MAY.

_May 1, 1654._

[SN: Preparations for departure.]

Lagerfeldt, Berkman, and the Syndic of Gothenburg, after dinner with

Whitelocke, discoursed and advised him touching his departure. Lagerfeldt

said he believed the Queen would give Whitelocke audience on Friday next,

before which time her presents would not be ready for Whitelocke and his

company; he said also, that he heard the Prince intended to be in this

town within a few days, and if it should be so, then it would be better

for Whitelocke to stay here, and expect his coming hither to salute him

here, than to go out of his way so far as to the Prince's Court; in which

matter Whitelocke said he would entreat the Queen's advice. Lagerfeldt

said further, that the Queen had commanded some copper to be brought to

Stockholm, and to be put aboard the ship where Whitelocke was to be

embarked, or in some other ship as he should appoint, it being a present

intended for him by the Queen.

The Syndic acquainted Whitelocke that the city of Gothenburg would send

into England, to prepare there for an accord concerning traffic between

the English merchants and that town, wherein they hoped to have the

assistance of Whitelocke at his return to England, wherein he promised

his advice and furtherance.

A Danish gentleman of quality and experience gave a visit to Whitelocke,

advised him the way of his journey, and gave him good information

touching Denmark, to be communicated to the Protector, as that the

English merchants might pass the Sound without paying any tax, if the

Protector would insist upon it. Whitelocke, in drollery, asked him why he

would discover these things to a stranger, which turn so much to the

prejudice of his own country. He answered that he did this to testify his

respects to the Protector, and that he did not betray his country, but

his country had betrayed him; and that was his country where he breathed

and had present nourishment.[184]

Mr. Woolfeldt visited Whitelocke, and, among other discourses, related to

him the story of this gentleman and his lady, which was to this effect,

by his and others' relation:--

[SN: Woolfeldt's history.]

This gentleman was of a noble family and extraction in Denmark, grew

into great favour with the last King, whose daughter by a second

wife he married; and the present King, her brother, made him Viceroy

of Norway, Governor of the Isle of Zealand and of the Sound, and a

Senator of the kingdom and Great Master of Denmark; and he had been

employed thirteen times as an ambassador.

"His lady, the daughter and sister of a king, was of excellent

comeliness of person and behaviour, humbly knowing her distance, of

a sweet disposition, and of rare parts, both of mind and body;

especially deserving praise for her high and entire affection to her

husband, who, notwithstanding his great parts and abilities, and the

many perils he had undergone in the service of his king and country,

yet after all, by the whisperings and false suggestions of

backbiters, his enemies, was traduced to the King for being too much

a friend to the people's liberty, and an opposer of the King's

absolute power; but beyond all this (as some gave it out), that he

was too familiar with one of the King's mistresses; so it was that

the King took high displeasure against him. Parasites took the

occasion to please the King by invectives against one under a cloud;

his parts attracted envy, and his merits were too great for any

other recompense but his own ruin.

"To avoid the King's wrath and his enemies' malice, and to preserve

his life, which was aimed to be taken away with his fortune, he was

compelled to fly from his country and seek his security in foreign

parts. His lady, though a tender, modest woman,--though the sister

of the King regnant, high in his favour and the interest of her

alliance; though pressingly enticed to cast off her affection to her

husband; though unacquainted with any hardships,--yet so entire was

her conjugal love and piety, that, rather than part with her

husband, she would leave all her relations and pleasures of a court

and her dear country, and put herself, though with child, into the

disguise of a page, to attend him in his flight as his servant.

"It may be imagined that such a servant was not unkindly used; but

the greatest trouble was, that being on shipboard to cross the

Baltic Sea, the poor page whispered the master that she had a

longing desire to some cherries which she saw in the town as they

came to the ship. Here was the difficulty: if her lord did not go on

shore and procure some cherries for the page, it might cost her

life; if he did go on shore, and in the meantime the ship should go

off, he and his page would be parted, and his own life endangered.

It was reason and honour that persuaded him rather to hazard his own

than such a page's life; therefore, having effectually dealt with

the master of the ship for a little stay, he soon found out a

pretence to go on shore, and neglected not to hasten back again with

his provision of cherries, and to find out a way of distributing a

large share of them to her that longed for them. After which they

happily set sail and arrived in Sweden, where, by articles between

the two Crowns, those in his condition have sanctuary and

protection."

In the afternoon Whitelocke went to Court, where he met with Canterstein,

who excused himself that he had not yet brought to Whitelocke the Queen's

letters of full power to her Commissioners, which he said the Queen had

signed two days before, and that he had been sick, otherwise he had

delivered them before this time. Whitelocke asked him if his

recredentials were prepared. He said they were ready for the Queen to

sign when she pleased, and that nothing in his charge concerning

Whitelocke should receive any delay by his occasion. Whitelocke gave him

thanks for his care, and promised his remuneration.

[SN: Whitelocke entertains the Queen on May-day.]

This being May-day, Whitelocke, according to the invitation he had made

to the Queen, put her in mind of it, that, as she was his mistress, and

this May-day, he was, by the custom of England, to wait upon her to take

the air, and to treat her with some little collation, as her servant. The

Queen said the weather was very cold, yet she was very willing to bear

him company after the English mode. With the Queen were Woolfeldt, Tott,

and five of her ladies. Whitelocke brought them to his collation, which

he had commanded his servants to prepare in the best manner they could,

and altogether after the English fashion.

At the table with the Queen sat "la Belle Comtesse," the Countess

Gabrielle Oxenstiern, Woolfeldt, Tott, and Whitelocke; the other ladies

sat in another room. Their meat was such fowl as could be gotten,

dressed after the English fashion and with English sauces, creams,

puddings, custards, tarts, tansies, English apples, _bon chrétien_ pears,

cheese, butter, neats' tongues, potted venison, and sweetmeats brought

out of England, as his sack and claret also was. His beer was also brewed

and his bread made by his own servants in his house, after the English

manner; and the Queen and her company seemed highly pleased with this

treatment. Some of her company said she did eat and drink more at it than

she used to do in three or four days at her own table.

The entertainment was as full and noble as the place would afford and as

Whitelocke could make it, and so well ordered and contrived that the

Queen said she had never seen any like it. She was pleased so far to play

the good housewife as to inquire how the butter could be so fresh and

sweet, and yet brought out of England. Whitelocke, from his cooks,

satisfied her Majesty's inquiry, that they put the salt butter into milk,

where it lay all night, and the next day it would eat fresh and sweet as

this did, and any butter new made, and commended her Majesty's good

housewifery; who, to express her contentment in this collation, was full

of pleasantness and gaiety of spirit, both in supper-time and afterwards.

Among other frolics, she commanded Whitelocke to teach her ladies the

English salutation, which, after some pretty defences, their lips obeyed,

and Whitelocke most readily. She highly commended Whitelocke's music of

the trumpets, which sounded all supper-time; and her discourse was all of

mirth and drollery, wherein Whitelocke endeavoured to answer her, and the

rest of the company did their parts.

It was late before she returned to the castle, whither Whitelocke waited

on her; and she discoursed a little with him about his business and the

time of his audience, and gave him many thanks for his noble treatment of

her and her company.

_May 2, 1654._

[SN: The Swedish full powers.]

Whitelocke sent to the master of the ceremonies to know if he had desired

a time for his last audience, who promised to do it.

Canterstein brought to Whitelocke the Queen's letters of full power to

her Commissioners, under her hand and the great seal of Sweden, which

were of this tenour.[188] Having received this commission, Whitelocke

delivered to Canterstein his commission under the Great Seal of England,

and the copy of his new instructions from the Protector, except what was

secret in them.

Canterstein, the master of the ceremonies, and Monsieur Bloome, were

frolic at dinner with Whitelocke, and made many caresses to him, and

extolled the Chancellor's care and high respect to Whitelocke, in

bringing his treaty to so good an issue; and after dinner Bloome told

Whitelocke that the Chancellor had advised the Queen to make a noble

present to Whitelocke, which was not yet ready, and that had retarded his

last audience. The master of the ceremonies, from the Queen, desired

Whitelocke to have a little patience for a few days; that she expected

the arrival of the Prince within six or seven days in this town, by which

means Whitelocke would have a fair opportunity to salute him here,

without further trouble; and that the Queen would give him audience

within two days before the arrival of the Prince, and so he should

receive no disturbance in his voyage. Whitelocke saw no other remedy for

this but patience.

_May 3, 1654._

[SN: The Guinea question.]

Whitelocke visited Grave Eric. They fell into discourse, among other

things, touching Guinea, to this effect:--

_Whitelocke._ It is requisite that we come to some conclusion about the

business of Guinea.

