The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 38.10

38.10

He replyes : It is true, you gaue a Firman to his content, and in ten dayes sent another, in effect, to contradict it : that he stood surety between both : had vndertaken from the Princes mouth our redresse, but now he had the shame and dishonor of it : that he ought me nothing, nor I him : he spake for no ends but for the Kings Honor and Justice ; in that which he said that he did vs no wrong, he must appeale to me, who complayned that our goods were taken by force, that two yeeres past Rulph [Zulphercarcon] had begun it, would neuer pay vs, and his Officers continued euery shipping : that if the Prince were weary of vs, he might turne vs out, but then he must expect we would doe our owne Justice vpon the Seas. He demanded if the King or Prince gaue mee meanes to eate, or who did ? That I was an Ambassadour and a stranger, that liued and followed the King at great charge : that if our goods were forced, and after we could get neither goods nor money, how should I liue and maintayne myselfe ? This deliuered with some heate, the King catched the word, Force, Force, redoubling it to his sonne, and gaue him sharpe reprehension. The Prince promised to see me paid all : that he had taken nothing, but only caused the Presents to be sealed, because his Officers had no Custome, and desired to haue them opened before him. I absolutely refused it ; also I told the King I would only doe my dutie to my Master, in deliuering his Presents free : after I would giue the Prince all content.