Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/196

80 that I think yoa will without a doubt be a member, as is your brother Algernon. I assure you that I never fail my friends, nor will I ever be wanting to do you all the service in my power.

I am overjoyed to hear the news you give of the Prince; I wish we were as wise, and understood our interests as well, and had justice and courage in our hearts to pursue it. I have not the honour to be known to his Highness, but, I assure you, that no man in this kingdom wishes him better, nor is more his friend than myself, nor loves the honest plain-dealing people more than I do, for such I ever found the common Hollander to be in his calling, be it great or small. What foreign interests, foreign courts, councils, and money, may have introduced among the bigger sort, I know not, but I hope they are too wise to part with their religion and liberties to him, who waits hourly an opportunity to ravish both theirs and ours, unless the wisdom of these two nations, by a strict conjunction and that honesty maintained on both sides, prevent it, which, I hope, considering the station you are in, will depend much on you to further.

If you can find an opportunity to recommend me to his Highness' good opinion, pray do it heartily.