_Grave Eric._ I think it fit; and for your further information, here is

the answer in writing of the Swedes who are concerned therein unto the

complaints of the English company in that business.

_Wh._ Will you leave the writing with me?

_Gr. Eric._ I shall send you a copy of it.

_Wh._ The complaints of the English have been proved by depositions of

witnesses.

_Gr. Eric._ Those depositions were taken in the absence of the other

party; and, if you please, witnesses may be produced here on the part of

the Swedes.

_Wh._ Witnesses produced here will be also in the absence of the other

party, though I had leisure and commission to examine them on oath.

_Gr. Eric._ You may see in this map of Guinea how the plantations of the

Swedes, English, and Hollanders do lie, and are mingled and near to one

another.

_Wh._ The King of that place made a grant to the English, for them only

to dwell and traffic in that country; and the Swedes afterwards drove the

English, by force, out of their fortifications.

_Gr. Eric._ The English had no fortifications there; all the fort they

had was a little lodge with two rooms only in it, out of which the Swedes

did not force them; and both the Hollanders and Swedes were planted in

this place before any grant made to the English, and the Swedes had a

grant from the same King, whereof this is a copy.

_Wh._ It will be material to compare the dates of these two grants: if

that to the English was first, then the other to the Swedes was of no

validity; and the like of the contrary. If you will favour me with a copy

of the grant made to the Swedes, I will compare it with that made to the

English, and return it to you.

_Gr. Eric._ You shall command it.

Mr. Woolfeldt, being visited by Whitelocke, told him that the Queen was

extremely pleased with his treatment of her. Whitelocke excused the

meanness of it for her Majesty. Woolfeldt replied, that both the Queen

and all the company esteemed it as the handsomest and noblest that they

ever saw; and the Queen, after that, would drink no other wine but

Whitelocke's, and kindly accepted the neats' tongues, potted venison, and

other cates which, upon her commendation of them, Whitelocke sent unto

her Majesty. Woolfeldt showed a paper of consequence written by himself

in Spanish, and he read it in French to Whitelocke, being perfect in

those and other languages. He said, that whatsoever he wrote he did it in

a foreign language, to continue the exercise of them. The paper showed

how the English might be freed from paying tolls at the Sound. Whitelocke

entreated a copy of this paper in French, which Woolfeldt promised.

A great quantity of snow fell and covered the houses and fields, and was

hard frozen: a matter at this time strange to the English, but ordinary

here.

_May 4, 1654._

Mr. Boteler, a Scotsman, confidently reported great news to the

disparagement of the affairs of England, that the Highlanders of Scotland

had given a great defeat to the English and killed five hundred of them,

which news was soon confuted by Whitelocke.

[SN: A literary dinner party.]

The Senator Vanderlin, and his brother the master of the ceremonies; Dr.

Loccenius, a civilian, Keeper of the Library in this University; another

gentleman, Professor of Eloquence here; Mr. Ravius, Professor of the

Eastern tongues; and a French gentleman, captain of one of the companies

of Guards, doing Whitelocke the honour to dine with him, had very learned

discourse, particularly of languages and of the affinity between the

Swedish, English, Danish, and High Dutch tongues, whereof they gave many

instances, and Whitelocke was able to add to them. The professors

discoursed only in Latin, as most proper for them; the others in French;

and they hold it a discourtesy if a man be not answered in the same

language which he speaks. They also extolled the Prince and the

Protector; and the Senator said that there was not any person who came so

near to the eminency and grandeur of the Protector as the Prince of

Sweden did.

[SN: The Dutch Resident salutes Whitelocke on the peace.]

The company being gone, Whitelocke went to the accustomed place, the

great wood, to take the air; and as he was walking in the broad way

there, he perceived the coach of the Dutch Resident coming towards him;

and perceiving the English Ambassador to be walking there, the Resident

alighted out of his coach and came on foot towards Whitelocke. Whether he

came after Whitelocke in a handsome design or contrivance for their first

salutation, or that it was by accident, Whitelocke did not examine, but

thought fit to answer the civility of the Resident by walking back

towards him to meet him.

They saluted each other and their company with great respect. The

Resident began the compliment to Whitelocke in French, telling him that

he was very glad of the opportunity to have the happiness to salute

Whitelocke, which he would not neglect to do, perceiving him in this

place; and that he would take the first occasion to do himself the

honour to visit Whitelocke at his house. Whitelocke answered, that the

Resident should be very welcome when he pleased to do that honour to

Whitelocke as to bestow a visit on him; and that he was also very glad of

the opportunity which had now presented itself, whereby he had the

contentment of being acquainted with the Resident. They fell into general

discourses, and, among the rest, of the conclusion and ratification of

the treaty between the two Commonwealths, and of the advantage which

thereby would arise to both of them, and to the Protestant party.[193]

As they were walking together the Queen passed by them, being in that

wood also to take the air. When she came near, she saluted them with

great respect, and spake to them aloud, "Je suis ravie de vous voir

ensemble, je vois que la paix est faite." And so the Queen went on her

way, and Whitelocke took leave of the Resident.

[SN: A despatch from Thurloe.]

At his return to his house Whitelocke found his packet from England ready

to entertain him, and Thurloe's letter was this:--

"My Lord,

"Your letter of the 10th of March arrived here this morning, whereby

you are pleased to give a very particular and exact account of all

proceedings in this treaty you are upon; I presently communicated

the contents thereof to his Highness and the Council, with whom he

was willing to advise, and thereupon he was pleased to send you the

instructions which your Excellence will receive herewith, which are

fully agreeable to your own desire in that behalf. The former

instructions had come sooner, if the issue of the Dutch treaty had

been sooner known; now, through the blessing of God, it is fully

concluded, and your Excellence will receive herewith the articles,

as they are signed by the Commissioners of his Highness and the

Lords Ambassadors of the United Provinces. They signed them upon

Wednesday, at night, and the next morning the ambassadors sent them

away to be ratified by their superiors, which they will do without

difficulty or scruple, as we believe.

"Your Excellence will see by those articles made with the Dutch,

that the second and fifth article is omitted out of your

instructions; that these two treaties will very well stand together;

and for the notice to be given to the Dutch, it is clear to me that

it will not be necessary, in respect that this treaty was not only

begun, but as good as finished, before the conclusion with the

Dutch.

"And for the fourth article, and the proviso your Excellence is

pleased to send, that being so clearly within the substance of your

former instructions, I thought it needless to add any instruction

about it now.

"His Highness in the beginning of this week was pleased to send for

the Great Seal, and kept it in his own custody two days, and now

hath disposed it unto your Excellence, Sir Thomas Widdrington, and

your confrater my Lord Lisle. His Highness is very much resolved

upon a good and solid reformation of the law, and proceedings in the

Courts of Equity and Laws: the matter of law he hath committed unto

Mr. Justice Hale and Mr. John Vaughan; the reformation of the

Chancery to my Lord Widdrington, Mr. Attorney-General, and Mr.

Chute,--being resolved to give the learned of the robe the honour of

reforming their own profession, and hopes that God will give them

hearts to do it; and, that no time may be lost, the next term is

adjourned.

"The French Ambassador desires very much to get a despatch of his

business. His Highness hath at length appointed him commissioners to

treat, but no progress hath been yet made thereupon. The speech that

he made at his first audience your Excellence will receive by this.

"The Portugal presseth much now to come to an agreement also, and to

close the treaty which hath hanged so long; and so doth the

Spaniard.

"I pray for your Excellence's safe return home and rest.

"Your Excellence's humble servant,

"JO. THURLOE.

"_April 7th, 1654._"

Whitelocke's new instructions from the Protector:

"O. P.

"_Additional Instructions to my Lord Whitelocke, our Ambassador

Extraordinary to her Majesty the Queen of Sweden._

"Having considered the particular account you have given by your

letters weekly of your negotiation in Sweden, and the delay which

hath been on the part of that Court in the treaty you are upon, we

might well have given you positive orders for your speedy return.

"But observing that the letters and despatches between this and

Sweden are a month in their way, and not knowing how affairs may

alter in that time with you, and the pretence of their delay--to

wit, the uncertainty of the issue of the treaty between us and the

United Provinces--being removed, as you will see by these letters,

which will assure you of the full conclusion thereof, we have

thought it more convenient to leave you a latitude in that

particular, and to give you liberty (as we do hereby) to return home

at such time as you shall find it for the service of the

Commonwealth.

