Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Mr. Sidney to the Earl of Sunderland(A)
MR. SIDNEY TO THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND.
Yesterday being the day appointed for my audience, two of the States' deputies came in one of their coaches, and carried me to the assembly, where a great chair was set for me just over against the President. After I had spoke to them, the President answered me in Dutch, which was afterwards interpreted to me by one of the ties; and they, knowing I could not understand what was said to me, sent me the resolution this afternoon : when they brought me back, I invited them to dinner, and three or four more; and I drank so many beer glasses, that my head aches this morning.
COPY OF THE ADDRESS.
High and mighty Lords,
His Majesty of Great Britain, the King, my master, desiring nothing more than to preserve the friendship and close alliance already established between his Majesty and this State, could not think fit to be long without a minister in this place, who shall make it his constant care and business to preserve and increase it upon all occasions: and therefore, having recalled his late ambassador[1] to employ him in his affairs at home, hath commanded me to reside here, and attend the offices necessary to so great an end. His Majesty hath commanded me to assure your Lordships of his firm resolutions, not only to observe inviolably those alliances already established between him and further measures to strengthen and confirm them, knowing very well how much the safety of both nations must depend (especially in the present conjuncture) upon a perfect friendship and entire confidence between his Majesty and your Lordships.
For my own part, I am very glad to be employed in a service of so great importance to both nations, and I shall not fail to contribute all my endeavours towards it; and your Lordships having had so many of my family engaged formerly in employments here,[2] will, I hope, take it as an earnest of my own good affection to the service of the State.
- ↑ Lawrence Hyde, afterwards created Earl of Rochester, at this time one of the commissioners of the treasury.
- ↑ In allusion to the Earl of Leicester in Queen Elizabeth's reign, who was Governor of Holland, and General of the forces there, and to his nephew, the celebrated Sir Philip Sidney, who lost his life before Zutphen.