The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 39.2

39.2

I had professed to the King, to giue him the more feeling of our seruice and affection, that wee had taken the ships and their Company that offered to robb the Beagams junck. Our enemies replied to my face it was a tricke: that wee were all theeues: now wee could not doe it faierly, and therfore sett a Counterfeyt show vpon it. The King questioned how any English durst offer such an Iniurie and come soe bouldly, if not by Consent of his Maiestie; which when I had answered I deliuered on my Creditt that what wee had done was Bona fide and sincerly: that the Captains were made Prisoners in our ships, kept in Irons: and that I would soe send them to his Maiestie, who would make them an example of such bouldnes to dare to disturbe the Allies of his Crowne. Hee is knowne here by Merchants come vpon the same junck and in Companie with him, who I doubt not will betray him, and in him mee. With what face can I answere this if I bee questioned? To send him back is discurtesie, beeing admitted as Captain Towersons Companion; nor what to doe in it doe I Well knowe. I should bee much eased if you were more reserued in this kind belowe. Hee is very conformable to all reason; offers to returne; but it is knowne already, and I may haue the shame, you the losse, of that curtesie which before was thought wee had done them. Since, on the 16, arriued with mee safely your goods and Presents and all the Company (more then I wished);