"2. Whereas, by your letter of the 10th of March, 1654, you have

represented the particular debates which you have had upon all the

articles of the treaty, and the exceptions taken by the Queen upon

the second, fifth, and seventh articles, you are hereby authorized

to omit the second and fifth articles out of the treaty, as also the

words 'bona à suis cujusque inimicis direpta' out of the seventh

article, if the Queen shall still insist thereupon; and as for the

comprehending the Dutch in this treaty with the Queen of Sweden,

notice shall be given from hence, if it shall be found necessary.

"3. You have hereby power to agree with the Queen of Sweden that she

and her subjects may fish freely for herrings in the seas of this

Commonwealth, paying the recognition of the tenth herring, or for a

lesser recognition, so as it be not less than the twentieth herring,

or the value thereof in money.

"_Whitehall, 7th April, 1654._"

The Order of the Council touching the Great Seal sent by Thurloe was

this. The title of the order was thus:--

[SN: Whitelocke, Widdrington, and Lisle reappointed of the Great Seal.]

"_Order of the Council approving of the Commissioners of the Great

Seal._

"_Tuesday, 4th April, 1654._

"AT THE COUNCIL AT WHITEHALL:

"_Resolved_, That the Council doth approve of the Lord Ambassador

Whitelocke to be one of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.

"_Resolved_, That the Council doth approve of Sir Thomas

Widdrington, Knight, Serjeant-at-Law, to be one of the Lords

Commissioners of the Great Seal.

"_Resolved_, That the Council doth approve of John Lisle, Esquire,

to be one of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.

"By the command of his Highness Mr. Serjeant Widdrington and Mr.

Lisle were called in, and being come to the table, his Highness

declared that the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke and themselves had been

nominated by his Highness, and approved by the Council, to be

Commissioners for the Great Seal; and his Highness did deliver unto

the said Mr. Serjeant Widdrington and Mr. Lisle the said Great Seal;

and then the oath appointed by the ordinance was read by the Clerk

of the Council, and was taken by each of them.

"Ex^r W. JESSOP,

"Clerk of the Council."

The Guinea Company sent by this packet a letter to Whitelocke of thanks

for his care of their business, and that they could not buy the Swedes'

interest in Guinea, and referred the whole matter wholly to Whitelocke.

The examinations in the Court of Admiralty touching the ship 'Charity,'

enclosed in Thurloe's letters, made it appear that the Swedes had not

injury done them, as they complained, and that the goods belonged to

Hollanders, and not to the Swedes; but only coloured by the Hollanders

under the name of Swedish ship and goods, though they were not so.

Whitelocke made use of these examinations as he saw cause, and found that

Martin Thysen had an interest in these goods.

[SN: Reception of the French Ambassador in London.]

The enclosed speech of the French Ambassador to the Protector was full

of compliment, giving him the title of "Serene Altesse," and as much as

could be well offered by the French, seeming to desire a league and amity

with the Protector. The Ambassador was received with great state and

solemnity, answerable to the honour of his master the King of France,

with whom the Protector had a good mind to close at this time, the rather

to frustrate the hopes of the King of Scots of assistance from thence,

where he was now entertained, caressed, and made believe he should have

all aid and furtherance for his restitution, which the Protector sought

to prevent by the interest of the Cardinal Mazarin, whose creature this

Ambassador was.

_May 5, 1654._

[SN: The Queen's presents to Whitelocke and his suite.]

Lagerfeldt acquainted Whitelocke that the Queen intended to gratify him

with a gift of as great value as had been bestowed upon any ambassador

before; and that she having received from Whitelocke many brave horses

and many native goods of England, and Whitelocke having undertaken, at

his return to England, to provide for her Majesty several other

commodities, she held it reasonable to requite him with some commodities

of this country, if Whitelocke thought fit to accept of them. Whitelocke

answered that it did not become him to prescribe bounds to her Majesty's

favour, but only to refer himself to the Queen's judgement herein.

Lagerfeldt replied that the Queen intended to bestow her gift upon him in

copper, and gave order that it should be put aboard a ship, to be

consigned by him to some of his friends at London, or as he pleased to

dispose it.

Whitelocke desired of Lagerfeldt that although the articles were signed,

that yet he in the instrument might prefix to the title these words

"Serenissimi ac Celsissimi Domini," which words Whitelocke did observe to

be in the Protector's title to the Dutch articles, which was not known to

Whitelocke before the articles were signed here. Lagerfeldt promised to

acquaint the Chancellor herewith, and to bring his answer.

Whitelocke waited upon the Queen, and acquainted her with his news from

England, and of the consummation of the treaty of peace between England

and the Dutch, whereof she said she was very glad, and thanked Whitelocke

for his news. He then entreated her Majesty to appoint a day for his

audience to take his leave of her Majesty, which she told him should be

shortly done; then she desired his company with her in her coach, to take

the air. He waited on her, and besides there was in the coach Grave Tott,

Grave Vandone, and the Countess Christina Oxenstiern. The Queen was not

very pleasant, but entertained some little discourses, not much of

business; and after a short tour, returning to the castle, retired into

her chamber, and Whitelocke to his lodging.

_May 6, 1654._

Lagerfeldt returned answer to Whitelocke, of his motion to insert the

words "Serenissimi ac Celsissimi Domini" into the Protector's title, that

he had acquainted the Chancellor with it, who also had communicated it to

her Majesty, and she willingly assented thereunto; and it was inserted

accordingly. He brought with him Monsieur Carloe, Governor of the

Swedish Company for Guinea, with whom Whitelocke had much discourse upon

the same points as he had before with Grave Eric; and Carloe denied all

that the English merchants had affirmed, and he continued before and

after dinner very obstinate in it.

Secretary Canterstein brought to Whitelocke the Queen's letters of the

grant of two hundred ship-pound of copper for a present to him, which

letters were thus.[200]

In the afternoon the master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke's house,

and presented to him, from the Queen, a handsome jewel, which was a case

of gold, fairly enamelled, and having in the midst of it the picture of

the Queen, done to the life, and very like her. It was set round about

with twelve large diamonds, and several small diamonds between the great

ones. He told Whitelocke that, by command of her Majesty, he presented

her picture to him; that she was sorry it was not made up so as might

have been worthy of his reception; but she desired, if he pleased, that

he would do her the honour to wear it for her sake, and to accept the

picture in memory of the friend that sent it. Whitelocke answered that

the Queen was pleased to bestow a great honour upon him in this noble

testimony of her favour to him, of which he acknowledged himself

altogether unworthy; but her Majesty's opinion was otherwise, as appeared

by such a present as this. He did with all thankfulness accept it, and

should with great contentment give himself occasion, by the honour of

wearing it, to remember the more often her Majesty and her favours to

him, her servant, for which he desired the master to present his humble

thanks unto her Majesty.

After he had been with Whitelocke, the master went to Whitelocke's two

sons, and in the Queen's name presented to each of them a chain of gold

of five links, and at the end of the chain a medal of gold of the Queen's

picture; the chains and medals were valued at four hundred ducats apiece.

Then he presented, in the Queen's name, to Colonel Potley, to Dr.

Whistler, to Captain Beake, and Mr. Earle, to each of them a chain of

gold of four links, and at the end of each chain a medal of gold of the

Queen's picture; these chains and medals were valued at two hundred

ducats apiece, or thereabouts.

Then he presented, in the Queen's name, to Mr. Stapleton, Mr. Ingelo, and

Mr. De la Marche, to each of them a chain of gold of three links, with a

medal of gold of the Queen's picture at the end of each chain; the chains

and medals were valued at about a hundred and sixty ducats apiece. To Mr.

Walker he presented a chain and medal of gold of three links, shorter

than the rest, of about the value of a hundred and thirty ducats; to

Captain Crispe and to Mr. Swift, to each of them a chain of gold of two

links, with a medal of gold to each of them, of about the value of a

hundred ducats apiece.

[SN: Disputes caused by the Queen's presents.]

Walker the steward, and Stapleton, gentleman of the horse to Whitelocke,

were discontented, because their chains were not of four links apiece;

and they and others took exceptions because their chains were not so good

and valuable as those given to Potley and Beake,--so seditious a thing is

gold. But Whitelocke endeavoured to satisfy them by the reasons why the

chains of Potley and Beake were better than theirs: the one having been

an ancient servant of this Crown, and the other being commander of the

guards of the Protector; and nothing was due to them, but only the

Queen's free gift and bounty was in all of them, and therefore not to be

excepted against by any of them. Notwithstanding this admonition, they

met and discoursed together in discontent about this business, and gave

thereby occasion of displeasure to Whitelocke.

