Sarmento moved to the silver railing and took the leatherbound letter with a distasteful expression. He examined it for a moment and then began to read it silently, the color slowly draining from his face.
"What message does your king send, Ambassador?"
"His admiration for Your Majesty, whose reputation has reached even Europe. And his offer of full and open trade between your nation and his."
"The letter is basely penned, Your Majesty." Sarmento's face was red with dismay as he turned to Arangbar. "Its style is unworthy of a great prince."
Arangbar examined the Jesuit with a troubled gaze and shifted on his throne.
"May it please Your Majesty, this man is the enemy of England." Hawksworth pointed at Sarmento. "How can my king's letter be ill-penned, when he entreats Your Majesty's friendship?"
Arangbar paused a moment and then he smiled broadly. "A reasonable reply. The Inglish, I see, are a blunt-spoken race." He glanced at Sarmento. "And we have already seen their seamanship."
"Your words honor my king, Your Majesty." Hawksworth found himself bowing again and wondering how to respond.
"We would hear more of England. Is it large?"
"Not nearly as large as India, Your Majesty. It is an island, but the queen of all the islands of the West."