master of one knows not well what. In the end of 1643 he clearly is nominated ‘Master of the Ceremonies’ by Parliament itself;[1] and glides out and in ever after, presiding over ‘Dutch Ambassadors,’ ‘Swedish Ambassadors’ and suchlike, to the very end of the Protectorate. A Blessed Restoration, of course, relieved him from his labours. He, for the present, wants to see some Books in the late Royal Library of St. James’s. This scrap of paper still lies in the British Museum:
‘TO THE KEEPER OF THE LIBRARY OF ST. JAMES’S
‘These are to will and require you, upon sight hereof, to deliver unto Sir Oliver Fleming, or to whom he shall appoint, two or three such Books as he shall choose, of which there is a double copy in the Library: to be by him disposed “of” as there shall be direction given him by the Council. Of which you are not to fail, and for which this shall be your warrant.
‘Given at the Council of State, this 22d day of February 1648.
‘In the name, and signed by Order of the Council of State appointed by Authority of Parliament,
‘OLIVER CROMWELL
(‘Præses pro tempore).’[2]
There is already question of selling the late King’s goods, crown-jewels, plate, and ‘hangings,’ under which latter title, we suppose, are included his Pictures, much regretted by the British connoisseur at present. They did not come actually to market till July next.[3]
Reverend Mr. Stapylton, of whom we heard once before in Edinburgh, has been down at Hursley with Mr. Richard;
