Travels in India (Tavernier) 155.2

155.2

“ But if he only does us this injury,” continued the President, “the Company will not trouble itself, and will not be the poorer because its beer remains unsold.” It is not really the case that if this prohibition of the Dutch General and his Council had continued it would not have been injurious to the English, for they make a considerable profit on beer, and it yields them a large sum of money annually. I have above said that it is the principal delight of the people of Batavia to see new drinks arrive, especially English beer, and that which they call mom, which comes from Brunswick. It is thought that they contribute to health ; and the majority fear that they will not survive for the remainder of the year if they do not receive these supplies. Accordingly all the people murmured loudly against the General and his Council ; and even the publicans risked going to buy the beer from the English, the General closing his eyes, and the wives of the Councillors being very glad to drink it.