The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 36.1.4

36.1.4

I am not so in loue with myne owne opinion that I thinck it ought to bee a law. If you the Cheefe Commander [and] Master Kerridge, Cape merchant, with your Counsailes can add any thinge to these my suddeyne thoughts or in your judgementes find any fitt to bee altered (for god knowes I am no merchant, but follow common reason), I desire you to bee very free. It is the Companies seruice; I will consent vnto it..... neythere doe I thincke it fitt, choosinge sober and discreet men to negotiat any busines, so strictly to tye them to instructions as that they may not haue the vse and libertie of their owne reason and experience; for I well knowe no man can sitt in India and direct punctually busines in Persia, subiect to alterations and new accurents. Therefore that these in generall shall serue only as a rule, wherby to frame their course that shalbe imployed, which in extraordinarye occasion they may alter, vpon the perill of their honesty and discretion. Dated in Mandoa, 6 October, 1617. [October] 12. — According to promise, Asaph Chan carryed mee to the Prince, into his priuate roome, where I presented him with a small China Gold-chaine, in a China Cup. He vsed me indifferently.