The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 41.5.6

41.5.6

But the King, shaming to insist vpon soe base a reason, vsed for a full deniall a later Pretence, that hee was no right Embassador; having of mee demanded by Asaph-chan if I would avow him for one, to which I replyed if I saw his Masters lettres I was bound ; if not, I should not acknowledge him but as a messinger. The King demanded of the Iesuite if he had lettres, who replying truth: none from Spayne, and, to avoyd the affront, professed alsoe that hee came but from Damon, a Citty of the Portugalls, but soe suddenly as the New Vizeroy could neither prepare a fitt Present nor lettres : that his Comming was to congratulate in the Vizeroy and Cytties Name his approach into these Parts; at which hee had his full dismission, but with good tearmes : that if hee came to see him, hee should bee wellcome ; but if the Vizeroy would send him or any other with Presents and authoritie in the Name of the King of Portugall, hee would receiue him with Honor. The Iesuite is somwhat troubled ; and the Embassador, who came on in great Brauerie, takes himselfe scorned. They pretend to mee that another shall returne with ampler lettres and full Power to treat with mee, which Asaph-chan from the King gaue in Chardge. For my Part, I am not sorry for any distast begunn, and thinck not that the Portugall will stoope so farr as to send a Nother nor Presents vpon such a demand and affront ; neyther that if any come that hee shall bring authoritie to make you a secure Peace. The issue I attend.