Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/173

Rh ties; and they, knowing I could not understand what was said to me, sent me the resolution this afternoon : when they brought me back, I invited them to dinner, and three or four more; and I drank so many beer glasses, that my head aches this morning.

High and mighty Lords,

His Majesty of Great Britain, the King, my master, desiring nothing more than to preserve the friendship and close alliance already established between his Majesty and this State, could not think fit to be long without a minister in this place, who shall make it his constant care and business to preserve and increase it upon all occasions: and therefore, having recalled his late ambassador to employ him in his affairs at home, hath commanded me to reside here, and attend the offices necessary to so great an end. His Majesty hath commanded me to assure your Lordships of his firm resolutions, not only to observe inviolably those alliances already established between him