The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 24.2.6

24.2.6

Next, I hould it woorthy your Consideration to resolue somwhat for your safety and quiett in the road with the Portugall. Ther are but two wayes, a Peace or a compulsion. The first I haue anew vndertaken by the Mediation of a Jesuite, who foresees their ruine ; but I despayre of any successe, both that the viceroy wantes authoritie or is to Proud to vse yt. The Next is force, which is allway to disaduantage when you only defend. My opinion is that you give order to all your fleetes to make Price of them, and that, as you Nowe ride at Swally roade to protect one ship, that you would send that guard next yeare to ride before Goa to braue them or burne them, at least to stop them that they durst not Putt to sea in December. So you shall enforce them to loose their seasons ; one or two returnes hindered would vndoe them. On my woord they are weake in India and able to doe your fleete no harme but by supplyes from Lisbon, which aduertisement you must harken after and accordingly accommodate your strength. You will add much reputation to your Cause, and force them to that which their Pride will neuer suffer them to see they want more then you, which is, a quiett trade. My third Proposition is for your trafique into the redd sea. It is more important then all other proiectes.