Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/202

86 pleased to let me have notice; the business will yet stay a fortnight, but, between this and that, if there happen to be none, I'll send on purpose, but let not my Lord, I conjure you, know of this, though he is chiefly concerned, his good and welfare being the most precious worldly thing I have, and 'tis allowable to cozen one's friends, when 'tis plainly for their good, and I think it will not deserve so ill a name as cozening, though I give it that which, generally speaking, is a word which ought not to be allowed among true friends.

I have been so little a time here that I know nothing, and really my head and heart are so full of this, I can think of nothing else.

I am sincerely yours.

I am much better in health than I was, which you told me you would be glad to know. The King and Queen, who is now a mistress, the passion her spouse has for her is so great, go both to Newmarket the 18th of September, together with the whole court.

I am glad with all my soul for the good reception you say your letters and what they contained received at the Hague. For God's sake, cherish that plant, which is the only prop we have left to