Whitelocke being in the mood to take the air, the Holland Resident came

thither, where they walked and discoursed together; and in their return

the Resident and two of his gentlemen, Vorstius and another, went in

Whitelocke's coach, who brought the Resident to his lodging, and there

had a civil treatment, and found by discourse that the Resident was not

well satisfied with his being in this Court. Whitelocke did not hitherto

make a visit to any person since he had received his presents from the

Queen, after which, in ceremony, he must first visit her Majesty to give

her thanks, and then he is at liberty to visit others.

_May 7, 1654._

_The Lord's Day._--Monsieur Bloome, and Mr. De Geeres, the rich merchant

of Sweden, after dinner with Whitelocke, discoursed much about matters

not so proper for the day. Walker and Stapleton attending Whitelocke and

walking in the evening, he again spake to them about their presents as

formerly; but found Stapleton stiff in his opinion, and to intend to send

back his present to the master of the ceremonies as refusing it; but

Whitelocke required him not to do so, lest it should be taken as an

affront to Whitelocke and to the Protector himself, as well as a

disdaining of the Queen's present, which was her Majesty's free gift

without any obligation.

_May 8, 1654._

[SN: Warrant for the copper.]

The warrant formerly inserted was sent to the officers of the Treasury,

who thereupon made their order to the under-officers for the delivery of

the copper accordingly, which order was brought to Whitelocke in the

Swedish language.

[SN: The Guinea case.]

The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke to inform him that the

Queen had appointed Wednesday next, the 10th of this month, for his last

audience to take his leave. Whitelocke said he was sorry it could not be

sooner. The master excused it by reason of the great affairs of the Queen

upon the meeting of the Ricksdag. Grave Eric and Lagerfeldt came to

Whitelocke and debated with him the business of Guinea.

_Grave Eric._ I shall read to you this paper, which is in Latin and in

French,--an answer to the complaints of the English, and denies all their

allegations.

_Whitelocke._ The allegations of the English are proved by oath; here

are the depositions.

_Gr. Eric._ The answers of the Swedes are upon oath likewise.

_Wh._ But the English are in the affirmative.

_Gr. Eric._ The Swedes have like complaints against the English, which

are to be proved by oath in the affirmative also; and in such case the

parties or their procurators must appear before the ordinary and

competent judges, which will require a great deal of time; but we being

to treat with you as an Ambassador, we propose that there may be an

abolition of all past injuries of the one side and the other, and that

there may be an agreement and friendship, and free trade there for the

future.

_Wh._ This will be very proper for the time to come, but it will be no

satisfaction for the injuries already done. I have no power from the

Protector or Company of English Merchants to make any such agreement; but

for what concerns the public, I can make an accord with you, and the

satisfaction of damages for wrongs past may be remitted to the

determination of the Commissioners.

_Gr. Eric._ I shall show you a project in writing, that all the houses

and possessions of the one part and the other may continue in the same

estate for the time to come as they are in at present.

_Wh._ To agree to this were to give up the right of the English

merchants, and to acknowledge that they have no cause of complaint;

whereas I demand in justice a reparation and satisfaction for those

injuries whereof they complain.

_Gr. Eric._ Then the business must be decided before the judges,

witnesses on both sides must be heard, and we must insist upon it that

the houses and possessions continue in the same estate as they now are.

_Wh._ You must pardon me that I cannot assent hereunto.

Thus their debate broke off.

Monsieur Ravius came to Whitelocke in the name of the Bishop of Stregnes,

to acquaint him that if he had any English horses which he would bestow

upon the Prince, that they would be very acceptable to him, and that

Whitelocke would very much gratify himself thereby. Whitelocke said that

his saddle-horses were not worth the presenting to his Royal Highness,

the best of them being already given away; but he had a set of

coach-horses which he intended to reserve and to present unto the Prince,

if he pleased to accept them. Ravius said they would be very acceptable

to him.

_May 9, 1654._

[SN: Whitelocke compliments the Danish minister on the peace.]

The King of Denmark being included in the treaty between England and the

Dutch, and so become a friend, Whitelocke was advised to send first a

compliment to the Danish Ambassador now residing in this Court; which,

when Whitelocke doubted lest thereby he might diminish the honour of

England by sending to the Dane before the Dane had first sent to him, the

master of the ceremonies and others instructed him that it was the

constant custom for the ambassador that comes last to send first a

compliment to him that had been in the Court before; whereupon Whitelocke

did send one of his gentlemen to the Danish Ambassador, to visit and

compliment him.

Now the secretary of the Ambassador of Denmark came to Whitelocke, in

the name of his lord, to give him thanks for the honour he had done him

in sending one of his servants to salute him, and to congratulate the

good news of the agreement between England and the Dutch, wherein the

King his master was comprised. The secretary said that the confirmation

thereof was also come to his lord by the way of Holland and of Denmark,

for which news his Lordship was very joyful, and would himself have given

a visit to Whitelocke but that his want of health detained him in his

lodging. Whitelocke told the secretary that he was very sorry for his

lord's indisposition of health, and wished his good recovery; that he was

heartily glad of the news which gave him occasion to send to his lord to

congratulate with him, and that he would take an opportunity to visit him

in person when it might be without prejudice to his Excellence's health.

Berkman came to Whitelocke to give him an account of a message wherein he

had employed Berkman to the Marshal Wrangel, to desire him, in

Whitelocke's name, that the ship appointed to transport him might fall

down from Stockholm to the Dollars, for Whitelocke to come on board her

there, which would save him a hundred miles by sea from Stockholm

thither, there being a nearer way by a third-part from Stockholm to the

Dollars for boats to pass. Berkman said he found Wrangel very civil, and

ready to do what Whitelocke should desire of him for his accommodation,

and that he had ordered the ship forthwith to fall down to the Dollars;

for which Whitelocke desired Monsieur Berkman to return his thanks to the

Marshal.

The Ricks-Admiral sent to Whitelocke, expressing much civility and

readiness to serve him, and desired to know if one ship would be

sufficient for his transportation; that, if he pleased, there should be

more provided for him. Whitelocke returned thanks, and that he hoped he

should not have occasion to put them to the trouble of more ships for his

transportation than that already ordered for him.

[SN: Whitelocke invited to the ceremony of abdication.]

The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke, by the Queen's command,

to know if he and his company pleased to see the meeting of the Ricksdag;

that he had provided a place for that purpose, where they might be

unknown and unseen, and yet see all the ceremony and hear all the

harangues; that if Whitelocke would see it, the master would call him at

eight o'clock in the morning and wait upon him to the place; but he said

that the Danish Ambassador had some thoughts of being there also, and if

he came first to the place he would take the uppermost seat. Whitelocke

then desired the master to call him early enough that he might be there

first, because he should hardly permit the Danish Ambassador to sit above

him. The master said he would be sure to call Whitelocke early enough,

but he believed that the Danish Ambassador would not be there because of

his ill health.

The master told Whitelocke that Monsieur Bloome had informed him that

some of Whitelocke's gentlemen took exceptions to the presents sent them

by the Queen. He protested, upon his soul and his honour, that he had no

hand in the disposing of these presents, but that all was done by the

officers of the Chamber of Accounts, and that the Queen did not meddle

with it; but when he showed her a catalogue of the officers of

Whitelocke's house, she marked them how she would have the presents

bestowed; that how the matter might be altered afterwards he was wholly

ignorant, and that he had order, under the hands of the officers, to make

the distribution as he had done; and he hoped none of the gentlemen would

be offended with him, who had done nothing but as he was ordered by those

over him. Whitelocke told him that, in so great a family as his was, it

would be difficult to please every one; that these presents were the

Queen's favours, which she might distribute as she pleased, and every one

ought to be contented therewith; that some of his company had discoursed

hereof more than belonged to them, but that he would take order in it

himself. They had also this further discourse:--

_Whitelocke._ Do you expect the arrival of the Prince here on Friday

next?

_Mast. Cer._ The Queen is not assured of his arrival that day, but she

will go out on horseback, accompanied with all her nobility, to meet him.

_Wh._ Will it be expected that I go out likewise to meet him?

_Mast. Cer._ That cannot be, because it will be after your last audience,

and when you have taken your leave of the Queen, so that you cannot then

appear in public nor in any public action, because it will be to present

yourself before those of whom you had taken your leave before.

_Wh._ But after my last audience I may in private see the Queen?

_Mast. Cer._ Yes, for that is but a particular visit; and so you may

visit any of your friends after your last audience.

_Wh._ I intend likewise to salute the Prince after my last audience.

_Mast. Cer._ You may do it, because it will be but a particular visit.

_Wh._ I hope his Royal Highness will treat me with the same civility and

respect as he useth to any other ambassador.

