The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 39.5

39.5

.... The supplyes for Agra wilbe lardger then your Monies, Master Fettiplace hauing assured me of 25,000 rupees Creditt, and if tymely will goe farther. Hee vrdgeth keeping Creditt soe pressiuely, and it is of such consequence to vs, that I haue sould the great Pearle for 12,000 rupees without abatement to bee payd 10,000 langertes in Agra; which mony I haue made vp. I knowe the Pearle somwhat better woorth, not much, neither could I euer procure it esteemed at that rate; but for our Present vse, and for some other very good reasons, I haue yeilded to Please in it Asaph-chan. Considering the Royall of Eight at Suratt and in England the Price equalls almost 1,400li. in that money at 4s. 6d., and is Paid clear in Agra without abatement of exchange with Shraff, which is profitt allsoe. It Paid noe custome, and cost in England, as Master Steele avowes, but 1,000li. This made mee yeild; els I would haue ventured to haue taken it back. . . . January 8, 1617-18. — There was some question about Presents. The Prince asking for them, I answered: They were readie, if hee pleased to receiue his. Then hee demanded: Why I brake his seales? I told him: It was dishonorable for me to bring a Kings gifts in bonds, and great discourtesie to set seales vpon them: I expected and attended his licence twentie daies, but seeing no hope, I was enforced to doe it. Some heate began;