Page 162 - Early English Adventurers in the Middle East_Neat

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162 EARLY ENGLISH ADVENTURERS IN THE EAST

fact that the ships had brought a beautiful pearl which he
! alleged he was anxious to sell, either to the Emperor or to
the prince.
Asaf Khan swallowed the bait tendered with avidity.
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He told Roe that he must on no account allow either Jelian-
gir or the prince to have the jewel. The Emperor, if he
were told about it, would not rest until he got it into his
hand, and once it was in his possession Roe would have to
sue for it. The prince was tyrannical and opposed to all
nationalities. Why not let him have the pearl ? If it
were put in his possession, he insinuated, he would recon­
cile Roe to the prince and do great things for the English.
Roe showed a yielding disposition, but raised doubts as
to the possibility of the transaction leaking out. Where­
upon Asaf Khan gave his oath, and this was followed by
“ a ceremony of covenant by crossing of thumbs.” Finally
the conspirators embraced in token of their bond of friend­
ship.
The minister proved as good as his word. He took Roe
to Prince Khurrum and “ persuaded him to alter his course
towards us, telling him he gained yearly by us a lakh of
rupees at his port (Surat), that the trade was on the increase,
and that if it were interfered with great inconvenience would
ensue.” Finally, Asaf Khan “ moved him for a firman
for our present case, and obtained it, promising all manner
'H of content.” Afterwards the minister added to the great
service he had rendered by writing to the government of
i?j Surat on behalf of the Company’s representatives.
Noor Mahal ably seconded her brother in his support of
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English interests. In exchange for a promise of priority
in the selection of foreign novelties brought by the English
ships, she took the cargoes under her special protection,
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