Of the romantic expedition to Spain of “Baby Charles and Stennie” an
account is given by Clarendon, and a more minute narrative by Arthur
Wilson in his Life of James. The voyage was conducted with great secrecy,
and very few attendants: but it is worthy remark, that Archee “the
princes fool-man” was one of the party. Howell, who was at Madrid at the
time, says, “Our cousin Archy hath more privilege than any, for he often
goes with his fool’s-coat where the _Infanta_ is with her Meninas and
ladies of honour, and keeps a blowing and blustering amongst them, and
flurts out what he list.” One of his “flurts” at the Spaniards is related
in the same page[75].
The poem, as far as it describes the various rumours during the absence
of the parties, a period of great consternation, is curious: the report
of Buckingham’s “difference with the Cond’ Olivares” rests upon better
authority than the then opinion of the poet.
They left the court Feb. 17th, and returned to England the 5th Oct. 1623.