The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 23.1.4

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.