The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 23.3.1

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.