_Mast. Cer._ That he will infallibly do. Monsieur Chanut, the French

Ambassador, when he was in this Court, did always give the right hand to

the Prince after the proposal had been made of declaring him

Prince-heritier of the crown, though the Ricksdag had not then confirmed

it. But Chanut made difficulty of it at the Prince's lodging, because he

was not the son of a king, yet afterwards he did it both there and

elsewhere.

_Wh._ There is more reason for me now to do it, because the proposal is

to be made of investing him with the Crown. What was the manner of the

Prince's reception of Chanut, where did he meet Chanut at his coming, and

how far did he go with him at his taking leave?

_Mast. Cer._ The Prince received Chanut at the door of the chamber where

he had his audience; and when the Ambassador went away, the Prince

brought him to the same place and no further; and I believe he will give

the same respect to your Excellence, and as much to you as to any public

minister.

_Wh._ I can desire no more.

_May 10, 1654._

[SN: Whitelocke attends a wedding at Court.]

Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke and acquainted him that there was a

special article to be agreed upon touching the business of Guinea, which

the Queen and the Chancellor were willing might proceed for the despatch

of Whitelocke, and that Grave Eric would have come to him about it, but

that he was ill and had taken physic. He told Whitelocke that the Queen

said he might have his last audience that day if he pleased; but if he

would be present at the solemnity of the nuptials which were this evening

to be celebrated at Court between the Baron Horne and the Lady Sparre,

and if he desired to see the assembling of the Ricksdag tomorrow, then it

would be requisite to defer his audience till Friday, because when he had

taken his leave of the Queen it would not be proper for him afterwards to

appear in public. Whitelocke said he had rather be dismissed than to be

present at any solemnities; that her Majesty had taken him captive by her

noble presents, so that it was not fit for him to come abroad in public.

He asked Lagerfeldt if the Prince would be here on Friday next; if so,

then it would not be convenient to have his audience put off to that day.

Lagerfeldt said he doubted that the Prince would not be here so soon.

An officer on horseback, accompanied with several other horsemen, with

four kettle-drums and eight or ten trumpets beating and sounding before

them, made proclamation in several parts of the town that all persons who

were summoned to appear at the Ricksdag should give their attendance at

the place appointed in the Queen's castle of Upsal tomorrow by eight

o'clock in the morning, upon pain of half-a-dollar mulcted for every

default.

The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke from the Queen, and

acquainted him to the same effect as Lagerfeldt had done, touching his

last audience. The master also, by the Queen's command, invited

Whitelocke to the wedding at Court this night; and if he pleased to see

the manner of the assembling of the Ricksdag, that he had order to take

the care of it, and that it would be no hindrance to his going away,

because the Prince did not come hither till Tuesday next. Whitelocke said

he was sorry that the Prince would come no sooner to this place, but

since it was the pleasure of the Queen that he should wait upon her this

evening, he would obey her commands; and as to the time of his audience,

he submitted to her pleasure.

The Ricks-Admiral sent again to Whitelocke, to know if he would have any

more ships provided for his transportation. Whitelocke returned his

thanks, and that he intended not to take any of his horses with him, and

therefore should not need any more ships than were already ordered.

Studely, one of Whitelocke's servants, returned to him from Stockholm

with an account that the ship appointed for his transportation was not

yet ready, which retarded his voyage to his trouble.

Between ten and eleven o'clock at night the master of the ceremonies came

to Whitelocke's house, with one of the Queen's coaches, to bring him to

the wedding at Court. He desired Whitelocke's two sons to go into that

coach, who excused themselves that they had not been in that coach

formerly. The master said that when one went to an audience there were

certain formalities to be observed, but going to a wedding was another

thing; that now the Queen had sent her coach for Whitelocke as her

guest, and it was proper for his sons to go with him. Whitelocke wished

them to observe the direction of the master, who governed in these

things.

They went to the bridegroom's house, where were many of his friends; his

uncle the Ricks-Admiral, Marshal Wrangel, and other senators and

noblemen. As soon as Whitelocke alighted out of the coach, the

bridegroom's brother was there to receive him and bid him welcome; near

the door the bridegroom met him, and gave him thanks for the favour in

honouring his wedding with his presence. Whitelocke said he was very

ready to testify his respects to the nobility of this country, and

particularly to himself, and took it for an honour to be invited into

such company.

Whitelocke was instructed by the master of the ceremonies, that by the

custom of this country the bridegroom takes place of the King, and the

bride of the Queen, during the solemnities of the wedding; accordingly

Whitelocke gave the right hand to the bridegroom.

After a little discourse they took their coaches;--first the gentlemen,

then the Lords, then the Senators, then the Ricks-Admiral and Senator

Bundt, who, being next of kin, was to give the bride in marriage; after

Bundt went Whitelocke, and after him the bridegroom, who had precedence

in the Queen's coach, which went last, and Whitelocke next before it, and

the other coaches in their order; the bridegroom's coach last of all, as

the best place. The like order they observed in their going in the

castle. At the head of the stairs the master of the ceremonies met them,

and brought them to the presence-chamber, where the Queen was with the

bride and a great company of gallant ladies. The bridegroom kissed her

Majesty's hand, and then the bride's hand; the rest of the company did

the like. Between the Queen and Whitelocke passed a little discourse.

_Whitelocke._ Madam, I give you humble thanks for your invitation of me

to these solemnities.

_Queen._ It is an honour to us that such an Ambassador will be present at

our ceremonies.

_Wh._ I likewise return my most humble thanks to your Majesty for your

many favours, and the noble presents you have been pleased to bestow on

me and on my company.

_Qu._ Sir, you mock me; I am troubled I could not do according to that

respect which I bear you. This is only a custom of our country to persons

of your condition, and I hope you will take it in good part.

_Wh._ It is more suitable to your Majesty's bounty than to anything I can

call desert in me, who have a most grateful sense and acceptance of your

Majesty's favours.

[SN: Ceremony of the marriage.]

The bride and bridegroom were both clothed in white tabby, his suit laced

with a very broad gold and silver lace. The bride had on her head a

coronet set full of diamonds, with a diamond collar about her neck and

shoulders, a diamond girdle of the same fashion, and a rich diamond jewel

at her breast, which were all of them of great value, and by some

reported to be the Queen's jewels, lent by her to the bride for that

time.

They went all to the great hall; first the noblemen, then the senators,

then the bridegroom between Bundt and Whitelocke, then the bride between

two Graves, then the Queen and her Guards. Then the Queen presently took

her chair of state; at her right-hand at a little distance sat the bride

against her; at the Queen's left-hand sat the bridegroom, next to him

Whitelocke, and then Bundt. After they were all sat, Bundt rose up and

went towards the Queen, and spake in Swedish with a loud voice to this

effect, as it was interpreted to Whitelocke:--That Baron Horne, a

gentleman there present, of an ancient and noble family, desired to have

in marriage a lady who was servant to her Majesty, of the ancient and

noble family of the Sparres; then he spake much of the pedigrees and in

the praise of both the families; after that he addressed himself to the

bride and bridegroom, giving them good counsel as to the condition which

they were entering into, and their demeanour to one another. Then some

friends led the bridegroom to a place in the midst of the hall purposely

railed in, and then they fetched the bride thither also and placed her by

the bridegroom; then a grave churchman, one of the Queen's chaplains,

turning himself to the Queen, pronounced the words of marriage after a

form in a book which he read, and being interpreted to Whitelocke, he

found it the same in effect with the words of marriage in the English

Liturgy. The ceremony of joining them in marriage being ended, two Graves

with torches came to the bridegroom and bride and led them around; two

other Lords with torches followed after them, many ladies two by two. The

bride being brought to her seat by the bridegroom, he then took the Queen

by the hand and they walked between the torches; then the bride came and

took Whitelocke by the hand and they walked after the Queen. Whitelocke

brought the bride again to her place, and being instructed that he was to

take the Queen and march the round with her also, Whitelocke did it, and

all this was a solemn walking to the sound of drums and trumpets. After

which, every one returned to their places, and then they set to dancing

of the brawls; and the Queen came to Whitelocke to take him out to dance

with her, who excused himself.

[SN: Whitelocke dances with the Queen.]

_Whitelocke._ Madam, I am fearful that I shall dishonour your Majesty, as

well as shame myself, by dancing with you.

_Queen._ I will try whether you can dance.

_Wh._ I assure your Majesty I cannot in any measure be worthy to have you

by the hand.

_Qu._ I esteem you worthy, and therefore make choice of you to dance with

me.

_Wh._ I shall not so much undervalue your Majesty's judgement as not to

obey you herein, and I wish I could remember as much of this as when I

was a young man.

After they had done dancing, and Whitelocke had waited upon the Queen to

her chair of state, she said to him--

_Qu._ _Par Dieu!_ these Hollanders are lying fellows.

