The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 33.2

33.2

But I see no fitt Cargazon to send but will weaken this too much. Steeles Proiectes are Idle and vayne, smokey ayrye Imaginations. His owne relations of Persia Contradictorye and silly, magnifying his owne woorkes. I neuer sawe him; but I suppose I vnderstand him, and woonder how the Company are so deceiued if they Putt much trust in him. That which causeth my present writing is concerning two men of warr taken by you, of which it seemes some make doubt to stay, by reason of their Commissions and the greatnes of their owners. You know your strength, what you may doe to men of their qualetye; and I know the Companies lettres patentes prohibiting any of the subiectes of England to trade this way, much more to roue. And if it prohibit it, it consequently giueth power to execute such prohibition; els were it in vayne. Therfore I desier you not only to stay them, but to take out their officers and some of their men and change them with yours for safetye, least they make escape. They will steed you well with the Portugalles, whom you may expect to Bicker with. The reason of this strict dealing is, besides the right of the company and the equitye of Nationes, the Kinges honor is engaged that wee shall not molest free merchantes, not our enemyes. I am here a Pawne, and represent his Person; assure you, what damage soeuer any of these subiectes shall susteyne by vs our bodyes and goodes shall answere.