The Embassy of Sir Thomas Roe to the Court of the Great Mogul 9.2

9.2

They feare the Portugall, they feare vs, and between both patch vp a frendship ; but in hart (if we were of force) more vnsound to them then vs. The Portugall professing here himselfe enemy to your Maiesties subiects, speaking vnreverently and falsly of your Maiesties estate and greatnes with many bragging insolencyes, having twice with a great Armado assaulted vs and by Gods assistance repulst, and beeing twice well beaten, hath so lessened his reputation (which was his strength) that his vtter ruyne were an easy woorke. The Dutch hath planted below Goa, the seat of the viceroy, and beaten him in late sea fights, and dayly wynns ground vpon him, and our trade hath soe deminished his returns that not halfe the Gallions that were vsually laden in these parts are sett out and those doe little more then defray chardge. The King of Persia hath distressed Ormus that the Portugalls are retyred to the Castle, which is in great want, all releafe from the mayne beeing taken away and the residers in his whole dominion (of that nation) banished. Doubtlesse hee would putt it into the hands of the English, for his want of shipping.