_Wh._ I wonder how the Hollanders should come into your mind upon such an

occasion as this is, who are not usually thought upon in such

solemnities, nor much acquainted with them.

_Qu._ I will tell you all. The Hollanders reported to me a great while

since that all the _noblesse_ of England were of the King's party, and

none but mechanics of the Parliament party, and not a gentleman among

them; now I thought to try you, and to shame you if you could not dance;

but I see that you are a gentleman and have been bred a gentleman, and

that makes me say the Hollanders are lying fellows, to report that there

was not a gentleman of the Parliament's party, when I see by you chiefly,

and by many of your company, that you are gentlemen.

_Wh._ Truly, Madam, in this they told a great untruth to your Majesty, as

I believe they have done in several other particulars. I do confess that

the greatest part of our nobility and gentry were of the King's party,

but many of them likewise were of the Parliament's party; and I, who am

sent to wait upon your Majesty, can, without vanity, derive to myself an

ancient pedigree of a gentleman. They would not have given the honour to

any but a gentleman to kiss your Majesty's hand, and you are pleased to

do your servant right, and his company, by acknowledging that our

superiors have commanded gentlemen to wait on you.

_Qu._ I assure you that I esteem it the greater honour done to me, and

you are the more welcome to me because you are a gentleman; and had I not

known and found you to be so, your business would not have been so well

despatched as it is. I see you have all the qualities of a gentleman, and

I believe that you were excellent in your music and dancing in your

younger days.

_Wh._ I was bred up in the qualities of a gentleman, and in my youth was

accounted not inferior to others in the practice of them; but it is so

long since I used this of dancing, especially after we learned to march,

that had it not been to obey your Majesty, I should hardly have been

drawn to discover my deficiencies.

_Qu._ You have discovered nothing but what tends to your honour and to

my contentment; and I take it as a favour that you were willing to lay

aside your gravity and play the courtier upon my request, which I see you

can do so well when you please.

After the dancing ended, there was brought into the hall a sumptuous

banquet, the Hof-Marshal with his silver staff ushering it, and after

that distributed. The Queen and all the company went back in the same

order to the presence-chamber, and there the Queen bid the bride and

bridegroom good-night, and so all went to their lodgings, divers of the

nobles waiting on the bride to her chamber.

The Queen told Whitelocke that she believed the Prince would be here on

Tuesday next, and that Whitelocke should have his audience on Friday

next. Whitelocke took his coach, after it had waited nine hours at the

castle.

_May 11, 1654._

[SN: The abdication of Queen Christina.]

Early in the morning the master of the ceremonies came to accompany

Whitelocke to the castle, to see the manner of the assembly of the

Ricksdag, and brought him and his company to the castle to an upper room

or gallery, where he sat privately, not taken notice of by any, yet had

the full view of the great hall where the Ricksdag met, and heard what

was said. The Danish Ambassador did forbear to come thither, as was

supposed, because of Whitelocke being there. The French Resident sat by

Whitelocke, and conversed with him.

The great hall, two stories high, was prepared for the Assembly. An outer

chamber was hung with cloth of Arras; in the antechamber to that were

guards of the Queen's partisans; in the court was a company of

musketeers. The great hall was hung with those hangings which were before

in Whitelocke's lodgings, with some others added, and was very handsome.

On each side of the hall, from the walls towards the middle of the room,

forms were placed, covered with red cloth, for seats for the Members, and

were all alike without distinction, and reached upwards. Three parts of

the length of the hall, in the midst between the seats, was a space or

lane broad enough for three to walk abreast together. At the upper end of

the hall, on a foot-pace three steps high, covered with foot-carpets,

stood the chair of state, all of massy silver, a rich cushion in it, and

a canopy of crimson velvet richly embroidered over it. On the left side

of the chair of state were placed five ordinary chairs of crimson velvet,

without arms, for the five Ricks-officers; and on the same side below

them, and on the other side from the foot-pace down to the forms, in a

semicircular form, were stools of crimson velvet for the Ricks-Senators.

About nine o'clock there entered at the lower end of the great hall a

plain, lusty man in his boor's habit, with a staff in his hand, followed

by about eighty boors, Members of this Council, who had chosen the first

man for their Marshal, or Speaker. These marched up in the open place

between the forms to the midst of them, and then the Marshal and his

company sat down on the forms on the right of the State, from the midst

downwards to the lower end of the hall, and put on their hats. A little

while after them entered at the same door a man in a civil habit of a

citizen, with a staff in his hand, followed by about a hundred and

twenty citizens, deputies of the cities and boroughs, who had chosen him

to be their Marshal. They all took their places upon the forms

over-against the boors in the lower end of the hall, and were covered.

Not long after, at the same door, entered a proper gentleman richly

habited, a staff in his hand, who was Marshal of the Nobility, followed

by near two hundred lords and gentlemen, Members of the Ricksdag, chief

of their respective families, many of them rich in clothes, of civil

deportment. They took their seats uppermost on the right of the State,

and whilst they walked up to their forms the citizens and boors stood up

uncovered; and when the nobility sat and put on their hats, the citizens

and boors did so likewise. A little after, at the same door, entered the

Archbishop of Upsal with a staff in his hand, who by his place is Marshal

of the Clergy. He was followed by five or six other bishops and all the

superintendents, and about sixty Ministers, Deputies, or Proctors of the

Clergy. While they walked up to their places all the rest of the Members

stood up uncovered; and when they sat down on the uppermost forms on the

left side of the State, and put on their hats and caps, the rest of the

Members did the like; these were grave men, in their long cassocks and

canonical habit, and most with long beards.

All the Members being thus sat, about a quarter of an hour after entered

the Captain, followed by divers of the Queen's Guard, with partisans.

After them came many gentlemen of the Queen's servants, uncovered, with

swords by their sides and well clad, two and two together. After them

came the Ricks-Senators in their order, the puisne first. After them the

Ricks-officers, all bare. After them came the Queen, and kept off her

hat in the hall, some of the officers of the Court and pages after her.

In this order they went up in the open place in the midst of the forms,

all the Members standing up uncovered. The Queen's company made a lane

for her to pass through, and she went up to her chair and sat down in it;

and all the company, except the members of the Council, went out of the

hall, and all the doors were shut; the Members sat in their places

uncovered.

After the Queen had sat a little, she rose, and beckoned to the

Chancellor to come to her, who came with great ceremony and respect; and

after a little speaking together he returned to his place, and the Queen

sat down again a little time; then rising up with mettle, she came

forward to the utmost part of the foot-pace, and with a good grace and

confidence spake to the Assembly, as it was interpreted to Whitelocke, to

this effect:--

[SN: The Queen's speech.]

"The occasion, my friends, wherefore you are called together to this

Diet will in some sort appear strange to you; for being so unusual,

and as it were unheard of, it cannot be understood without great

astonishment. But, Gentlemen, when you shall a little reflect upon

what hath passed some years since, you will then perceive that it is

no new thing, but long since premeditated, and by me wished and

intended.

"It is sufficiently known to you what hath formerly passed as to the

succession of my most dear cousin to this kingdom; and I esteem

myself very happy that all things at present are in such a posture

that thereupon I may bring my purpose to effect, which is, to offer

and to give into the hands of my most dear cousin our most dear

country and the royal seat, with the crown, the sceptre, and the

government. I need not repeat this subject to you; it sufficeth

that all may be done for the good of the country and the prosperity

and security of my most dear cousin, to whom you have formerly given

this right, and have found him capable to govern you and this

kingdom, which he deserves by his great spirits and rare qualities,

joined with his heroic actions, witnessed by divers encounters.

"And since there is nothing wanting but time to put in execution the

succession of my most dear cousin to the government of this kingdom,

which depends only upon myself,--and of my purpose nothing remains

but to make you parties, which is the only occasion of my calling

you together, and which I shall more at large declare unto you by my

proposal,--I doubt not but you will consent thereunto, whereby you

will testify at this time, as you have done at all times before,

your faithfulness and obedience to me.

"Also I give you thanks that, with so much duty, you are come to

this Diet, and that with so much affection and loyalty you have

demeaned yourselves towards me and our most dear country during my

government, so that I have received much content by your deportment;

and if in these ten years of my administration I have merited

anything from you, it shall be this only which I desire of you, that

you will consent to my resolution, since you may assure yourselves

that none can dissuade me from my purpose.

"You may be pleased also to take in good part what hath passed

during the time of my government, and to be assured that herein

also, as well as in all other things, my intention hath been always

to serve our most dear country. There remains nothing but my wishes

that all may work to the glory of God, to the advancement of the

Christian Church, and to the good and prosperity of our most dear

country and of all her inhabitants."

