238 FIKST SETTLEMENTS ON THE BENGAL COAST confiscated both vessel and goods all to himself." This was too much for the English temper. To the aston- ishment of the courtiers " our merchant rose up in great anger and departed, saying that if he could not have right here, he would have it in another place. And so went his way, not taking his leave of the Nabob or of any other. At which abrupt departure they all admired." The governor, rather amused than offended by his audacity, gave him three days to cool down, and then ordered him into the Presence. Cartwright knew that his life and those of his companions depended on a nod from the State Cushion. Yet " with a stern undaunted countenance " he declared that his High- ness " had done his masters of the Honourable Com- pany wrong, and by his might and power had taken their rights from them, which would not be so en- dured." This was a new language to the polite Per- sian. He inquired of the Indian merchants before him what sort of a nation it was that bred a man like that. They answered that it was a nation whose ships were such that no " vessel great or small " could stir out " of his Majesty's dominions; but they would take them." " At these words the king said but little, but what he thought is beyond my knowledge to tell you." The result soon appeared. The governor or " King " kept the Portuguese frigate, but on May 5, 1633, he sealed an order giving the English an ample license to trade. It was addressed to " Ralph Cartwright, merchant," and granted him the liberty to traffic and
