The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 41.4.2

41.4.2

for hee brought a Paynter, stole him aboord at the downes, [who] is bound to him for 7 years (a very good woorkeman both in lymming and oyle) to deuide profitts; him hee preferred to the king in his owne trade. Pretended to mee for an engineer in water woorkes. His smith makes clocks; of all hee shares the moyetie. I required to bynd them to you by Couenant, which hee could not refuse; but his Paynter would not, and when I offer to send him home, I dare not for the kings displeasure, to whom Steele by his toong to my face may wrong mee, and hath already practised it. But I shall defend myselfe and you, if God blesse mee. Captain Towerson and his wife find could reception here. Her frends are Poore and mean and weary of them. Hee came with hopes of great Diamonds, and they looke for guifts of him. I am sorie for him and his little vanetie. I haue vsed my best advice to perswade his returne. He sees his owne abuse, and yet hath not Power to recall yt. Hee thought to bee esteemed here a great man ; God send him to returne as hee came ; which, if I would consent, hee might in estate better, for his Purpose was, it seemes, to invest here in Indicoes for about 1000 li. ; pretends your licence and his Meritt to bee such as you will deny him nothing. I shall gett an ill name by refusing such easye requests. I woonder why you should grant him this fauour and bynd all our hands : and you could not but foresee his ends was trade, or, if he say true, you allow yt.