[See MEMOIRS, p. 217.]
Madrid, Thursday, 7/17 June, 1666.
My Lord having been taken with a very sharp fit of sickness two days
since, and not yet being well able either to write or dictate a letter
himself, hath commanded me to entreat you, that you will please to
present his most humble service to my Lord Arlington, and beseech his
Lordship to excuse his not writing by this post.
The Empress is said not to be yet embarked, though there are thirty
galleys ready to attend her in her voyage.
My Lord of Sandwich hath not, as yet, had his first public audience.
Sir Robert Southwell intends, within a day or two, to begin his
journey for Portugal.--Ibid.
THE FORM OF A PRAYER USED BY MY LORD'S CHAPLAIN,
IN THE DAILY SERVICE IN HIS EXCELLENCY'S CHAPELIN PORTUGAL AND SPAIN.
Blessed God, we beseech thee to be propitious in a singular manner to
my good Lord, his Excellency, his Majesty's Ambassador in this
kingdom; preserve him unto us in health and strength, and grant that
he may so manage those weighty affairs he is employed in, that the
issue of his negotiation may be to thy glory, the satisfaction of our
Sovereign, and the mutual good and benefit of all his subjects and
allies. Bless his most virtuous Lady; imbue her with the blessings of
this life, and that to come; make his children thy children, his
servants thy servants, that this family may be a Bethel, a house of
God; that we, all serving thee with one accord here on earth, may for
ever glorify thee in Heaven. Amen.
A PRAYER USED IN THE DAILY SERVICE OF THE CHAPEL,
AFTER THE DEATH OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE LORD AMBASSADOR.
Blessed God, which suppliest the wants and relievest the troubles of
thy servants, be particularly gracious to this family, and here, in a
special manner, bless my most virtuous Lady, and give her patience
under thy hand, submitting to thy will, and contentedness under every
change; and we beseech thee so continually to assist her in the course
of her life, that she may experimentally find thee a God all-
sufficient, though the helps of this world fail: make her children thy
children; bestow upon them thy choicest blessings, who hath promised
to be a father to the children's children of those that trust in thee;
make her servants thy servants, that this family may be a Bethel, a
house of God; that we, all serving thee with one accord here on earth,
may for ever hereafter glorify thee in Heaven. Amen.