A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II. — John Locke — John Shaqi
A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II.
John Locke · en
_Sch._ England is the noblest country and people that ever I saw: a more
pleasant, fruitful, and healthful country, and a more gallant, stout, and
rich people, are not in the world.
_Wh._ I perceive you have taken a true measure, both of the country and
her inhabitants.
_Sch._ This is my judgement of it, as well as my affection to it.
_Wh._ Your country here is indeed more northerly, but your people,
especially the nobility, of a much-like honourable condition to ours;
which may cause the more wonder at her Majesty's intention of leaving
them, who are so affectionate to her.
_Sch._ Truly her Majesty's purpose of resignation is strange to
foreigners, and much more to us, who are her subjects, most affectionate
to her.
_Wh._ It is reported that she hath consulted in this business with the
Senators, whereof you are one.
_Sch._ Three Senators are deputed to confer with the Prince of Sweden,
upon certain particulars to be observed in the resignation; and I hope
that your Excellence will consider the importance of that affair, and
will therefore attend with the more patience the issue thereof, being
necessary that the advice of the Prince be had in it.
_Wh._ Have the three deputed Senators any order to confer with the Prince
about my business?
_Sch._ I believe they have.
_Wh._ I had been here two months before the Queen mentioned this design
of hers to the Council, and have staid here all this time with patience,
and shall so continue as my Lord Protector shall command me; and as soon
as he requires my return I shall obey him.
_Sch._ The occasion of the delay hitherto was the uncertainty of the
issue of your Dutch treaty; and at this season of the year it was
impossible for you to return, till the passage be open.
_Wh._ I believe the alliance with England meriteth an acceptance, whether
we have peace or war with Holland; and for my return, it is at the
pleasure of the Protector.
They had much other discourse; and probably Schuett was sent purposely to
excuse the delay of the treaty, for which he used many arguments not
necessary to be repeated; and he came also to test Whitelocke touching
advice to be had with the Prince about this treaty, whereunto Whitelocke
showed no averseness.
[SN: Treacherous reports to England.]