The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 41.2.4

41.2.4

and therfore, before the king would mooue it to bee refused, it was demanded if the Jesuite would vndertake the kinges desiers should vpon reasonable tearmes take effect, which hee could not promise but by aduise from Goa. Soe it rested ; only betweene vs some speech vpon what tearmes and how farr wee intended this treaty ; generall in the Indyes was improbable to effect ; for a Couple of shippes vpon all this Coast it might bee granted. At first I stood vpon no restraynt, to come as wee listed ; but after promised that when I saw Power to treat I would agree vnto conditions reasonable and honorable. Returne of these are not Come, in the direct poynt ; but, the King beeing neare the sea, the Viceroy (which neuer before was done) sent an Ambassador toward the Court to congratulate in the Name of the King of Spayne. He yet stayes at Baltasare, the Confines of this Territorie below Suratt. The Jesuitt mooued his admittance, and the King replied : if hee come with Presentes fitt for his Master to send and mee to receiue, he is wellcome : if not, I shall not acknowledge him for the Person hee pretendes nor giue him honor. This answere was strange ; but, getting noe better, it was returned, and as yet wee know not whither hee will proceed or not.