The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 48.1

48.1

(Public Record Office: E. Indies, vol. i, No. 59.) Amadauaz, 16 February, 1617[-18]. Sir, Your acceptation of my endeauours is a confirmation of the same affection which you began towardes mee when I had merited nothing. I now feare that I shall fall into another euill and bee preiudiced by too much expectation. These Princes and Customes are so Contrarie to ours that I shall trauell much in myne owne eies and performe little in yours. Ther is no treaty wher ther is soe much Prid, nor no assurance wher is no fayth. All I can doe is to serue present turnes. The People are weary of vs. The King hath no content, who expectes great Presentes and Jewelles, and reguardes no trade but what feedes his vnsatiable appetite after stones, rich and rare Peices of any kind of arte. The breefe is I haue sent you a lettre which will show his Promises, but they hould not one Minute. Feare only keepes vs in, and vntill they feele vs once more and that his owne subiectes Petition for vs, wee shall neuer obteyne more then to run out in a Chardgable trade, with much seruitude. My employment is nothing but vexation and trouble; little honor, lesse Profitt. Whatsoeuer I haue done and my opinion in all your affayres, you will fynd in generall lettrs, discourses, and other Papers directed to you.