[SN: The Archbishop's speech.]

After the Queen had spoken she sat down again, and after a little pause

the Archbishop of Upsal went out of his place into the open passage, and

making his obeisance to the Queen, he, as Marshal of the Clergy and in

their name, made an oration to her Majesty, which was somewhat long; but

the effect thereof was interpreted to Whitelocke to be an acknowledgment

of the happy reign of her Majesty, whereby her subjects had enjoyed all

good, peace, and justice and liberty, and whatsoever were the products of

a blessed government. He then recited the great affections of this people

to the King her father, and to her Majesty his only child; their duty and

obedience to her in all her commands; that no prince could be more happy

than her Majesty was in the affections and duty of her subjects, nor

could any people be more contented in the rule of their sovereign than

her people were; he therefore used all arguments and humble entreaties to

her Majesty to desist from her intention of resigning the government, and

to continue to sway the sceptre of this kingdom, wherein he did not doubt

but that the blessing of God would be with her as it had been, and that

it would be to His honour and to the good of this kingdom if her Majesty

would hearken to the humble desires of the clergy in this particular.

Then he acknowledged the virtues and admirable abilities of the Prince,

whose succession would come in due time; that, her Majesty reigning at

present with so much satisfaction both to this Church and State, he

humbly desired, in the name of the clergy, that she would be pleased,

though to her own trouble, yet for her subjects' good, to continue still

to be Queen over them. After he had ended his speech, making three

congees, he went up to the Queen and kissed her hand, and with three more

congees returned to his place.

Then the Marshal of the Nobility, going forth into the open place

between the forms, made his oration in the name of the nobility, much to

the same purpose as the Archbishop had done, and, after his oration

ended, with the like ceremony kissed her Majesty's hand, and returned to

his place. Then the like was done by the Marshal of the Burgesses, and

all to the same effect.

[SN: The Boor's speech.]

In the last place stepped forth the Marshal of the Boors, a plain country

fellow, in his clouted shoon, and all other habits answerable, as all the

rest of his company were accoutred. This boor, without any congees or

ceremony at all, spake to her Majesty, and was interpreted to Whitelocke

to be after this phrase:--

"O Lord God, Madam, what do you mean to do? It troubles us to hear

you speak of forsaking those that love you so well as we do. Can you

be better than you are? You are Queen of all these countries, and if

you leave this large kingdom, where will you get such another? If

you should do it (as I hope you won't for all this), both you and we

shall have cause, when it is too late, to be sorry for it. Therefore

my fellows and I pray you to think better on't, and to keep your

crown on your head, then you will keep your own honour and our

peace; but if you lay it down, in my conscience you will endanger

all. Continue in your gears, good Madam, and be the fore-horse as

long as you live, and we will help you the best we can to bear your

burden.

"Your father was an honest gentleman and a good king, and very

stirring in the world; we obeyed him and loved him as long as he

lived; and you are his own child, and have governed us very well,

and we love you with all our hearts; and the Prince is an honest

gentleman, and when his time comes we shall be ready to do our

duties to him as we do to you; but as long as you live we are not

willing to part with you, and therefore I pray, Madam, do not part

with us."

When the boor had ended his speech, he waddled up to the Queen without

any ceremony, took her by the hand and shook it heartily, and kissed it

two or three times; then turning his back to her, he pulled out of his

pocket a foul handkerchief and wiped the tears from his eyes, and in the

same posture as he came up he returned back to his own place again.

When the orations were all ended, one of the Queen's secretaries, by her

command, read unto the Assembly a paper, which Whitelocke procured to be

given to him in a copy, and translated into English.

[SN: The Queen's declaration to the Diet.]

_The Proposition of her Majesty of Sweden to the Estates assembled

at Upsal the 11th of May, in the year 1654._

"Since for certain reasons her Majesty found it good and necessary

to assemble the Estates of the Kingdom at this time, and that they

have given testimony of their obedience in their coming together,

her Majesty hath great cause to rejoice that the good God hath

preserved our country from all apparent harms, and principally from

the contagious sickness of the plague, which spread itself in divers

places the last autumn, but at present is ceased, so that we may

meet together in all safety. Her Majesty rejoiceth in the good

health of her faithful subjects; and this obligeth us not only to

return humble thanks to our good God, but the more to supplicate Him

for the future to avert his fatherly chastisements from us.

"Also her Majesty understands with great joy, that the scarcity and

dearth in the late years is now changed into fruitfulness and

abundance, so that the last year there was not only very great

abundance of all things which the earth produceth, but further,

thanks be to God, we have cause, according to appearances, to hope

this year will be no less fruitful; the which great blessing of God

to this country clearly shows us the great obligations which we have

to Him.

"Also her Majesty calls to mind, that which she graciously mentions

to her faithful subjects, how the country, within the limits

thereof, is at present in a good and peaceable condition, and so

hath been kept by Divine Providence, and the faithful care of her

Majesty, in times of danger; and when war, and the imminent perils

accompanying the same roundabout us, had the sway, yet we always

continued in quiet without taking part in others' quarrels, and for

this end hath always endeavoured to entertain a sincere friendship

and good correspondence with her neighbours and allies.

"And as to the neighbourhood of Denmark, her Majesty hath nothing to

fear, since she hath given no occasion in anything but of sincere

friendship and firm peace.

"In like manner, with all possible care, by her Commissioners, hath

composed the differences touching the limits between her and the

Great Duke of Muscovy; and although the said Duke hath signified to

her Majesty by divers envoys that he would justify the expedition of

war newly made by him against the Polanders, with all the reasons

thereof, yet since that is a business which can no way involve her

Majesty and the Crown of Sweden, there is no cause to fear it;

provided their actions be watched, and{7} that, by little and

little, preparation be made, if there shall be cause to apply some

remedies.

"With the King and Crown of Poland is continued the amnesty for

twenty-six years, formerly accorded; and although her Majesty

wisheth that this amnesty had been converted into a perpetual

peace,--and for this end she hath caused pains to be taken twice at

Lübeck, by the mediators and her Commissioners, and although they

are not yet agreed,--nevertheless her Majesty understands so much on

the part of Poland that they are not disaffected to the renewing of

the treaties for a longer time, so that her Majesty hath no cause

but to promise herself at length a favourable success therein.

"With the Emperor and Roman Empire her Majesty, since the peace

executed in Germany, hath continued and maintained good amity and

correspondence; and for this end she hath her ambassadors there,

who have their places in the present Diet for the principality of

Bremen, Verden, and Pomerland, among the other members of the empire

who do there maintain and observe the interests of her Majesty; and

for the conclusion of the peace of Germany her Majesty hath

resolved, by a great embassy, to accept the possession and

investiture, from the Emperor, of the conquered countries.

"Also her Majesty hath a good correspondence and friendship with

France and Spain by fit means and a good alliance.

"But particularly her Majesty rejoiceth that the perilous war made

in the ocean between the powerful Commonwealths of England and the

United Provinces (by which we have received very great damage in our

trade throughout, as it appeareth) is appeased and ended; and that,

since, her Majesty hath made an alliance with the Commonwealth of

England for the security of navigation and commerce, so that the

faithful subjects of her Majesty may thereby hope to have great

advantage and profit.

"In this posture and state of affairs, her Majesty thinks it fit to

prosecute her intention, which she hath conceived some years since,

and to put the same in execution, that is, to give up the kingdom of

Sweden and her sceptre to his Royal Highness, the most high, most

illustrious Prince Charles Gustavus, by the grace of God designed

hereditary Prince of the kingdom of Sweden, Count Palatine of the

Rhine in Bavaria, Prince of Jülich, Cleves, and Bergen; and this is

the only business which her Majesty hath to propose to her faithful

subjects at this time.

"Her Majesty also hath this gracious confidence in all the Estates

here now assembled, that when they shall consider with what

dexterity, pains, and travail her Majesty for ten years hath managed

the affairs of this kingdom, and with such good fortune that all the

counsels and intentions of her Majesty have been followed with such

happy success, that the State, with great honour and reputation,

hath escaped many difficulties of war, and yet enjoys such quiet,

that they cannot judge or conclude that her Majesty would now make

any alteration were it not for the good and safety of this nation.

"The Estates, which have been formerly assembled, know very well how

earnestly her Majesty pressed that the kingdom and government might

be provided of a successor, thereby to avoid and cut off the sudden

accidents which happen when a government is uncertain; for which

reason the Estates in that point did agree and think good heretofore

that his Highness should be chosen and made hereditary Prince and

successor to the crown. All this her Majesty did propose and urge

till it was brought to the effect which that time produced.

