The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 24.3.4

24.3.4

Concerning Priuat trade, my opinion is you absolutly prohibit yt and execute forfeyture, for your busines wilbe the better done. All your loss is not in the goodes brought home. I see here the inconveniences you thinck not off. I know this is harsh to all men, and seemes hard; Men professe they come not out for bare wages. You shall take away the Plea if you resolue to giue very good to mens Content; then you know what you part from. But you must make good Choyce of your seruantes and use fewer. . . . . I have drancke water this 11 Monthes, and Nothing els. Rack I cannot endure, and your strong waters I would not meddle with. I hoped you would haue sent mee a Peice of wyne; but now it is to late to wish. Trye a Cup or two of my liquor in a Morning next your hartes and then you will remember mee. But I hope you will send for me home by the Next expected fleete, the Chardge being more then my employment can Merritt, and therfore I begg none now; though I could haue beene Pleasd that your seruantes aboord, that make very Merrie, had afforded mee some. When I was aboord the lyon it was an Errand from Surat to Come to drinck; but I am farr from the well.