_ 178 _ bought in these parts. I am sure you will come to some agreement with the King of Ormuz as it is of great interest to you that all the horses from Persia sent here to be sold and also spices. It is now three years since I wrote to you about the fact that we could double our profits on the sale of pepper and spices, but I have received no reply to any of the matters about which I have written to you. I, therefore have to act as best as I can, selling, exchanging and enlarging your trade. Just when I think I have put a good price on some goods, a zambuco arrives from Cochin and upsets my negotiations. Last year, I was selling copper in Dabul and Chaul at 90 pardaos per candil and pepper at 30, but the paraus sold it at 80, 20, and 22 respectively. It is a source of great shame for Your Highness that in such an important matter, your factors do not agree among themselves on prices. The Moors of Cochin, when they go to Cambay with 100 cruzados and return with 250 are not satisfied, but I wish to say nothing further on the matter lest you think I am cursing. You have discovered the whole world. I have sent men to Malacca to see to look after your interests because our Captain-in-Chief cannot cope with everything, as he is constantly at sea, sometimes sailing to Malacca and other times to the Straits.
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