The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 24.3.2

24.3.2

and that the stewardship is honestly carried, weekly examined by mee, and euery Parcell by my order, and that you are not deceiued of one Pice, Next that, paying my mens wages all here (else they could not liue) out of my allowance, and the desier to appeare handsome and Honorable abroad, with liberalityes not brought to your account, make mee soe bare that you neede not feare my trading nor growing rich. The Kinges bountyes are rather Markes of honor then of Profitt. I haue supplyed a yeare in presentes of myne owne stock and aske not to deminish yours a Penny in Indya. All your other seruantes part not with a knife but at four for one ready Mony. ... I shall not returne richer by 500l. for my stay, but in my honest deseart to you; which I will bring vnder good Certificatt and trust to you for recompence. I will settle your trade here secure with the King, and reduce it to order if I may be heard. When I haue soe done I must plead against my selfe that an Ambassador liues not in fitt honor. I could sooner dye then be subiect trouble like to Ensue by our dissention with the Portugall in those seas, yet it will occasion mee to fall lower to some fitt Port which the King may assigne, if hee will grant any; but I am dayly answered for the Comoditye wee bring wee hau too many already.'' (Same to same, June 6th, 1617 : Ibid., f. 197.) to the slauerye the Persian is content with. A meaner Agent would among these proud Moores better effect your busines.