_Wh._ The remoter parts of it from the Court are extreme barren; but at Stockholm and Upsal, and most of the great towns, they have store of provisions; but fat beef and mutton in the winter-time is not so plentiful with them as in the countries more southerly; and their hot weather in summer as much exceeds ours, as their cold doth in winter. _Prot._ That is somewhat troublesome to endure; but how could you pass over their very long winter nights? _Wh._ I kept my people together and in action and recreation, by having music in my house, and encouraging that and the exercise of dancing, which held them by the ears and eyes, and gave them diversion without any offence. And I caused the gentlemen to have disputations in Latin, and declamations upon words which I gave them. _Prot._ Those were very good diversions, and made your house a little academy. _Wh._ I thought these recreations better than gaming for money, or going forth to places of debauchery. _Prot._ It was much better. And I am glad you had so good an issue of your treaty. _Wh._ I bless God for it, and shall be ready to give your Highness a particular account of it, when you shall appoint a time for it. _Prot._ I think that Thursday next, in the morning, will be a good time for you to come to the Council, and to make your report of the transactions of your negotiation; and you and I must have many discourses upon these arguments. _Wh._ I shall attend your Highness and the Council. _July 4, 1654._ [SN: Whitelocke's friends celebrate his return.] This day was spent in visits, very much company resorting to Whitelocke's house to bid him welcome into England, so that, by the multitude of company, he had not any opportunity of recollecting himself and his thoughts, touching the matters which he was to communicate to the Council the next day; but it could not be avoided, and he must take such time as would be afforded him. _July 5, 1654._ [SN: A solemn thanksgiving for his safe return.] By Whitelocke's appointment, all his company who were with him in Sweden, came this day to his house at Chelsea, where divers others of his good friends met them, to the intent they might all join together in returning humble and hearty thanks to God for his great mercy and goodness to them, in their preservation and wonderful deliverances in their voyage, in blessing them with health and with success in their business, and bringing all of them in safety and comfort to their native country and most dear relations.