Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/137

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THE TIMES OF CHARLES THE SECOND.
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thing that was to be desired of the Prince was secrecy; that he must resolve quickly whether he will come or not, that measures may be taken accordingly; that it will be necessary for him to keep a table, to bring none with him but his own family, and invite the parliament men, which will delight them; and I must let him know how he, Lord Sunderland, had brought in Essex and Halifax.

3rd.I went with the King to Hampton Court, where there was a council and a great debate about the dissolution of the parliament. The King proposed it, but every man was against it except our friends.[1] The King came back to Windsor, and I

  1. "The council day came; and when I came thither, and found the King and three lords with some others already there, I asked Lord Sunderland and Halifax whether all was prepared, and if the Lord Chancellor and other chief officers had been spoken to. They said, No, it had been forgotten or neglected; but that the King would do it to each of them apart as they came that morning. I thought it hard a point of that importance should be neglected so long, but was fain to content myself with what they told me would be done. The outward room, where the King was, filled apace; every one made his leg to his majesty, and filled the circle about him as they came in. I was talking apart in a corner of the room till it grew late, and the Lord Chancellor told the King it was so. I saw the King turn from the chancellor and go into the council chamber; all followed, the council sate. The King proposed