The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 38.2

38.2

. . . . A firmaen from [for ?] Bengala cannot be had while the Prince hath Suratt, vnles wee will quitt it and rely on the other only. Hee pretends that all our fine goods shall come thither and his Port beare the burthen of trash and hinder others. . . . . . . . For Priuat trade you know my orders, and I the Companyes Pleasure. The Prime Comoditie no man, I hope, will deale in vpon any pretence ; cloth, if they doe and consent to acquaynt the factors with it and remitt it to their Masters, it may Passe and by your and my aduise may bee fauored ; but for all such as are obstinate, I require execution of Commission to the vtmost, notice of their Names, and I will vse my Creditt to bring them to repentance by losses Master Steele hath satisfied him easely that loues not Contentions. But I can discerne woords and shawdowes from truth and substance. I hope well of all men, of him, and would not put my finger to the ruyne of any. I cannot so soone help a man as destroy him ; it is a tender thing in a mans conscience. Yet I am not soe easye as to bee abused much. You shall see I see both wayes and will choose the best.