The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 24.1.4

24.1.4

Concerning the ayding the Mogoll or waffing his subiects into the Redd Sea, it is now vselesse, yet I made offer of your affections ; but when they need not a curteyse, they reguard it as a dogg doth dry bread when his belly is full. The King hath peace with the Portugalls, and will neuer make a Constant warr, except first wee displant them. Then his greatnes will step in for a share of the benifitt, that dares not partake the Perill. When they haue Peace, they scorne our assistance, and speake as lowed as our Canon ; if warr oppresse them, they dare not putt out vnder any protection, nor will pay for yt. You must remooue from you all thought of any other then a trade at their Port ; wherin if you can defend your selues, leaue them to their fortune. You can neuer oblige them by any benifitt, and they will feare you sooner then loue you. Your residence you neede not doubt so long as you tame the Portugall. Therfore, avoyd all other Chardge as vnnessesary, that resists not him ; hee only can prejudice you. For a Fort, at my first arriuall I receiued it as very Necessarie ; but experience teaches mee wee are refusd it to our aduantage. If hee would offer mee ten, I would not accept one. First, wher the riuer is Comodious, the Cuntry is barren and vntraded ; the Passadges to parts better Planted so full of theeues that the Kings authoritye avayles not, and the strength of the hilles secures them in that life.