The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 46.3

46.3

5. If this faire motion of trade bee refused, then shall you endeuour to force it by staying and hinderinge the trafficque of all such roaders as you shall fynde in trade, not subiecte to the greate Mogoll, and by exchaung with them put of all your goodes laden vpon the said voyadge ; but if you meete any shippe or juncke freighted by the Portingalls or the goodes of any Moore or Banian subiecte or inhabitinge within theyr Territorie, of all [such] ships and goodes you shall make prise, signifieing to all persons that you proceed in this Course with the Portingalls and theyr Subiectes only to Compell them to suffer the Seas to be free and Commerce open and not to take any tribute, passe-money or Imposition vpon merchaunts goodes vpon the Sea: that whensoeuer the Portugall shall relinquish this vniust Course, that the English will agree and Consente to the free open trades and liberty of all Nations freindes with them : but if they will adhere and bee tributarie to the Portingalls, wee shall make prise of theyr goodes as the Confederates of our Enemies.