Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/103

Rh, that he offered to pay half the sum of £10,000 which was asked by Secretary Coventry, as the price of his resignation. Temple declined the offer and the office, and was again sent as Ambassador to the Hague, being probably influenced to accept this post by his regard for the people of Holland generally, and by his sincere attachment to his friend the Prince of Orange.

On his return, in 1679, he found the King completely embarrassed, involved in violent contention