Page:Dupleix and the Struggle for India by the European Nations.djvu/21

14 Caron had brought with him a Persian called Mercara, in the hope of being able to communicate through him with the native rulers of the adjoining territories. He at once employed Mercara on this service; sent him to the court of the King of Golconda with a request that he might be granted all the trading privileges conceded to foreign nations, and that he might be allowed to establish a settlement at the town of Masulipatam. Whilst Mercara was on this mission Caron busied himself at Surat, and sent thence to Madagascar a valuable cargo. The news of this success was received with enthusiasm in France, and Louis conferred upon Caron the riband of St. Michael.

Meanwhile Caron's agent, Mercara, had obtained all that he asked for at Golconda. He had the usual difficulties to contend with, but his knowledge of the Oriental character enabled him to surmount them, and on December 5, 1669, he obtained a firman which permitted the French Company to trade without import or export duties in the King's dominions, and a license to establish a factory at Masulipatam. Thither Mercara proceeded.

Great as was Caron in many things, he yet possessed one fatal quality—a quality which, it would seem, has deep root in France, for in all her wars no quality has interfered so much with the success which, without it, was attainable. This quality is jealousy of the success of others. Mercara's happy negotiations with the King of Golconda, instead of