The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 9.1

9.1

May it please your Majestie, That I haue the Honor to be calld your Majesties Ambassador me thinckes requires out of the nature of the Place, at least embouldens mee, to send your Majestie these humble lines ; otherwise the importance of what I can write is not woorth one the least pause or interruption of your maiesties higher meditations. To relate the Customes of this Cuntry, the state of the Court or their gouerment, were fitter to beguile the wearines of the way (like a tale) at your Majesties stirrop then for a discourse in earnest. Fame hath done much for the Glory of this place. Yet it cannot be denyed that this King is one of the mightyest Princes in Asia, as well in extent of territory as in revenew ; equall to the Turke, far exceeding the Persian. But the Gouerment so vncertayne, without written law, without Policye, the Customes mingled with barbarisme, religions infinite, the buildings of mudd (except the Kings howses and some few others) : that eauen this greatnes and wealth that I admired in England (reseruing due reuerence to the Persons of Kyngs) is here, wher I see yt, almost contemptible, and turnes myne eyes with infinite longings to see your Maiesties face and happines. The trade here will doubtlesse in tyme bee very profitable for your Maiesties Kingdomes, and may vent much cloth ; but as yet our condition and vsadge is so bad (notwithstandinge fayre woordes) that will require much patience to suffer, much Industry to sett vpright.