Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/61

 In like manner, camlets: whereas we had three pieces, and of the best sort two pieces and a half, for a kersey; and could not sell them above 20s. and 22s. the piece, they sell them for 30s. and 35s. the piece.

Also grogerams, where we had of the best, two pieces and a half for a kersey: they sell them for 4s. and 4s. 6d. the yard.

Carpets, the smaller sort which serve for cupboards, we had three for a kersey. Whereas we, at the most, could not sell them but for 20s. the piece, they sell them for 35s. the piece.

And so all other commodities that the Venetians do bring, they sell them to us for the third part more gains than we ourselves obtained in those days that we traded in those parts.

Likewise the barrels of oil that they bring from Candia, we never could sell them above four nobles [£2 13s. 4d.] the barrel: where they sell them always for 50s. and £3 the barrel.

What great pity it is, that we should lose so good a trade; and may have it in our own hands, and be better welcome to that country than the Venetians. Moreover, the Venetians come very little to Scio; for most of their trade is to Alexandria.

And for to assure you that we had these commodities in barter for our kerseys; look into your father's books, and the books of Sir JOHN GRESHAM and his brethren; and you shall find what I have said to be true.

Also you know that we are forced to seek for oils out of Spain, and that for these many years they have been sold there for £25 and £30 the tun: whereas—if we can obtain the foresaid safe-conduct from the Turk—there are divers places in his dominions, where we may lade 500 tuns at £5 sterling the tun. The places are Modon and Coron, which are but twelve miles distant the one from the other; and do stand in our way to Scio, as you may plainly see by the card [chart]. Also there are places where we may utter [dispose of] our own commodities. And not only at these two places, but at many others; where we may have oils, and be better used than we are in Spain: where we pay very dear, and also are very evilly entreated many ways, as to you is not unknown. So that by these means, if the merchants will, we may be eased; and have such a trade as the like is not in Christendom.

Now as for getting the safe-conduct, if I were but able to