The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 36.1.5

36.1.5

Asaph Chan perswaded him to alter his course towards vs, telling him hee gained yearely by vs a Lecke of Rupias at his Port : that it appeared we yearely encreased our trade, and it would in time bring profit : that if the hard measure were continued, we would quit both that and the Countrey, of which inconuenience would ensue : That we were his Subiects (such words he must vse) : if, for desire of toyes, he gaue vs discontent, we would practise to conceale all from him : but if hee gaue vs that libertie which was fit, wee would striue to bring all before him, for that I only studyed his content and fauour : for my particular, that he should receiue mee, when I came to visite him, with honour and according to my qualitie : it would encourage mee to doe him seruice, and content my Nation. Finally, hee moued him for a Firman for our present ease, and obtained it, promising all manner of content, and at instant gaue order to Asaph Chan, his Secretary, to draw it in euery point according to my owne desires, and to write a Letter to the Gouernour in recommendations of it : and that I should at all times haue any other Letter, when I called for it. It is easily seene with how base and vnworthy men I traffique. Asaph Chan, for a sordid hope only of buying some toyes, was so reconciled as to betray his sonne, and to me obsequious, euen to flattery ; for the ground of all this friendship was that he might buy the Gold taken in the prize, and some other knackes.