The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 28.1.7

28.1.7

He answered he would prouide of all sorts and sizes, and added to them what hee thought was fit, that your King may know I respect him. Next, hauing Venison of diuers sorts before him, he gaue me halfe a Stagge, with these words: Hee killed it himselfe, and the other halfe I should see bestowed on his wiues; which was presently cut out, in small pieces of foure pound, and sent in by his third sonne and two women that were called out, to diuers such Mammockes as if it had beene a dole to the poore, and carryed by the Prince bare in his hands. Now I had as much satisfaction and so abundant grace as might haue flattered me into content; but the iniury was aboue words, though I were glad of these, and of colour to dissemble, for hee sent as a conclusion to know if I were pleased, and did not depart discontent. I answered: His Maiesties fauour was sufficient to make mee any amends. Then, said he, I haue onely one question to aske you, which is, I wonder much, now I haue seene your Presents two yeares, what was the reason why your King sent a Merchant, a meane man, before you with fiue times as many, and more curious Toyes that contented all, and after to send you his Ambassadour with a Commission and his Letter mentioning Presents, and yet what you brought was little, meane and inferiour to the other: I acknowledge you an Ambassadour, I haue found you a Gentleman in your vsage, and I am amazed why you were so slightly set out.