Epstein, Mordecai: The English Levant Company: its foundation and its history to 1640 (London: George Routledge & Sons Ltd, 1908)

THE LEVANT COMPANY 241
have purchased, as above said, with great
charge.
Of the premisses we thought it our bounden
duty to put your honours in remembrance,
especially considering the mighty power of
this prince (in service to none) (said to be) a
very friend of his friend, and the like heavy
enemy to his contrary, whom, as also any
other, although her majesty (God be praised)
needeth not in any respect whatsoever, yet
his uninvited amity tending (as hereunder
mentioned) to the benefit of her people and
country is not (under your honours’ correc-
tion) to be refused.
1. First, her majesty pleasing to use of the
Grand Signior in any matter of estate,
having her agent there continually
resident, the same may be readily
effectuated.
2. Her majesty shall hereby preserve her
subjects (given free by virtue of this
license) from future captivity in his
dominions, the redemption of which
in these 20 years (no doubt) hath
cost this realm four thousand pounds,
and yet divers to this day remain there