"And to the end that her Majesty, during her life, may have the

pleasure to see the happy effect of this design, and that the entire

government may be rendered into the hands of his Royal Highness,

therefore her Majesty hath resolved to quit the crown and the

privileges of it, and to put them into the hands of his Royal

Highness.

"And although this resolution of her Majesty may seem strange and

unexpected to the Estates of the kingdom, nevertheless, according to

her gracious confidence, she believes that they will consent to her

quiet in retiring herself from so heavy a burden, by their

contributing an assent to the proposed alteration.

"Her Majesty likewise assures herself (as the Estates by their

former acts have always testified) of the esteem which they have of

the person and of the rare virtues and well-known qualities of his

Royal Highness; and that they will find that he will employ them to

a prudent government and to their great advantage, and that at

length they will not be deceived by this change, or any ways

prejudiced: for which end her Majesty promiseth and offereth to

contribute all her advice and counsel and endeavour,--chiefly that

his Royal Highness, before his entry into the government, may assure

the Estates and effectually do that which the Kings of Sweden upon

the like occasions have used to do, and are by the laws and customs

obliged unto.

"And on the other part, that the Estates and all the subjects of

Sweden be obliged to render unto his Royal Highness that respect,

obedience, and all those rights which appertain to a King, and which

they are obliged to perform.

"And as her Majesty hath considered and resolved upon the means

whereby her Majesty may enjoy a yearly pension to be settled upon

her during her life, and having communicated her purpose therein to

his Royal Highness the successor to the crown, so she graciously

hopeth that her faithful subjects and the Estates will be content

therewith, humbly receiving and consenting to what her Majesty hath

graciously disposed.

"Her Majesty graciously requires all the Estates of the kingdom that

they would, as soon as may be, consider this business, to the end

that the resolution taken by her Majesty may in a short time be

brought unto effect.

"Her Majesty most graciously thanks all her faithful subjects for

the obedience, honour, and respect which every one of them hath

faithfully testified to her Majesty during the time of her

government; so that her Majesty hath received full contentment by

their most humble demeanour, which hereafter, upon all occasions,

she will acknowledge with all gratitude.

"Her Majesty also hopeth that her most faithful subjects will be

satisfied, and give a good construction of the faithful care which

her Majesty hath employed for all in general and their happiness,

and chiefly for the gracious affection which she hath testified

towards every one in particular.

"Her Majesty wisheth that the most high and most powerful God would

conserve and protect our dear country, with all the inhabitants

thereof and all the subjects, from all harm; and to conclude, that

the estates of the kingdom, as well in general as in particular, may

continue and increase from day to day, and may for ever flourish."

After this proposition was read, the Queen's servants were called in,

and she went out of the hall, attended by them and the Ricks-Senators in

the same way and manner as she came in; and after she was gone, first the

Archbishop of Upsal and the clergy following him; second, the Marshal and

Nobility; third, the Marshal and Burgesses; fourth, the Marshal and

Boors, went out of the hall in the same order as they first came in; and

when they were all gone, Whitelocke returned to his lodging.

[SN: The solemnities of the marriage resumed.]

About eleven o'clock in the evening, the master of the ceremonies came to

bring Whitelocke to the remainder of the solemnities of the marriage.

Whitelocke, in no good condition to go abroad, having sat up the last

night, yet rather than discontent the Queen and the nobility, who had

sent for him, he went with the master in the Queen's coach to the

bridegroom's lodging in the castle, who met him in the outer chamber and

brought him into another room where were many senators and lords; they

all took their coach, and went in the same order as the day before to the

Queen, where the bride and ladies were expecting them.

They came all to the great hall, where the Queen and the company took

their places, and the drums beating and trumpets sounding. A gentleman

entered the hall carrying a spear or pike covered with taffeta of the

bridegroom's colours, all but the head, which was silver, worth about

twenty crowns; he stood by the bride, holding the spear in the middle,

both ends of it about breast-high, and the bridegroom was brought and

placed by his bride. Then Senator Bundt made a solemn speech to the

Queen, which (according to the interpretation made to Whitelocke) was to

thank her Majesty for the favour which she did to the bride and

bridegroom in permitting the nuptials to be in her Court; and he

acquainted the Queen, and published to the company, what dowry the

bridegroom had given that morning to his bride, with two thousand ducats

for her provision; and that twelve of the nobility, of the alliance and

friends to them both, were witnesses thereunto, and were to take care

that the money should be disposed to the use of the wife and children, in

case she survived her husband.

Then a gentleman read aloud the names of the twelve witnesses, who, as

they were called one after another, making their honours to the Queen,

went and laid their right hands on the spear; and then was published the

dowry and augmentation thus by these twelve witnesses. After this the

spear was laid down at the feet of the bride, and all, making their

solemn reverences to the Queen, took again their places. Then the same

gentleman that laid down the spear, took it up again and threw it out of

the window into the great court; where a multitude of people stood

expecting it, and scrambled for the head of it, and for the taffeta,

which they tore in pieces and wore in their hats as the bride's favours.

After this ceremony ended, the bridegroom came and took the bride by the

hand, and they marched after the torches to the sound of the drums and

trumpets; after that the bridegroom took the Queen by the hand, and the

bride came and took the English Ambassador by the hand, and other

noblemen took their several ladies, and they marched two and two amidst

the torches and to the same loud music as they had done the night

before. After this the noblemen and ladies went to dance French dances

and country dances; but Whitelocke having watched the night before, and

not being well, he privately withdrew himself from the company and

retired to his house, wondering that the Queen, after so serious a work

as she had been at in the morning, could be so pleased with this

evening's ceremonies.

_May 12, 1654._

[SN: Despatches from England.]

About one o'clock the last night, Whitelocke, coming from the solemnities

of the Court, received two packets of letters from England. He had the

more cause to remember the time, because then, although midnight, he

could perfectly read his letters without any candle or other light than

that of the heavens, which in this season of the year scarce leaves any

night at all, but so as one may well read all the night long with the

help of twilight.

The letters from Thurloe of the first date acquainted Whitelocke that now

he had sent duplicates of the last instructions by a ship going to

Sweden. In Thurloe's second letters, dated 13th of April, he mentions the

instructions sent formerly to Whitelocke, and acquaints him again with

the effect of them, and the Protector's order, by which he leaves it to

Whitelocke to return home when he shall judge it fit; and that if he

should stay the ceremonies of the coronation of the new King, it would

occasion great delay. And he writes further:--

"But in truth we cannot believe, notwithstanding all that is said,

that her Majesty will quit her crown, being so well qualified in

all respects to govern as she is, and seems to be very well accepted

of her people."

Then he again mentions the signing of the peace with the Dutch, and that

the Protector had appointed Commissioners to treat with the French,

Spanish, and Portugal Ambassadors, but had not yet declared himself to

any of his neighbours.

"That the business in Scotland was well; that the Protector had

taken away Colonel Rich's commission, whereof the officers of his

regiment were glad; that many congratulatory petitions to his

Highness came from divers counties, one from Bucks; that the

Protector proceeded to reformation of the law and ministry, and I

hope he will merit as well in that as in the military affairs. I

return your Excellence my humble thanks for your acceptance of my

endeavours to serve you; I can say they come from an honest heart,

which very really embraceth every opportunity wherein I may manifest

myself

"Your Excellence's faithful humble servant,

"JO. THURLOE.

"_Whitehall, 13th April, 1654._"

Whitelocke received several letters in these packets from Mr. Cokaine;

one, dated the 2nd of April, saith thus:--

"You will have leave from his Highness to take your first

opportunity to come away, and I hope it will not be without bringing

your business to a happy and an honourable issue, which is the

constant subject of our requests to the Lord for you, and I doubt

not but we shall have a comfortable answer. In the meantime I think,

as I have hinted to your Excellence in former letters, it will not

be amiss if you draw good store of bills upon us, though but _pro

formâ_, that we may get as much money for you as we can before your

return, and that you may have a sufficient overplus to pay all

servants' wages off, which I believe will amount to a considerable

sum; and upon this peace I hope it will be no hard matter to get

your bills paid, especially if your Excellence please withal to

write to my Lord Protector and Mr. Thurloe and some of the Council

about it. I could wish that you would make what haste you can home,

for I am informed by a special hand that there is great labouring to

make a Chancellor whilst you are absent, and to take that

opportunity to put you by, whom I believe they doubt to be too much

a Christian and an Englishman to trust in their service; but I hope

God will give you a heart to submit to His will, and to prize a good

conscience above all the world, which will indeed stand us in stead

when all outward things cannot in the least administer to us.

"Your Excellence's most humble servant,

"GEO. COKAINE.

"_April 2nd._"