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
From the Queen Whitelocke went and visited Piementelle, who showed him a
letter he received from a great person in Flanders, mentioning that
Beningen had written to his superiors that the English Ambassador and the
Spanish Resident were often together, and had showed great respect to
each other, which his Highness the Archduke liked very well, and gave
Piementelle thanks for it; and though Monsieur Beningen did not like of
their being so friendly, yet his superiors endeavoured all they could to
have amity with England. When Whitelocke told him of the English fleet at
sea, he said it was great pity the same was not employed. He then showed
Whitelocke a letter from Beningen to his superiors, wherein he taxed
Whitelocke with omitting the ceremony of meeting Prince Adolphus at his
door. Whitelocke repeated to Piementelle the carriage of that business as
before; and Piementelle said, that neither the Queen nor himself had ever
heard the Prince express any dislike of Whitelocke's carriage; and that
the Queen, seeing Beningen's letter, said there were many things in it
concerning Whitelocke which upon her knowledge were not true. It was also
said in the letter that the English Ambassador had many long audiences
with her Majesty, and conferences with the Chancellor, but that he could
not in the least learn what passed between them; with which Whitelocke
had no cause to be displeased.
_March 5, 1653._
_The Lord's Day._--Whitelocke had two good sermons in his house, at which
divers English and Scots, besides those of his family, were present. In
the evening the Queen passed through the streets in her coach, with
divers other coaches and her servants waiting on her, to take the air,
though upon this day; and in the night, many disorderly drunkards were
committing debaucheries and insolences in the town, and at Whitelocke's
door.
_March 6, 1653._
[SN: Further excuses for delay.]
Whitelocke visited Senator Schuett, who spake in excuse of the delay of
his business. Whitelocke said--
_Whitelocke._ I have already staid long in this place, and nothing is yet
done in my business.
_Schuett._ Your stay here hath been of more advantage to England than if
they had sent 10,000 men into Holland, who, by your stay here, will be
brought on with the greater desire of making peace with you.
_Wh._ They know nothing of my negotiation.
_Sch._ That makes them the more jealous; the slowness of one person is
the cause that hitherto you have received no satisfaction, and I doubt
not but ere long you will have answers to your contentment.
Whilst Whitelocke was with him the Queen sent one of her gentlemen
thither to him, to desire him to put off his visit of her Majesty till
the next day, by reason she had then extraordinary business; and the
messenger being gone, Schuett said,--