approved of what the King had done, and desired me to write earnestly for the alliance with Spain. I writ to my Lord Sunderland, Mr. Harbord, and Spencer.
THE COUNTESS OF SUNDERLAND TO MR. SIDNEY.
January 23.
I hope you will receive an everlasting reward for all the trouble and pains you take in a good cause, and that it will succeed to your heart's desire. I cannot but lament at the signs I see of your being kept longer from this poor closet, where I wish you very often in a day, and hope I am not mistaken in thinking my mind and yours agree in that particular.
We are every day between hopes and fears, but the last commonly crown the day. The King, God be praised, is better than ever I have seen him since his sickness; he dined here yesterday, and was in the best humour possible. This day the Common Council sits upon the petition; what the event will be I know not, but you'll hear, I suppose, from his honour. We hope well. Several counties of England have rejected and declared against it as a tumultuous thing. Nay, in Somer-