never denying me access; and his pride is such as may teach Lucifer; which made me answer roundly I was not his slave, but a free ambassador of a king, and that I would never more visit him or attend him. He had refused me justice, but at night I would see him with the King, to whom only I would address myself, and so departed."
Bold words these even for an ambassador to utter to a man of Prince Khurrum's status, especially in his hour of favour. But Roe at the time had in reserve a weapon which he knew he could use with telling effect in any subsequent phase of the dispute. He had heard the previous day of the arrival at Swally of a new fleet, bringing with it, of course, a fresh batch of presents. Jehangir's almost childish craving for novelties might be relied on, he no doubt thought, to smooth matters for him in the prince's direction.
Not, we may imagine, without a twinkle of triumph in his eye. Roe attended the imperial durbar that evening. As he passed the prince he saluted him respectfully, but Khurrum treated him with disdainful indifference. Then turning to the Emperor, Roe told him of the fleet's arrival and asked his commands in regard to the presents. All eagerness at the news, Jehangir demanded what had been brought. He was given a list of the articles, and was so pleased, especially with some arras which had been imported for him, that he promised Roe all favours and privileges that he might desire. The coup was so far successful, but Roe did not intend to trust over-much to his imperial patron's sense of honour. For the time being he determined to have the presents kept in safe custody at Surat, the only exception being some rather remarkable pearls—one being "shaped like a pear, very large, beautiful and orient,"—
