The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 52.2.4

52.2.4

That hereby wee were exposed vnto the power of all theeues and Robbers on the wayes ; wee passing yearly to Amadauaz and other parts with great summes of mony and Goods, could not keepe them, in a Countrie so ill gouerned, with kniues ; and that it was an infinite shame and scorne to the Prince to feare that a few men could surprise or take so populous a cytty as Suratt, and build forts in an hower, especially wee hauing many pledges of our fayth and good meaning in so many parts of Indya by the residence of our people and goods, one of whose liues wee would not loose for 1000 moors. Lastly, that all other poynts agreed vnto were left out or falsifyed utterly, which demonstrated ill meaning toward us ; and that it was more honorable to deale clearly and to prohibitt us all trade, giuing us license to depart ; which now I only desired, and I would soone contract our people, or settle them in Goga and Cambaya, vnder the Protection of the Kyng, whose gratious grants were to us sufficient securitie and vnder whom wee were assured to liue in safety ; for vpon no tearmes I would eyther accept this firman or stay in the port of Suratt, nor goe downe to yt, but seeke another way to ship my selfe, and after to doe that which was reason ; recalling the promise and woord I had giuen before the Kyng, and did make protestation that I was guiltless of all the euill that might succeed by this unfaythfull dealing.