour to mee : that it was reported hee had desired the king to lett mee accompany him into the warrs, and that hee had promised to vse mee so well as I should confesse his fauour to our Nation. This Newes made me take horse after dinner ; but I found him Newly risen and Marching. I mett the Dutchman his Ieweller. Hee welcommed mee with good Newes of some extraordinary fauour from his master, who had sate almost an hower longer then his Purpose to stay my Comming, and such great promises that made mee beleeue none. Hee also confirmed the souldiers report of my attending the Prince. When I came vp to the trayne I sent woord I was arriued, and had answer that I should passe before to the tentes, and sitt vntill the Prince came and that hee would speake with mee. It was night before his approach. He made only a Countenance to mee, sate a little and went in among his woemen. As hee Passd, hee turned about and sent a seruant to desire mee to stay a while : that hee would com into the Guzelchan and take his leaue of mee.
23.5.6
Within halfe an hower he sate out, but I could not gett any man to putt him in mynd of mee, and hee was fallen to Play, and eyther forgott it or put a tricke of state vpon mee, that I stayed an hower. Beeing extreamely troubled, I went to the doore and tould the wayters the Prince had sent for mee : I came only to receiue his Commandes : that I had attended long and must returne to my house, it beeing late : and if his highnes had any busines I desiered him to send it after mee, for I scorned such vsage ; and so departed to horse. Before I was vp, ther came running messingers calling for mee, and I was sent for. I first complayned of my stay : that I was come only to receiue his command : that I had neyther bedd nor tent and 6 Course home : that I could not procure entrance. I found him earnest at Cardes, but hee excused himselfe of forgettfullnes, and blamed the officers formally ; but in show vsd mee with more Curtesy then ordinary, calling mee to see his Cardes and asking many questions. I expected hee would speake of my goeing with him, but, fynding noe such discourse, I tould him I was come only to obey him, and to take my leaue: that I desired his Pardon that I hasted away, for that I was to returne to Adsmere, beeing vnprouided to stay all night Hee answered hee sent for me to see me before his goeing: that I should presently bee dispatched.
23.5.7
Then hee sent in an Eunuch and diuers of his Captaynes came smiling: the Prince would giue me a great Present, and if I feared to ryde late, I should haue ten horse to guard mee, and made such a busines as if I should haue receiued his best Chayne of Pearle. By and by came out a Cloth of gould Cloake of his owne, once or twice worne, which hee Caused to bee putt on my back, and I made reuerence, very vnwillingly. When his Ancester Tamerlane was represented at the Theatre the Garment would well haue become the Actor; but it is here reputed the highest of fauour to giue a garment worne by the Prince, or, beeing New, once layd on his shoulder. Then hee bowed him selfe and I had my dischardg; but I desiered to speake somewhat more. Vsing a preface of Complementes, I acquaynted him with the letters I newly receiued from Suratt, wherin our factors acknowledge their good vsadge and the receipt of the mony according to order: that as I had Complaynd against the bad, I could not but acknowledge the Justice and goodnes of Abram Chan, who in all Poynts studyed to honour his Master with Noble actions and to protect vs from Iniury. He replyed it was his Command so to doe, and that hee was very glad that his seruants and my Countrimen agreed so well and were frendes, which hee would continew by his expresse order: that in what I found my selfe agreeued hee would bee my Iudge him selfe and right mee.
23.5.8
I desiered him to beginn his fauour by Commanding Zulphercarcon to pay the Mefic.harites the 8,000 mamodies resting of his debt. He answered that he had vndertaken to bee our Paymaster, and gaue present order to giue a bill to receiue it at Suratt; which I leaue Master Bidolph to follow. So I tooke my leaue, and Comming out was followed by all his wayters and Porters soe shamfully that I halfe paid for my Cloake before I gate out. By Morning I gott home.
23.6.1
In the way thither I receiued an answer of my lettres sent long since to Suratt, which I supposed miscarried, but found that they had kept my Pattamar one month and fower dayes, only to dispose their busines without my knowledge. They aduise mee of their sending the Iames to discouer Iasques, with the greatest quantity of Cloth, lead, quicksiluer, and teeth, and diuers factors, beeing forced to yt as a Comodity that would not vent in India (yet not many monthes since they disputed with mee that these species would driue the whole trade); notwithstanding that I had enformed them that in Persia in the hart these kynd were lesse saleable, in the sckirtes (wher was no trade) not vendible at all. Next that they haue made mony vp to Agra, which cannot be returned by the end of Ianuary. Thus without once consulting any man they doe most absurdly all of their owne heades, which I reprehended with some roundnes, and neede not repeat the reasons I gaue agaynst their courses nor my opinion, beeing sent to the Consultation and entered in its order among my lettres. They sent mee a Copy of some Clauses of the Companyes Commission which they pretend concerned mee; but in the first, about the Persian employment, they haue proceeded as if it concernd mee not. The rest are friuolous and, by misenformation into England, to no purpose; and this is all it hath pleasd them to acquaynt mee with. They confesse the receipt of the mony recouered by mee, of their better vsage at Suratt;
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