The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 39.10

39.10

January 13. — The Dutch came to Court with a great Present of China ware, Sanders, Parrats and Cloaues ; but were not suffered to come neere the third degree. At last the Prince asked me who they were. I replyed : The Hollanders resident in Surat. Hee demanded if they were our friends. I replyed : They were a Nation depending on the King of England, but not welcome in all places : their businesse I knew not. He said : for being our friends, I should call them vp ; and so I was enforced to send for them to deliuer their Present. They were placed by our Merchants, without any speech or further conference. Finally I had all granted I desired. I attend the performance and money. And thus I conclude that without this contestation I had neuer gotten anything ; for I told the Princes Messenger, in the presence of all the English, that if he vsed force to me or my goods, he might doe his pleasure, but it should cost bloud: that I would set my Chop vpon his Masters ship, and send her for England.