Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Mr. Sidney to the Prince of Orange, November 10
MR. SIDNEY TO THE PRINCE OF ORANGE.
I did resolve to have writ to you every post; but our world will not furnish me with any thing worth troubling you with. On Sunday last a Council was appointed to consider of the ways of pursuing the plot. Among other things which were thought necessary for carrying on the design, the meeting of the Parliament was proposed by my Lord of Essex, but the King said that was not the business of the day, and so would not let him speak any more of it. Several others offered at it, but the King would not let it come to a debate; he still putting them off with saying that there were laws enough in England to punish offenders, that it was not necessary to call a Parliament for it.
Our scene is quite changed since I went into England; the whole story of it I must defer till I have the happiness to see you, and now will only tell you that some of our friends are most horribly unsatisfied. My Lord of Essex hath thought of quitting, but hath not yet told his mind to the King. My Lord Halifax is sick and out of humour, and sometimes talks of retiring, but is not yet resolved upon any thing. Sir William Temple stays at Shene, and never comes to Councils or into any company. This is very different to what was four months ago. What will be the next change, God only knows!
Being you was pleased to recommend Mr. Fitz' Patrick's concerns to my care, I must tell you that I have spoke to my Lords Sunderland and Essex on his behalf, but to little purpose; he hath so very ill a reputation, that every body is ashamed of appearing for him. My Lord of Essex saith he believes he is the worst man in the world, which every body will find in six months after he hath been in a place. I writ to him the last week, to tell him I could do him no service, but did not write all the particulars. I said something of this when I parted with you, but I have heard many things of him since, which hath increased my bad opinion of him.
I know I do not write with the respect I owe you, but it is because you have commanded it, and, therefore, I will only say that no man in the world loves you better, nor is more ready to do you service.